Today was our last day on the Isle of Skye, and the emotions were already bubbling. The skies were moody, the lochs were still, and we were…hungry. After wolfing down another hearty Highland breakfast, we loaded up our trusty German steed, and bid a fond farewell to our delightful host, Margaret.
Magic in Motion
Figure 1: Vast open landscape for Fairy Pools.
Next, we headed to the famed Fairy Pools in southern Skye. These aren’t just any pools — glacial waters cascade down the slopes of the Black Cuillin mountains, flowing into crystal-clear pools that seem plucked straight from a fantasy novel.
Figure 2: The hike along Fairy Pools.
The 3-mile round-trip hike reminded me of Haleakalā in Maui — an “inviting” downhill stroll going in, followed by a more “motivational” uphill return. Along the trail, brave souls were seen stripping down for a dip in the icy cold pools. We appluaded their bravery from a distance in our windbreakers, letting them have their polar plunge moment while we embraced the dry and warm life.
Figure 3: Vanya chilling out in the crystal clear waters of the Fairy Pools.
Tired but elated, we turned our boots (and appetites) toward lunch.
Not So Cheesy!
Figure 4: Deli Gasta, our lunch pitstop otw.
Our lunch stop was Deli Gasta, discovered by our ever-resourceful Vanya. She went for the classic Mac and Cheese, while Nidhi and I opted for a vegetarian pizza that was suspiciously… cheese-optional. Nidhi was thrilled.
Figure 5: Nidhi loved her no cheese pizza!
I played along — while mooching spoonfuls of Vanya’s creamy Mac whenever she looked away. Cheesy or not, the food and service were fantastic.
Figure 6: Vanya’s delicious creamy mac and cheese.
We rounded off lunch with a warm, gooey brownie — the kind that would make most Bay Area desserts hang their heads in shame.
Island Castle Vibes
Figure 7: Castle on an island: Eilean Donan.
Next up was the stunning Eilean Donan Castle, looking like it had emerged straight from a film set — which, it turns out, it had.
Perched on an island and linked to the mainland by an arched stone bridge, this 13th-century castle (reconstructed in 1911) has starred in multiple movies, most famously The World is Not Enough from the James Bond series.
Figure 8: Castle fortifications.
Karan Johar, take note: this location needs a dance number.
Hogwarts Express
We were excited to see one of the iconic movie shots of all Harry Potter movie series, the one with the Hogwarts Express going over the arched bridge. This arched bridge is on the Glenfinnan Viaduct. As with anything so far in Scotland, there’s a small hike involved.
Figure 9: The iconic bridge that is in all Harry Potter movies.
Along with other Potter fans - both new and old, we trekked to the viewpoint, and… the panoramic scene is as amazing IRL as it is in the movies.
Chinese Food for the Soul
Figure 10: Magical sunset over Loch Linnhe in Fort William.
After the bridge, it was a non-stop drive to our next base: Fort William, tucked beside the calm waters of Loch Linnhe. We checked into our overnight hotel: The Garrison, munched on some welcome haggis-flavored crisps (a very Scottish surprise), and caught a magical sunset over the loch.
By now, we were thoroughly pizza’d out. No more crusts, please. After a quick wander through Fort William’s compact downtown, we surrendered to convenience — the China Palace, located conveniently next to our hotel.
Figure 11: Chowmien for the soul.
We ordered Chow Mein and sautéed vegetables in black bean sauce — warm, hearty, and a perfect wind-down to a packed day.
Full tummies, sleepy smiles, and one final Highland hug from Skye as we drifted into a well-earned sleep.