Day 9 - Skye - Waternish Peninsula and North West Skye

It was cloudy this morning and we had showers on and off all day but fortunately most were when we were driving.   

We made our way north again but this time to the Waternish peninsula which is west of where we were yesterday.   On the way we stopped at St Colomba's Island which is the site of an ancient burial ground and remains of the cathedral of the Bishop of the Isles from 1079-1498.  Apparently some of the Knights Templar are buried here.  Although this shows on tourist maps it was very difficult to find our way in.  There are no signs until you get to the site.  It is on an island in the River Snizort.  From the other side of the river we could see other visitors but it took a while to work out how to get there.


Aisle of cathedral and tomb

Remains of the cathedral 

Some of the ancient tombs

A more recent headstone for an 8 year old girl.  Coins have been left on top but I don't know why.

This made us smile.   'In memory of Ronald MacDonald'



We then turned onto the Waternish peninsula and stopped at the Fairy Bridge.

The Fairy Bridge

We continued up the peninsula which has hills but they are not as dramatic as those on Trotternish.  

At the far north are the remains of Trumpan Church, but the cemetery has fairly recent graves.  In 1577, the MacLeods killed 395 MacDonalds in a cave on the island of Eigg by trapping them in a cave and setting fire to the entrance.  In revenge, the MacDonalds trapped the MacLeods in Trumpan Church and set fire to the thatched roof, killing all but one young girl.



Inside the church walls

Most tombs have lots of bluebells on

This is a dark sky area.  Also the RSPB are working with the local crofters to provide a suitable environment for Corncrakes.  I didnt see or hear any.


We visited Stein Village, tucked away on the shore of Loch Bay.  It has the oldest pub on Skye, The Stein Inn, and we stopped for a quick drink in this historic building.  


One of the seating areas in the pub.



The Stein Inn

Stein Village

Stein seafront


Sheep and lambs in car park

We then left the peninsula and drove to North Western Skye where we went to Dunvegan Castle, Neist Head & Lighthouse and Dun Beag Broch.  We didnt go into the Castle as we didnt really have time but did get a photo from the top of the hill.  We didnt go onto the Neist Point headland as it was too far for Paul to walk and was very windy with driving rain.  Fortunately we could see it well from near the carpark.

 
Dunvegan Castle 
  
 
 
Neist Point and Lighthouse
 
 
Neist Point Lighthouse 



 
Dun Beag Broch 

 
Looking into the Broch 

Another very long day, getting back at about 7.30.  

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