Skye and Loch Cill Chroisd

Turning left at Broadford, from the main A87 road to Portree, is one of the most scenic roads on the island. The B8083 weaves its way slowly around loch Slapin before climbing the hills to end at the little harbour village of Elgol.

I will never forget the first time I took that road on my motorbike in ’75. The scenery really is something else. Even my photographs from the year I spent on Skye dont do the journey justice.

Its worth stopping at the little grave yard of Cill Chriosd not far from Broadford. It offers splendid views of Beinn na Caillich.



The ruined church is hidden behind a wall of ivy. Its believed that Christianity was preached from this hillock as early as the 600’s. This church was used until 1840when it was replaced by a newer one in Broadford.



Skye marble was excavated in the hills to the east of Loch Cill Chriosd. This photo captures some of the light and shadow as the clouds skim the hill tops.



A late spring rainbow appears as the last of the year’s yellow flag iris starts to drop its petals.



However my favourite time of the year at the loch is in winter when the reeds have died back and turned yellow and gold. Beinn Na Caillich is clearing its head of clouds in this early morning scene.



Frost is still on the shore of Loch Cill Chroisd early on a cold but sunny winter’s day.



Bla Bheinn, sprinkled with snow, is quietly reflected on the golden edged loch



The cloud clearing from Bla Bheinn as rain still falls on its reflection in Loch Cill Chroisd



And the views get better as you go....