We took the 11am ferry from Mallaig
a 45 minute crossing
to Skye, where it was raining, heavily, with the streams rushing downhill
in full spate
Lovely colours in the heather
On the way to Talisker, a beautiful old stone bridge over the River Drynoch
The mountainsides are dotted with lovely old homes
Talisker, until recently the only distillery on Skye
and they still claim that they are; the two newcomers are ignored by the old firm which is owned by Diageo
A tasting glass for the very thirsty, holds about 2 litres. We tasted and the driver's doggie bottle was used again
Skye has beautiful land and seascapes round every corner
One can understand why Bonnie Prince Charlie wanted to go there, political considerations notwithstanding
A huge flock of gulls
suddenly took off across the bay
A wood near the Fairy Pools;
Moss on the trees shows how wet the climate is on the islands
Fallen trees are a common sight
Enchanted forests
and sheep are everywhere - think of Harris Tweed
The Fairy Pools are a popular attraction, but it meant a long walk. which would have compromised our ability
to get back to the ferry on time. and wading knee deep through a river, so we took a look passed through
A view across Kinloch Bay, looking across to the mainland
There are beautiful views everywhere
across the island
and back to the mainland
A new addition to Skye's distilleries. Torabhaig's stills were commissioned in 2016
We arrived just too late for a visit to the distillery, but met the manager who told us that the product is heavily peated
Black sheep with white tails which look very funny when they wag them
We found the old Inn at Àird a' Bhàsair
where we stopped for a snack and a pint
of Caledonia Best Bitter
The menu
and the restaurant bar
We chose a delicious chicken liver paté
and a shrimp cocktail
before catching the return ferry at Armadale
rush hour traffic
A rainbow over the mainland
and sunset through the clouds
Our cottage is in the lowest row
The sand-coloured left half of the two-toned semi
The Fisherman and Child sculpture by Mark Rogers at the entrance to Mallaig harbour
and so, we were back in Mallaig
More detailed stories will follow in regular issues of MENU after our return to South Africa
All content © John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus
