Vegan Adventures: Isle of Skye

By jem in Blog, Blog & Updates, Scotland, Travel on March 26, 2019March 27, 2019

I know it’s a tourist hotspot, but the Isle of Skye is one of my most favorite places I have ever traveled to. It is so stunningly beautiful. If you’re making a trip to Scotland, visiting Skye should definitely be on your itinerary.

Because Lainie is visiting us here in Scotland, and my husband didn’t feel like being our chauffeur all weekend, we decided to book a three-day Rabbie’s Tour up to the Isle of Skye. We’ve tried several different tour companies here with different visitors who’ve come to see us, and for the most part, I like them. You get to sit back and relax, be driven around Scotland, get lots of history, and stop at cool places along the way. Even though it’s super ‘touristy’, I think it is a nice way to travel with a group, so you can just focus on spending time together and nobody has to shoulder alone the burden of driving.

Day One: Up to the Highlands

On Friday, we departed at 8.30 from Edinburgh in a 16-seat coach with a tour guide from New Zealand, named — of course — Adam — just like my husband. They even weirdly looked alike and became fast friends. The weather was miserable by the time we got up to the Highlands, it was pelting rain. Hail might have even been mixed in there, it was coming down so hard. I was worried it was going to be like that all weekend, because we were going up there for the scenery, after all, and what was the point if you couldn’t see it?

*Bus snacks // this tasted like rhubarb pie*

*A pitstop at Loch Lubnaig for the restroom*

But the rain dissipated by the time we arrived in Portree, where we were staying at The Bosville for two nights. I cannot rave enough about this boutique hotel. It’s always hit or miss when I book something online, but from the cool decor of the rooms to the gourmet breakfasts — it was really a special place to stay — and I can’t wait to go back!

*The gorgeous Cuchullin Mountains through the mist*

After we checked in, it was already 7.00 p.m., so we headed out into Portree for supper. I called around, but most of the restaurants were still closed until the summer season begins, so we were limited to a few options. However, Cuchullin Restaurant has a daily vegan option and that night, it was a lentil potpie. It was delicious and we went home with full, happy bellies.

Day Two: Out & Around Isle of Skye

Saturday morning we were picked up by Adam in the town centre of Portree. We were off to Neist Pointe for an hour+ walk down to the sea and the lighthouse. We seriously lucked out with the weather, because I don’t think it rained once during the day. Wide, blue skies with wild, fresh wind surrounded us all day, but we welcomed it because of the sunshine.

*The Isles, where they have TWO vegan burger options!*

After Neist Pointe, we stopped in Portree for lunch at Cafe Arriba. It’s a hip little cafe with lots of veggie options. Our group then ventured down to a beach to see a fossilized dinosaur footprint, visted Kilt Rock, and went to the Quiraing. But of course the rain couldn’t hold off for long. By the time we were back to our hotel it was pouring. We didn’t mind, though. We settled into The Isles for a vegan dinner and a nightcap before returning to The Bosville for a goodnight’s sleep.