Fairy Pools

We started our day early to get to the fairy pools before the crowds and ensure we can fit in a visit to the world famous Scottish beaches. We arrived early enough to comfortably get a park, and embarked on the 4km right away. The significant Sgurr nan Gillean mountain commanded over us throughout the walk, splitting the clouds and disrupting the bright green landscape that it protruded out from. It was a great monument to situate yourself for a walk. The walk itself took you through the stream originating in the aforementioned mountain and conjoining mountain range. The stream creates waterfalls and streams of pristine clear, blue water. As tempting as it may have been to jump in, the water was close to freezing and the outside temperature felt not too far off that either. Although warming up on the walk, unsurprisingly we all chose against this option. When we reached all the way to the end, beyond the gravel path and onto one mostly of mud, the view was slightly underwhelming, but did show the exact origins of the stream we had been following for 4km. The rest of the walk more then made up for it anyways.

After this, we headed toward Talisker Bay where we began a walk to a well known Scottish beach. Although a place for surfing, the beaches aren't well renowned for their beauty or tranquillity. The much more rugged and rough landscape of Scotland didn't simply end at the coast, instead we were greeted with steep cliffs dumping freshwater into the oceans through waterfalls, and beaches strewn with rocks in place of sand. In contrast to harsh and grim surroundings, the water and wind was surprisingly easy, allowing us to get right up to the water and even fly the drone for some good photos. The sheep also appeared to favour the oceanside views. When we left we walked back through the random peoples property, as it is all apparently private land but which the locals want everyone to be able to enjoy, and hopped back into the car to head home for the day.Read more