Isle of Skye road trip and volunteering

Isle of Skye with children

We finally made it to Isle of Skye! The scenery was breathtaking, it reminded me of Iceland. Since returning from the trip I’ve been thinking about buing a car and doing more road trips around Scotland.

Road trip in Scotland

I was terrified by the idea of driving a car on the left side of the road but I had to do it as public transport to Isle of Skye is not great. I picked a car from Avis car rental and as we were leaving the city I could fell that I wasn’t confident at all! But it got better on the highway. Once we left Edinburgh roads became less busy and I wasn’t distracted by the city traffic anymore.

And what a scenic drive it was. It got really surreal when we we arrived at Glen Shiel and drove through this beautiful green valley. There were dark clouds and rain showers with rays of sun in between. It felt like stepping into a fairytale.

Volunteering with children

6 hours later we crossed Skye bridge.

When looking for cheap accommodation in Skye I decided to register with volunteering website and this is how I found Broadford Backpackers. This is how I came across Broadford Backpackers and arranged work in exchange for a bed. When you do not have got much money you are pretty resourceful.

We found the hostel and knocked at it’s door; we were warmly welcomed by dark haired lady who was managing the hostel;  showing us around she explained the duties.

It was a very light work, 3 hours of daily cleaning I would do in the mornings while V was still sleeping. The hostel was lovely,  There was a bbq area and hens roaming freely. And charming treehouse in a woodland beside the hostel built by a German man who lived there.

Having plenty of free time we were exploring our surroundings everyday together with other volunteers and guests. The weather was changing constantly but it wasn’t too bad. Except that one day when it was pouring all day so we decided to go and explore the Eilean Donan Castle.  The island was much bigger than I thought so we did not explore everything, hopefully next time. We stayed in Skye for 6 days only but made so many great memories during this time, it felt like being at home.

I went back to Skye later photographing weddings in the Quiraing ,  Neist Point and engagement shoot in Isle of Skye.

What to see in Isle of Skye with children 

The Neist Point – most western point in Skye with the lighthouse and stunning cliff scenery

The Quiraing – spectacular rock formations in the north of Skye

Old Man of Storr – rocky hill with stunning views

Loch Coruisk – inland fresh water loch, can be accessed via boat trip from Elgol

Fairy Pools – waterfalls and pools at the foot of Black Cuillins

Portree – the largest town in Skye and the capital of the island

Coral Beach – hidden away, white beach with crystal water

Eilean Donan Castle – one of the most iconic Scottish castles, one of things to do when it’s raining on Isle of Skye