Shrouded in mystery and myth, the Isle of Skye is a magical place with enough history to fill more than one text book. Join Macbackpackers, an independent Scottish owned tour company, on their 3 day exploration of legends and history, faeries and warriors, love and war as you journey from Edinburgh through the highlands and up to Skye.

Day 1

Leaving on a Friday morning we are met by our kilted guide, Neil Mclennan. After picking up the rest of the troops we head out of the city on our faithful steed, the Macbackpacker bus. Neil is a fantastic story teller and is soon entertaining us with legends and stories. Our first stop is “The Hermitage” (see photo left) , where, Neil reveals, he was possibly once approached by faeries who hoped to lure him to their kingdom. There is certainly a strange magical feel about the place for sure.Killicrankie is our picnic spot where Neil enthusiastically recreates the highland charge that scared the shite out of the British troops. A brief stop at Culloden Battle Field to pay homage to the many men who lost their lives in this historic battle, a battle that was surely a turning point in Scottish history. Nearing the end of a long day of traveling we search for Nessie at Loch Ness and dip our feet in the frigid water. Finally pulling into Kyleakin Town on the Isle of Skye in the early evening.

Our home for the next 2 nights is Lochbuie Guest House and we have it all to ourselves, with a fantastic view of the harbor and just a hop skip and jump from Haakons pub and restaurant. After claiming our beds we all head over for a delicious meal and a traditional Scottish Ceilidh (kay-ley). With bagpipes playing we all dance the night away and sleep very well that night.

Day 2

Day 2 start with a visit to the Skye Backpackers to pick up a set of willies for all those without waterproof shoes. At the river Sligachan, Neil once again entertains with an enthusiastic recreation of the meeting of Sciath and Cuchaillien and encourages to put our face in the river with the promise of eternal youth. The epic adventure came when climbing to the “Old Man of Storr” (see photo right), just 30minutes Neil said… I think the old man was hiding in the mist, but it was great climb and as long as you listen to instructions and don’t wander off the path there should be no need to call search and rescue. At the end we all formed a circle and toasted each other as we passed around a much needed swig of whiskey. You certainly form great friendships on this trip and after a great group meal of pasta we all sat around and chatted, listened to music and recalled the exciting events of the day.

Day 3

Day 3 was a farewell to Skye as we headed home via stunning Glen Coe where we sat and had lunch and looked out for wild red deer. Stopping to get a picture of Hamish the Hairy Coo/Cow was a highlight to the tour, just don’t get too close to his horns. Our final stop was the Wallace Monument in Stirling and then home to Edinburgh.

Conclusion

A great tour, great leader and friends for life. The only downside is the amount of travel time, but that can’t be helped and you are never on the bus for more than 2hrs.

Where to book

To book your tour check out MackBackpackers , or book at either Royal Mile Backpackers , High Street Backpackers or Castle Rock Backpackers . There are many tour options to choose from.

More photos from the tour:

How many backpackers can you fit in a phone booth?

Hoping Nessie won’t grab us

All backpackers think alike

If legend is true…7 seconds and stay young

Presently they are busy with major renovations and are planning to completely redo the bathrooms all of which are en-suite, except for the 4th floor. There are around 160 beds divided into 4/8/10 bed dorms, twins and doubles. There is also an entire wing that is female only, and disabled rooms available.

For those of you who don’t want to travel far from your beds, there is not one but TWO bars located on the ground floor of the hostel that also provides food. There is live entertainment 7 nights a week and a back garden for BBQ’s in the summer.

A big downside is that there is no kitchen to prepare your own meals. There is a lone microwave in the chill out room near the luggage room, but that’s it. Also, other than the bar and what is essentially the waiting to check in chill out room, there is no easy access to a common area.

Address:

9-12 Market St
Edinburgh, EH1 1DE
0131 226 1446

Map

Photos:

Smart City Hostel also caters to the disabled with 3 rooms fitted for the handicapped, along with elevators, in addition to family rooms with TV’s to keep the little ones entertained.

I would recommend this hostel for groups but as a lone backpacker it is a little sterile and it might be hard to meet people.

Address:

50 Blackfriars Street
Edinburgh
0870 892 3000

Map

Photos: