Skye is renowned for its wacky geology, and the northern peninsula of Trotternish boasts an array of bewildering natural weirdness; from a massive rock needle to an enchanting 'Faerie Glen'. The most bizarre place, however, must be inside the mind of the eccentric curator of this one-roomed 'exhibition' tucked away on the peninsula's west coast. Upon entering, the first impression is of nothing more than a collection of junk recovered from the beach, but a closer look reveals a surreal and often very humorous story or proverb attached to each artifact ("Life is like the wind- it's not there when there isn't any" is a personal favourite.)

Just outside of the village of Kilmuir on the A885 road north-west of Portree. The exhibition is signposted, but the road itself has no name (towards Bornesketaig on some maps). The exhibition is in a green-roofed shack about half a mile down the road towards the small bay.
Google map: bit.ly/qtW7ab

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Waternish is the middle bit in the North of Skye. It is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt places I have ever been to. Fantastic views to the Outer Hebrides. Some interesting craft places dotted about. The clearest air I've ever breathed. Wish I could have bottled it to take home. I have to make do with the photo I took of the Minch (Loch/Sea?) which is now the background on my computer.

www.visit-waternish.co.uk
Google map: bit.ly/nSKaEf

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Its a wool shop like no other! They sell naturally dyed yarn (including the softest, most snuggly double knit with cashmere in it) in a spectrum of sumptious colours. Some of the plants that make up the colours are grown locally too. They also sell natural yarns - I never knew sheep came in so many shades: nothing boring about these greys, browns and black wools. If you don't knit, you can come away with a hand made jumper or scarves, socks ... and wonderful buttons! There is also an exhibition about the process of dyeing and about the plants used.
I recommend it because the stuff in the shop is lovely, the people in the shop are friendly and helpful, and the exhibition is interesting.
And, Waternish as a whole is one of the lovliest places I have ever been.

www.theskyeshilasdairshop.co.uk
10 Carnach, Waternish, Isle of Skye, IV55 8GL
+44(0)1470 592297
Google map: bit.ly/qvYzq4

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It may not be the warmest place around, but for sheer grandeur of scenery, there's little to beat Skye. Dark, muscular mountains, rising vertically from frothy waters, hauntingly beautiful drives along precipitous coastlines, skies that darken and light up at the will of a wickedly fierce wind. This is a land where you feel Mother Earth is on testosterone - it' s butch alright, but very, very beautiful. With wonderful accomodations (choose from delightfully homely B&B's, hostels and charming, boutique hotels) and great grub (as vegetarians our options were limited to wholesome soups and deliciously creamy jacket-potatoes, but sea-food lovers, I'm assured, are in for a feast), crumbling castles perched on glorious cliff-tops, there's really no reason to go to New Zealand to admire landscapes that haven't changed a jot since the last ice age. Travel to Skye by train (nearest stations - Kyle of Lochalsh, Mallaig or Inverness) after which a choice of bus/ferry will zip you across to the (in my opinion) most beautiful spot on earth.

Excellent vegetarian dinners at Portree - www.cafearriba.co.uk/
Quay Brae, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9DB
01478 611 830

Google map: tinyurl.com/3ydsdfy

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