From Skye to Dalwhinnie: A Highland Journey with Whisky and Wit
May 17 – Day 8
Left Reraig Caravan Site at 07:47am.Arrived on the Isle of Skye at 8:10am. Left again at 8:20am.
We couldn’t stay too long as we had a long journey ahead, but going over the bridge was amazing and worth the detour.
We passed a beautiful castle en route. We did try to park up for a closer look, but there was not a single space in sight. My advice? Get there early. I'm not sure if you can pre-book, but if you can, do it. It's worth it. Castle Eilean Donan.
Took a break at a lovely little layby by Loch Oich at 11:35am. Left at 12:06. A peaceful roadside spot where we could hear the soft lap of waves below, hidden amongst a small wood. Utterly charming and strangely calming – like nature’s version of a spa playlist.
At one point, we found ourselves weaving through the Glen Shiel pass, which honestly felt like a quick trip through the Austrian Alps, majestic, dramatic, and gone in a flash. The scenery was breathtaking. Coming out the other side, we curled around sparkling lochs and climbed hills high enough to make your ears pop. The views down to the water basins were incredible... although every viewing spot was rammed. Saturday, of course!
We arrived at Dalwhinnie Distillery at 13:34 and left at 15:24.(Yes, we made the most of it in whisky country.)
Landed at our stopover for the night, charmingly called The Apiary, at 15:27.
It's one of those "Brit Stops." This was the first time we used this facility, and it's essentially a free overnight stay, as long as you eat their food. Twist our arms! I had a tuna-topped baked potato, and Richard went full Coronation Chicken—both came with portion sizes that could fuel a Highland hike. The whole lot cost around £ 28. The owner was very friendly, which always makes the food taste better, don’t you think?
Now, a quick word about Richard’s new obsession: midges.
Only my husband could track down a map showing exactly where the midges are in the UK. Apparently, there's just one midge-free spot in all of Scotland and I'm not sure it's even real. It’s honestly quite shocking!
If you're planning this trip, I strongly recommend spring or autumn. We've been told summer turns into full-scale warfare with these tiny vampires.
The dog has started running away from us. Not sure why. Maybe he's just had enough of our great adventure and wants to go home to his bed, his bowl, and the quiet dignity of old age. He is 17, after all, practically a pensioner with paws. He’s started grumbling too. Must be contagious.
Oh – and I found midges in my drink today.
Richard’s oh-so-helpful comment: "Well, if you're drinking them, they're not biting you."Thanks, darling. Delicious thought.
Conclusion
The Apiary has no facilities, so you need to have water on board, electric or gas. Car park space, but does take five motorhomes, size 7 metres maximum
Definitely worth a visit to Dalwhinnie Distillery if you like whisky. Highlight of Richard’s trip.
Not just because of the whisky, but it helped his midge bites.
Basically, it put him to a happy sleep. 😉