Weekend away: Skye

Our new year's resolution for 2017 was to explore more of bonnie Scotland. We welcomed the New Year on the Isle of Skye and this is a long due post on our island getaway.

How to get there and where to stop on the way:

We set off from Edinburgh by car - I had a list of places I wanted to stop on the way so Mr Enthusiast had a long day of driving ahead.

• Our first stop was Doune Castle. You might recognise the mighty medieval castle from Monthy Python or the Game of Thrones. They have a pretty funny audio guide narrated by Monthy Python's Terry Jones.
• After a short drive we stopped for lunch at Mhor 84. A hot bowl of soup and some yummy cake were just what we needed to keep us going. The same people also own Monachyle Mhor. If you have more time, I recommend glamping at Pilot Panther or at the Ferry Waiting Room. Once there, don't forget to check out the Mirrored Lookout at Loch Voil.
• Finally, no trip to Skye is complete without stopping at the majestic Eilean Donan Castle aka Dornie.

Where to stay: Bealach Uige Bothy

We first stayed at Joanna's Bealach Uige in Staffin back in November 2015 - loved it so much that we returned to check out her new self-catering Bothy. Arriving on a cold winter night after a full day of driving, we received the warmest welcome.

Welcome to the Bothy, on a cold winter night

Window reflections of the Quiraing in the morning sunshine

Excuse the messy bed - could not leave without a photo of the room in daylight

You can book the Bothy via Airbnb or just contact Joanna directly via e-mail at jojomackinnon@hotmail.com. If her amazing taste in interiors has inspired you, follow her on Instagram @bealach_uige_bothy.

Where to eat:

The Bothy's kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need and Joanna also provides a starter pack with the basics. Handy if you forgot to buy milk or bread! I was lucky to have my favourite chef, Mr Enthusiast with me and we thoroughly enjoyed the Staffin bay views at breakfast from the kitchen window.

If you came to Skye for a bit of a foodie adventure, don't miss the famous Three Chimneys and book in advance. We also stopped for lunch at Kinloch Lodge, on the way back to mainland Scotland and can thoroughly recommend it.

What to do:

Joanna provided us with local maps and guidebooks including a pocket guide of Skye coastal and country walks - the perfect bedtime read to plan the day ahead. She also gave us useful tips about places which were not listed in guidebooks but known to locals and are equally beautiful (and less crowded with tourists).

Our favourites include climbing the Old Man of Storr, passing the Needle rock formation, walking at the Quiraing, visiting Neist Point and the Kilt Rock. We did not make it to the Fairy Pools this time, so we have the perfect excuse to return.

 The Kilt Rock on a cold winter day

The stunning Neist Point with the lighthouse - it was incredibly windy

 Posers near the Three Chimneys

The Old Man of Storr - amazing climb

A few more tips:

• If you are longing for a quiet holiday, try to avoid high season. Skye can get really busy then and you will certainly not have these beautiful places for yourself.
• Pack reasonable clothes and proper walking shoes. We have seen tourists climbing the Old Man of Storr in high heels and white hipster trainers.
• Always collect your rubbish and don't forget about sustainable tourism. You want your grandchildren too to enjoy Scotland's unspoilt natural beauty.

Acknowledgement: The views and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and purely my own. We paid for our accommodation and meals and this is not a sponsored post.

All photos by The Edinburgh Enthusiast (C)