Over the Sea To Skye - On The Historic Kylerhea Ferry
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
Onward! the sailors cry;
Carry the lad that's born to be King
Over the sea to Skye
by
Sir Harold Boulton (1859 – 1935 )
If ever you decide to go over the sea to Skye, you must not miss the chance to ride on the MV Glenachullish, a tiny car ferry – the only remaining turntable ferry in the world that is manually operated. The ferry operates across the Kyle Rhea straits, connecting Glenelg on the Scottish mainland with Kylerhea on Skye.
Since the Skye Bridge opened in 1975, it is tempting to just take the bridge across and back, but what I suggest you do, as we did last year, is to take the bridge across, but return via the Kylerhea Ferry further south on the island at Kylerhea. There is another main ferry crossing that most people know about, crossing from Mallaig on the mainland to Armadale on Skye, but the crossing you really must experience is the one from Glenelg across to Kylerhea. The scenery approaching the ferry on both sides is spectacular, and you will feel as if you have stepped back in time.
This is the view from the isle of Skye looking down towards the ferry and across the Kyle Rhea straits. The road, like many in the highlands and Islands, is not for the faint of heart. It is a one track road with passing places, and you must understand the etiquette of driving on those roads. Whoever is closest to a Passing Place must pull in to allow the other to pass. It is then customary to flash your lights and give a small wave to say Thank You.
Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: Canon 5D Mark II
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Another view of the Kyle Rhea straits and mainland Scotland.
Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: iPhone 6S Plus
Be prepared for roadblocks - Scottish style - on the way to the ferry on the Skye side.
Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: iPhone 6S Plus
The ferry has just arrived from Glenelg.
Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: iPhone 6S Plus
The view from the ferry is breathtaking.
Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: iPhone 6S Plus
The Painted Rock greets us on the Glendale side of the crossing.
Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: iPhone 6S Plus
Buy some souvenirs of your historic crossing at the lighthouse, which serves as a small gift shop.
Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: iPhone 6S Plus
You have to watch out for traffic jams wherever you are in the Scottish Highlands.
Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: iPhone 6S Plus
Thanks to @juliank for the #landscapephotography contest
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This is fabulous, i've always wanted to go to skye! Especially for the fairy pools and the old man of storr but there is so much beauty there. It really is a photographer's dream! I will keep that ferry in mind as well, it looks like a fun crossing :)
We go there often on our trips back. We stay at my Dad’s and watch the weather, and as we find it clear in the west, we head there! That was the first time on the Kylerhea Ferry, though!
Fantastic! Have you ever done the drive/train journey from mallaig to fort william? Or even the trip from fort william to the central belt? The scenery on that route is stunning as well.
Beautiful place, and well captured. Best visited in an original Mini by the looks of it, I think we have bicyle paths wider than that 8-).
Thanks! Yes, we do have bike paths that are wider. Lol!
The whole place looks like a throw back in time. Beautiful mountainous scenery.
Yes, time stands still when I go back there!
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Lovely weather you had when looking at your pictures! Fun driving those roads (bicyclelanes🤣) thinking back at my roadtrip trough Scotland. We we’re soaking wet even camped in the car☔️
That's a shame. :-( We have the added advantage that when we go to Scotland, we stay with my family on the northeast coast. We watch the weather, and as soon as we see that the west is going to be clear, we head there! It works every time for us!
Beautiful pictures and a great article about Skye and the ferry, reading it bought back fond memories of a visit by ferry to the island few years ago. Thank you for sharing 😊
Thanks, and you are welcome! I'm glad I managed to stir up some memories. Steemit is like that. :-)
Such a beautiful place, Diane... Wish I was there... :)
It's hauntingly beautiful! You should visit it sometime!
@dmcamera,
Many years ago during a joint military exercise called "The Northern Wedding", I was able to visit (for a very brief time) Scotland.
Sadly, since I was a young serviceman, I spent most of my off-time "blowing off steam" and chasing women in the pubs of Edinborough...
(Heavy Sight)
Thanks for the nice article.
Namaste,
JaiChai
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed reading about it. Edinburgh is a nice city, and I am sure you had fun, but next time you visit you need to check out the Highlands and Islands!
This looks wonderful. Great pictures and story. Love the poem at the beginning.
Thanks! I appreciate that!