Skye at Last 5

Continuing my exploration of the magnificent Isle of Skye
 

Onwards from Elgol pursuing the heart of Skye on this fine day I decided to tackle a decent hill and get a measure of the famous Black Cuillin Range. A little research and a good look at the OS map revealed a route I felt I could manage. A lesser hill called Sgurr na Stri (my gaelic is woeful so no idea what it means!) afforded a stunning perspective to Loch na Leachd and Loch na Cuilce with sandy shallows sporting an almost iridescent aquamarine, a colour I find intensely satisfying.

 

The vista from this summit proved to be pretty awesome taking in Loch Coruisk, Loch Scavaig, Rum and Eigg.  I used to be highly impressed with panoramic images that had been shot with the bulky great Fuji film camera, knowing the fitness level required getting all that weight to the summit  etc.  These days of course we simply shoot panned sequences and get Photoshop to stitch them together to get the same result. Oh the love of digital!

 

Back down to the Sleat Peninsula with characteristic moody light picking out the settlement on Aird of Sleat.  I find fascination in the way people settle in these remote places, the restored vernacular cottages and the new eco-builds. The scenic value, proximity to nature and strength of community defines rural dwelling nowhere better than on Skye. If there is one, green, blue and white ought to be the colours of the Skye flag,

 

Back to Armadale and the MV Loch Coruisk  Calmac ferry as a subject was bound to be fair game and planning for this shot took time.  Using the OS map and a reccy along the shore defined the precise location to line up the boat and the Knoydart Mountains peaks at the end of Loch Nevis. Also it required timetables and a watchful eye on that elusive light show Skye tends to perform.  The combination of 400mm lens and tripod nailed it, but it's the combination of that red funnel and the rugged land features that characterise travel on Scotland's West Coast.


 

Twin hamlets of Toskavaig and Tokavaig on North Sleat are favourites, sleepy and interesting with great view to the Cuillins. Camped up by the shore and bagged  a long exposure sunset with the incoming tide, perfect.