The Storr by Stephen Emerson
There is a place that I am completely spellbound by, the Isle of Skye in the awe-inspiring outer Highlands of Scotland.
There are so many magical places to explore. I can’t even begin to tell you how much research I have put into covering the topic of fairytale destinations . I am often asked, “What is your favorite fairytale place?” And every time I go completely blank. My mind becomes an electrical impulse pinball machine as I look back upon my research and wanderlust.
There is no way in my lifetime that I could ever choose just one.
Skye is a fortress of myth and legend. Stories of epic bloodletting battles, tales of mythical creatures, and even dinosaur prints are par for a visit to its six unique regions. It is home to scores of historical and archaeological sites, castles, lush gardens and landscapes, all offering a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. With landmarks on the map like the Fairy Pools, Fairy Glen and the Fairy Bridge, the Isle of Skye is sure to enchant most anyone.
The history, magic and myth of Skye embodies the very essence of fairytale travel and is truly an unforgettable experience. It’s one of those places that bring me back to a time when I was a princess skipping stones in a pond behind my childhood home. It’s funny how the smallest detail can be so concise in unearthing the oldest memories of ones youth. Perhaps this is why I am so passionate about fairytale travel, and why so many people are charmed by legend and lore. From this I will reason that my favorite fairytale place may not be yours, but the Isle of Skye is undoubtedly a perfect place to start searching.
As always I love hearing from you. Please comment below or email me at TheFairytaleTraveler@gmail.com
Related Article (and a great read)
Legends of the Isle of Skye (eat Sleep Breathe Travel)
[…] The Isle of Skye: Scotland’s Gateway to History, Legend and Myth (thefairytaletraveler.wordpress.com) […]
Sounds amazing – Scotland has always seemed like a fairytale to me, as it’s so wild and steeped in myth and legend. Thanks for the recommendation. Jx
You’re welcome Jade! You couldn’t be more right. Scotland is pure magic. Stay in touch, i’ll be heading there in October for the Enchanted Forest event below. http://thefairytaletraveler.wordpress.com/?s=enchanted+forest&submit=Search
Happy Travels!
I LOVE Skye! I did a 3 day trip with Haggis Tours and fell in love with the fairytales they told about the isle! Good choice! 🙂
Awesome! Did you think 3 days was enough or too much?
We actually only spent 1 day in Skye- the other 2 were in the Highlands. So I can’t comment on 3 but I would have liked more than 1! Portree is a super cute coastal town there with an amazing ( and cheap!) bakery if you are looking for a place to stay!
I am planning a trip for May with my son to be 5yrs old. I am hoping to get on with a photography workshop with Marcus McAdam, a world class photographer in Skye. I am planning for 3 days and then a jaunt east to explore the rest of Scotland. for a week.
I’ll look at Portree, thank you bunches! 😉
Sounds fantastic- your little guy will love it! Can’t wait to hear about this adventure 🙂
Awesome, I can’t wait to go!
Just finished a post (thanks to your inspiration) about the legends I heard while on the Isle. Hopefully you get some ones to share too!
EEEEKS! Let me read them so I can link them up with my post! <3
follow the link…
http://eatsleepbreathetravel.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/lengends-of-the-isle-of-skye/
thanks for the inspiration 😉
Already have 🙂
This is so pretty; Scotland is on my list of places to visit
It’s a good one to add for sure 🙂
I haven’t been to the Isle of Skye but many years ago myself and family had a holiday at a place called Pitlochery in Scotland. It is there where everyone goes to see the ‘ Salmon Jump ‘ which was fascinating. I have never seen so many salmon in all my life, there were literary hundreds of them. There must be a folk lore story to that you may like to look up. I will check back at some stage and see if you have found anything. Love your blog so thanks for shaing
Rita, I will be in Pitlochry in October. It is a stunning landscape and simply breathtaking in the fall months. Be sure to check back around October 7 for updates as I will be posting photos in real time on facebook and twitter @christatravels
http://facebook.com/thefairytaletraveler
I look forward to hearing from you again and sharing Pitlochry with you! xo
I most certainly will Christa. Photo’s will bring back so many memories because my boys were only age 4 and 8 that was many years ago they are now in their 50’s I simply love Scotland and its history.
🙂
I think I may be a little biased, seeing as how I was born on Skye, but I completely agree. Skye is one of the most faerie-esque places I’ve ever been to. Did you know that the Clan MacLeod has long had associations with the Fae? In the castle at Dunvegan, there is a scrap of silk, which legend says was given to the Clan’s chief by a faerie queen.
Skye is also the traditional home to the Unseelie Fae, the Dark Court of the Fae world. And, although it’s not strictly faerie-related, it’s where Cu Chulainn of Irish myth was tutored by Scathach, the Scottish warrior woman. The Scots Gaelic for Skye, by the way, is An t-Eilean Sgitheanach, which means Isle of Shadows.
And now I’ve proven to be a big nerd! 😉
You’re my kind of big nerd!!! I love it, thank you for sharing this! Maybe i’ll do a little more research and share your knowledge 🙂
[…] Fairytale Destination the Isle of Skye Scotland (thefairytaletraveler.com) […]
We live on Skye….magical for outsiders, I guess…..it’s beautiful in summer. The Fairy Pools are lovely, though SERIOUSLY cold! 😀
Oh that is AMAZING!!! Stay in touch so we can say hi!