A visitor to the Isle of Skye has declared the Scottish island worth the trip, despite skipping the 'overrated' Fairy Pools. The traveller, who had lived in Scotland for 15 years without visiting, finally made the journey and found the island's beauty and hospitality lived up to expectations.
A long-awaited visit
The visitor, originally from the American Midwest, was motivated to get a British driving licence to explore more of Scotland. They stayed at the Duisdale House Hotel, part of the Sonas Collection, and were guided by Anne Gracie Gunn, who was born on the island. The traveller noted that only 10,000 people live on Skye, but an estimated 650,000 visit each year, a familiar tale of tourism both sustaining and straining locals.
Avoiding the crowds
Despite the island's popularity, the visitor skipped the Fairy Pools, a string of waterfalls and rock pools that have become notoriously crowded in the last 10 years to the point of ecological damage. Andreas Maszczyk, Sonas' group general manager, advised against visiting, calling them 'overrated'. Instead, the visitor enjoyed the relatively quiet Sligachan viewpoint in the centre of Skye, which offered dramatic views of the Cuillin Hills.
A verdict on Skye
The visitor concluded that Skye is worth it, wishing they could have stayed for a fortnight or a lifetime. They also praised the seafood, including prawns grilled over an open fire, and the homely Knipoch House Hotel on the way to the island. Rooms at Knipoch start from £119 a night.
