Roadtripping | Scotland Day 3

Kyle > Inverness

Today our plan was to hop over to the Isle of Skye, which we did by crossing the Skye Bridge (the other and longer option would have been to get the ferry). It didn’t feel as if we were on an island, because we hadn’t physically crossed the water, but the Isle of Skye is beautiful and well worth discovering if you get the chance. I would love to go back and even go on an island hop tour!

Our plans soon changed due to the weather, as it had been raining all morning prior to our arrival (and continued to rain for the next few hours). We were hoping to visit the Fairy Pools: a collection of crystal clear swimmable pools, with waterfalls. The trip was recommended by our hotel receptionist in Glasgow and when we had a look online, it looked spectacular, but quite a walk. Due to the rain and water levels, the conditions weren’t great and we were told we may be unable to access any of the pools. It was a shame because later in the day it had brightened up, but we simply didn’t have time to go back.

Instead, on Skye, we visited Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, just paying for gardens access. Despite more rain on arrival, it soon brightened up and it was a lovely walk, with various gardens to see and different walking trails to take. There was even a waterfall, which was being photographed by everyone. Alfie loved being let loose in the walled garden, running around and high fiving anyone who’d pay him attention.

Next stop was the Loch Ness Experience Centre & Exhibition. It was something that we had looked into the previous night and seemed a good idea, as it was a museum with interactive elements – perfect for Alfie. With its selection of shops, surrounding the museum building, it was almost like a mini village. Alfie was given a scavenger hunt sheet, with a list of items in each room to find (which I completed, finding all the items bar one) but he wasn’t that interested in the museum. Each room staged a five-minute video, but there were also things to see and do – but he just didn’t have the attention span and we eventually had to bomb it round, missing the final two rooms. From what we saw though, it was interesting – and good to learn more about the legend having recently watched Secret Scotland.

We were staying the night in Inverness and after checking-in and dumping our bags, it was time to check out the city centre. On a nicer day, a riverside walk would have been the perfect. Had we been staying longer than a night, there was also a cathedral and castle worth seeing, as well as plenty of shops and restaurants. We ate at Zizzi’s that night, which was Alfie-friendly, although it was getting late and once again, it wasn’t without tantrums.

Today we drove 204 miles
Today we walked 4.8km

Where we stayed

Premier Inn Inverness West – Glenurquhart Road, IV3 5TD

It was pretty much like any other Premier Inn – with free parking and free wi-fi undoubtedly the highlights. Our room was large, although we had a king-size bed, there was a travel cot for Alfie (which he didn’t sleep in, he never does – a single bed would have been better). At breakfast, the restaurant was completely empty, which was good as we had all the choice when it came to the food which had recently been replenished; although the staff in the restaurant barely spoke to us (in fact, one didn’t even acknowledge us when we left).

Love, Lucy xx

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram