As you ascend towards the Old Man of Storr, the Isle of Raasay can be seen nestled between the Isle of Skye and the Scottish mainland. Known as the "Isle of the Roe Deer," Raasay, or the Isle of Raasay is located between the Isle of Skye and the Scottish mainland, separated from Skye by the Sound of Raasay and from Applecross by the Inner Sound.
The island has a rich cultural heritage and is a stunning backdrop to the hike. It's famous for being the birthplace of Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean, an essential figure in the Scottish Renaissance. Historically, Raasay was the home of Clan MacSween but was ruled by the MacLeods from the 15th to the 19th century. It then passed through several private landlords before becoming largely publicly owned. The current Chief of the Island is Roderick John Macleod of Raasay.
Raasay House, a significant site on the island, was visited by notable figures such as James Boswell and Samuel Johnson in 1773. It serves multiple purposes as a hotel, restaurant, bar, and outdoor activity centre. The blend of natural beauty and historical importance makes Raasay an exciting sight as you go to the Old Man of Storr. The island is known to be home to an endemic subspecies of bank vole, further adding to its natural appeal. The rich history and beautiful landscape of Raasay combine to create a captivating view during your ascent, reflecting the island's blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.
Our adventure on the Isle of Skye began with a captivating hike to the Old Man of Storr, an iconic rock formation. We trekked through vibrant, rugged landscapes and were rewarded with stunning views from the top. The towering pinnacle and its surrounding pinnacles are a unique geological wonder, standing tall against Skye's dramatic backdrop. This place, steeped in local legends and folklore, lent an air of mystery to our exploration. Along the way, we discovered greenish clay at the base of the Old Man, hinting at the island's rich ceramic traditions and Viking heritage.
Next, we were enthralled by the sight of the Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls Viewpoint. The Kilt Rock, named so for its striking resemblance to a kilt, features vertical basalt columns resting on a bed of sandstone. From the viewpoint, we were treated to a breathtaking spectacle of the Mealt Falls, plummeting 55 meters into the sea. The gushing water against the sounds of the winds and waves seemed like an orchestra of nature, offering an experience to remember. We were also fascinated by the nesting seabirds, such as fulmars, which make the cliff face their home.
However, our journey took an unexpected turn while driving on the island's narrow, winding roads. The tire of our vehicle got punctured due to the jagged edges of the roadside curb. Stranded without a spare tire, our journey came to a halt. Despite being in a region with no cellular connection, we were fortunate to meet a resident who helped us contact our rental company. Although the arrival of a technician brought some relief, it turned out he had come to tow our car back to the garage rather than replace the tire. A replacement had to be ordered from the mainland, implying we'd be without our vehicle until the following evening.
Though initially a setback, this incident led us on a different kind of adventure. We began exploring Skye's enchanting landscapes using public transport, discovering its beauty from a different perspective. Our impromptu bus adventure allowed us to interact more with locals and fellow travellers, making our journey even more memorable.
In the end, our trip to the Isle of Skye, though filled with unforeseen circumstances, offered many memorable experiences. From mesmerising landscapes to fascinating wildlife, historical influences to unexpected adventures, the island provided a captivating blend of nature, culture, and adventure.
