Figure 1: Breakfast spread, Gables BnB!
The day kicked off with a million-pound view (thankfully, free), and a hearty British breakfast that could’ve convinced even a hardcore dosa-lover. We were all set for an epic day in the Highlands, armed with layers, ladders (well, hiking shoes), and low expectations of WiFi.
Old Man of Storr – Take 1
With caffeine in our veins and enthusiasm in our hearts, we jumped into our trusty german steed and galloped toward the iconic Old Man of Storr. Parked on the roadside and paid £6 for 6 hours of parking. The person before me cheekily suggested the 12-hour option — we laughed, wondering who would ever choose it? Ah, hubris.
Figure 2: Convincing the girls that the Old Man was near enough!
We started the moderately steep hike, admiring the terrain, while I quietly kept one eye on the watch — the desi in me calculating the other viewpoints we wanted to cover. After a decent climb and multiple panoramic views later, I tried diplomatically convincing the girls that this should count as “reaching the top.”
Surprisingly (or suspiciously?), they agreed.
Kilt Rock & (Missing?) Mealt Falls
Figure 3: Splurging water on the Kilt Falls.
Next stop: Kilt Rock. I braced for another uphill adventure, but the Scottish gods had mercy — the waterfall was right there at the parking lot! Drive-thru nature, as we like to call it. We squinted around for the Mealt waterfall, but either it was on break or hiding behind a rock.
Quiraing – A Scene Out of Narnia
Figure 4: Qirang’s vast expansive beauty!
Apple Maps, usually reliable, pulled a fast one and told us to stop at a random roadside patch and start walking. So we did — without questioning the tech overlords. Within minutes, we stumbled upon Loch Lagraingon, an unbelievably magical pool framed by hills.
The trail started to get rocky (emotionally and literally). Nidhi decided to skip the drama, but Vanya and I marched on — until a fellow hiker casually mentioned we were scaling a full summit. That was our cue to smile, nod, and begin the graceful retreat.
Ocean Viewpoint – A Scene to Pause Your Playlist
Figure 5: Terrific Ocean View, Isle of Skye.
Along the winding A855, the road hugs the sea — and we found the perfect viewpoint to pause, breathe, and pretend we were in a Bollywood song (minus the choreo). The raw beauty of the Celtic Sea was mesmerizing — no filter, no entry fee.
Hairy Baby Coo Encounter!
On our way to Fairy Glen, destiny (and a slow-moving herd) brought us face-to-face with Highland royalty — the coos! Not just any coos, mind you — a baby Highland cow with the kind of shaggy bangs K-pop stars can only dream of.
Figure 6: Vanya meets a hairy baby coo!
I made a dramatic roadside stop (don’t worry, all very safe), and Vanya practically leapt out like a Highland Disney princess — jumping, skipping, and hopping her way to the adorable fluffball.
It was a magical moo-ment.
Fairy Glen – Because Who Needs Castles?
Figure 7: Scaling hillocks in Fairy Glen.
We ditched Dunvegan Castle (been there, seen enough stone walls) and headed to Fairy Glen — a mystical little spot that looked like Lord of the Rings met a Scottish tea party. A loch, a circular stone maze, and a hillock that dared us to climb. So we did, in true why not? fashion.
Figure 8: Sheep are never as exciting as in Fairy Glen.
The Hungry Gull – Culinary Gold
Hiking burns calories. Calories demand food. Vanya found us The Hungry Gull, which thankfully had one car leaving just as we arrived — fate favors the hungry.
Figure 9: Chai Latte and Turkish Eggs at The Hungry Gull.
We ordered Highland Turkish Eggs and a Veggie Haggis Crunch Wrap (NRI translation: like Uble Ande and Toast, but Scottish). It was delicious. Every bite was a mic drop.
Lealt Falls – The Bonus Round
Recharged, we figured, “What’s one more waterfall?” (Famous last words.) Lealt Falls was another stunner — though this one required a bit more of a walk for that perfect front-row view. Totally worth the detour.
Old Man of Storr – Take 2: The Revenge Climb
Figure 10: Steeper climb this time!
The sun wasn’t done yet — and neither were we. It was only 5 PM, so we dared to return for round two with the Old Man.
Figure 11: Old Man of Storr Done!
This time, we took the steeper trail — a staircase seemingly built by mountain goats with gym memberships.
After what felt like a million steps (and possibly a mild existential crisis), we finally made it. The view? Chef’s kiss. The animals were also out and about — we saw bunny rabbits frolicking like they’d just wrapped a Cadbury ad.
Figure 12: Bunny rabbits frolicking around Storr.
Pizza in Portree – The Final Boss
Every epic journey needs a cheesy ending. We hadn’t yet tried pizza in Portree (unacceptable). So we grabbed a Funghi pizza from Caberfeidh Bar and Restaurant — a hot, gooey slice of joy to end the day.
Back at our cozy BnB, tired but triumphant, we devoured it with the satisfaction of warriors who’d conquered peaks, waterfalls, and restaurant parking lots.