An evening stroll on the Isle of Skye

Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland

It was my second day driving in the Scottish Highlands when I arrived on the Isle of Skye. If you have never driven in the Highlands, it will humble you quickly. Not only was I getting used to driving on the opposite side of the car on the opposite side of the road, but I had unknowingly chosen the hardest route of driving for my first few days (and did I mention I had already experienced a flat tire?).

After my brain had finally started to perceive and process the new driving set up and I was no longer inadvertently hitting a curb every few miles, I was starting to ease into it all, and in fact, although I was still a bit anxious, I was starting to enjoy it. How could I not? The Highlands were better than I ever could have imagined, and I had high expectations. Nothing prepared me for arriving in Glencoe - the drama of it all as huge mounds of green earth protrude toward the sky, nestled in a hug of fog.

I often describe the experience of driving through the Highlands (minus the adjustments mentioned above) as pulling over on the side of the road to take it all in because you are witnessing the most breathtaking scene you’ve ever laid eyes on, only to continue on your drive just to pull over again in a few miles because now THIS is the most breathtaking scene you’ve ever laid eyes on. And this goes on continuously. Over and over again. Everything is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever witnessed.

Right after I crossed THAT bridge (iykyk) to get to the Isle of Skye…one of those “This is the most breathtaking scenes I’ve ever laid eyes on” moments.

Because I had spent so much time pulling over onto the side of the road every few files (I mean, to be fair, Scotland knows this about themselves, and provides these perfectly convenient pull over stops, even on the major roads), I was running late for my evening experience: Whisky and and Evening Stroll through Portree, the main hub of the Isle of Skye.

Portree is charming. It is colorful and picturesque and you have definitely seen a photo of those colorful row houses right by the bay. I learned that these houses were painted so colorfully after WW2 and Portree had lost a whole band of soldiers. This was the town’s way honoring them and bringing joy again after such a devastating loss.

Any time I travel, I inevitably ask myself, “Should I move here?” Portree definitely had me imagining what my life would be like as a resident.

There was never a shortage of views on this beautiful stroll.

If I ever get the privilege and joy to return to Scotland, traveling in a van such as this all around the Highlands would be the way to go.

Idyllic.

Even got to try classic Scottish treats, including the famous Irn Bru!

And a Highland Whisky at dusk.

I booked this experience via AirBnb, but unfortunately it is no longer available. However, one can easily walk this very easy route to view Portree across the bay. And of course, one can always bring their own whisky and snacks.