The tropical island on the UK’s doorstep

A Sea Kayaking Adventure By: David Bain & Gabi Ridge

By KAVU

February 4^th, 2019

THE ISLE OF SKYE

The Isle of Skye has been on my bucket list for many years. With a new found love for sea kayaking and a week of free time, we decided to check it out. It seemed right to change up the usual white water gear and make a trip to one of the United Kingdom’s most beautiful spots.

The tropical island on the UK’s doorstep

From the totally individual formations of the Old Man of Storr to the chain of mini waterfalls forming Fairy Pools at the base of the Cuillins. The attractions the island are known for were certainly beyond expectations.

The chilling waters of the pools provided the perfect place to refresh and regenerate, with sore legs and arms from nonstop hiking and paddling.

The Island was astonishing, nothing could beat the beauty of being on the water. With rarely another person to be seen, just one another and the odd animal for company, it was the ultimate way to explore.

From paddling at the base of mountains that rose straight from the sea, to watching our shadows follow in the depths below as we cruised into what seemed like tropical bays, only we were off the West Coast of Scotland.

We discovered some of the island’s lesser known treasures, including incredible rock formations (a geographers dream) only accessible by water and the Piper's Cave where David was quick to test out the acoustics on his flute, which travels in the back of his boat on every expedition he does.

Despite our best efforts to drag out the days to make the most of our time, we quickly found our trip drawing to a close. Hoping to catch a glimpse of the sea otters that had managed to evade us the whole time, we travelled back via a popular watch point, with promise of sightings just minutes earlier. Yet with still no success, we had to make a move, deciding we’d have to come back to see the otters, not that any excuse was needed.