Isle of Skye in May

[Bingo]

Hello all ye with Scottish knowledge!

There's a few of us from Leeds wanting to head up to Skye in May for a few days for some walking and stuff. None of us have much of an idea where to go etc so was hoping someone with a clue could give us some info?

probably wanna hire out a little cottage in a pretty place near to a pub if poss!?! =D

 

[Fez909]

Stay in Portree. It's lovely. And it's close to the Old Man of Storr, which is breathtakingly beautiful. I was only there for a day so can't say more than that, sorry.

 

[belboid]

Lots of cottages. It's not cheap tho. And you'll be there for the beginning of the midge season!

 

[Bingo]

Shit when does midge death start!?

 

[equationgirl]

Weather should be good, but midges will be starting. I'd probably aim for Easter or September, still good weather but fewer midges.

 

[pogofish]

Shit when does midge death start!?

May should be tolerable - They can start pretty early but the worst months by far are June July and August. The best weather in Skye is often early or late season - although if you get good weather in high summer, it can be quite something.

Where you stay will make a difference too. IME places in the North of the island/with a good sea breeze like Uig, Flodigarry and Staffin are a less of a problem than low-lying/boggy/more sheltered places like Sligachan or Dunvegan, which can be full-on with midgies as soon as the temp triggers hatching.

Uig also has all you need by way of pubs/cafes etc and has good access to some fine walks that are often overlooked compared to the Cullins. Portree isn't the worst place for midgies either.

 

[weltweit]

I can't remember what time of year it was when I camped on Skye as a lad, but there were no midge problems probably because the gale that seemed to be constantly blowing blew them all away!

 

[Bingo]

Cheers some good info there I'll pass it on to the guys... was thinking of somewhere towards the nw side anyway =)

 

[teuchter]

What kind of walking do you want to do?

 

[DrRingDing]

Are you experienced with hill walking?

One thing to be aware of is there's a lot of 'up' and getting down takes longer than you'd expect of hills that height. This is due to starting close to sea level.

 

[Bingo]

A mixture would probably be good. Am used to Snowdonia, Dales and Pennines

 

[Diamond]

*bump*

Thinking of joining some pals for a similar thing 20-23 of May this year. Are midges likely to be a big issue then?

 

[danny la rouge]

*bump*

Thinking of joining some pals for a similar thing 20-23 of May this year. Are midges likely to be a big issue then?

It used to be that May was pre-midge season. But the climate's jiggert. So it's hard to say for sure now.

Keep an eye on this: Midge Forecast

 

[teuchter]

Don't fret overly about midges. They are an annoyance but a manageable one, outweighed by the many joys of being in the West Highlands in summer.

Also, if you're travelling from the south of england, get the sleeper train to Fort William and on to Mallaig. There's no better way to arrive.

 

[heinous seamus]

Bad memories of a non-midge-proof cabin on the Isle of Rum a few years ago.

 

[teuchter]

Rum is famously notorious for midges.

 

[danny la rouge]

Best thing for the midgies in Skye is Talisker and lots of it.

 

[danny la rouge]

I used to go camping in Skye every year for my holidays. From 82 to 92. (Had been before and have been back since, though no longer camping at my age).

I remember one year on the campsite outside Portree (Torvaig) a rain-laden storm blew away 75% of the tents in the middle of the night. Mine just about survived, but I was drenched. The campsite was full of the manic laughter of despair.

 

[danny la rouge]

 

[danny la rouge]

 

[Spymaster]

Also, if you're travelling from the south of england, get the sleeper train to Fort William and on to Mallaig. There's no better way to arrive.

Would love to go to Skye but would rather walk than take the sleeper train.

 

[Teenage Cthulhu]

Beautiful part of the world, but like a lot of the west coast and Scottish Isles - there's not many indigenous locals left.

This is causing great upset amongst some rural Scottish communities:

Hipsters of the Highlands: catching up with the next generation of crofters

Pretty much sums it up:

"Norval and her partner are owner-occupiers of theirs, bought for £95,000 in conjunction with another family member (current legislation prohibits buying a croft using a mortgage, requiring aspiring crofters to raise enough personal capital to buy one outright)."

 

[teuchter]

- there's not many indigenous locals left.

We're too busy gentrifying London instead.

 

[Teenage Cthulhu]

We're too busy gentrifying London instead.

I would like that.

 

[catinthehat]

Fairy Pools walk on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. This walk is lovely although maybe not rugged enough or long enough for seasoned walkers.

 

[danny la rouge]

Fairy Pools walk on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. This walk is lovely although maybe not rugged enough or long enough for seasoned walkers.

Glen Brittle is wonderful.