EasyJet Inverness to London Luton on 15Jun2017 (Day 7 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

the willows b&b

after a continental breakfast at the willows b&b by hosts sheila & her hubby, we started out on a 45mins drive to inverness airport on 15.6.2017.

we returned the VW rental car to avis parking lot & checked in easyjet for London Luton. ^^

this marks the last & final entry of our very memorable holiday to fort williams & isles of skye, largely the effort & arrangements made by wife.

returning car at inverness airport

filled up petrol to full tank

fuel gauge showing full tank

we did the usual, filling up petrol, checking the fuel gauge, and returning the car to avis parking lots at inverness airport.

our VW rental car keys

returning car at avis counter, inverness airport

i have never had any problems myself with rental car companies in terms of unusual charges etc though my wife had & some friends had too.

anyhow these days it is so convenient to record everything, so i made sure i took all the necessary photo records.

Inverness airport

so it’s end of our fort williams/isle of skye holiday,

and “home sweet home” back to our london apartment.

youngest daughter is joining us in london the next day, & on the following day 17.6.2017, 4 of us – wife, me, son & daughter are flying to iceland for a 10-day holiday..

c.h.e.f andy

Great Cocktails, Great Mussels, Poor Food at White House Inverness on 14Jun2017 (Day 6 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

excellent martini cocktail

after the brief walk along both banks of river ness,

we were looking for a place for simple dinner..not looking for a heavy dinner,

& since we already had excellent lunch at kinloch today…

This place famous for cocktails

walk past white house restaurant, was reading google reviews on the fly…apparently this place is especially good for cocktails….

so we settle in at the white house on 14.6.2017. ^^

excellent whisky cocktail

wife ordered a whisky cocktail. quite excellent, even for non drinker like me tasting it…

later wife ordered a second martini cocktail (top photo). it was very good too!

the best succulent west coast mussels, even better than uig = £6.50

we ordered the west coast mussels.

surprise surprise, it was the best succulent mussels we had this trip (even better than the very good ones at uig restaurant)…the white wine sauce not creamy but very tasty.

the best succulent west coast mussles, even better than uig = £6.50

this dish was really a very good order for just £6.50!.

the poorest & tiny scallop i had this trip = £8.95

unfortunately, everything went downhill after that!

this was the poorest & tiniest scallop i had this trip..about the standard of scallops at The Oyster Shed (which was not good!)

Seafood platter for 2=£15.25 really NOT good

the seafood platter was really a bad pub food.

Seafood platter for 2=£15.25 really NOT good

calamari was dry & tough.

the 3 disappearing “king” prawns were just pathetic! the preparation of it was even more pathetic..

Seafood platter for 2=£15.25 really NOT good

kippers was like some cheap stuff pulled off a supermarket rack, nothing like the consistent good ones at all the b&b. NOT good at all!

Seafood platter for 2=£15.25 really NOT good

minced salmon was at least quite tasty. but not something we could take more than a mouthful..

white house restaurant

white house restaurant

so dinner came up to £44. can consider that as just paying for the mussels & 2 cocktails.

basically the other orders we need not have bothered.

won’t take any food here except for the mussels!

inverness sunset 

after dinner at the white house, we returned to our car & drove back to our b&b the willows at kirkhill, retracing the same lakeside drive along beauty firth.

inverness sunset 

we caught the sunset, and the setting sun was just inching down the horizon.

the photos looked spectacular but actually the golden rays were just because my iphone 6 camera had a crack…no mystery!

inverness sunset

inverness sunset

a really magical moment in magical scotland!

c.h.e.f andy

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Opening Hours:

 

Nice Walk Along Rive Ness, Inverness City Centre on 14Jun2017 (Day 6 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

river ness riverside stroll

after checking in at the willows b&b, we drove another 20mins to inverness town centre on 14.6.2017.

the willows b&b to white house @ invernes city centre

we traveled along A862 & for a large part along the shores of beauty firth.

when we drove back after dinner, we took beautiful shots of the sunset.

river ness riverside stroll

we parked at the open carpark in front of home bargains open the old town rose street multi-storey carpark.

and walked to bank street on the riverside of river ness.

directly across the opposite banks of river ness is the st mary’s roman catholic church.

river ness riverside stroll

we strolled downstream in the direction where river ness flos into beauty firth, towards greig street pedestrian suspension bridge.

river ness riverside stroll

the old high church inverness stood out along bank street.

cast iron greig street bridge

cast iron greig street bridge

a really beautiful greig street pedestrian suspension bridge!

cast iron greig street bridge

cast iron greig street bridge

looking back from the greig street pedestrian bridge.

river ness riverside stroll

looking downstream from greig street pedestrian bridge..

river ness riverside stroll

& the inverness castle upstream.

in the direction of ness islandss, a beautiful natural park, which we did not have time to go.

river ness riverside stroll

the golden hue in the sky over river ness.

inverness city centre

we crossed back to bank street side via ness bridge.

it’s time for dinner. we did not need a heavy dinner just something to eat.

we passed by the white house & decided to have dinner there.

c.h.e.f andy

Nessie & Urquhart Castle Loch Ness on 14Jun2017 (Day 6 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

urquhart castle loch ness

after a wonderful lunch at one michelin star kinloch & restful stroll along the grounds & beach,

we were ready for the 2hr drive to inverness.

on the way, we plan to stop & visit the urquhart castle by the side of loch ness near to inverness, and walked the grounds…

& try to catch a view of nessie, as the loch ness monster is affectionately called, likely misplaced affection i think…

urquhart castle loch ness

Urquhart Castle sits beside Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland. The castle is on the A82 road, 21 kilometres south-west of Inverness.

urquhart castle loch ness

tickets are £9 for adults & opening time is till 6pm. 

the staff said they progressively closed sections of the castle…

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle had a commanding view of a long stretch of loch ness.

it’s history goes back a thousand years. the preserved ruins are from the 13th century to 16th century period.

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

the space, the sky, the history…& the folklore….

urquhart castle loch ness

nice sprawling grounds, with view of the expanse of waters of loch ness, a beautiful setting, and great demand for filming, wedding, receptions ect.

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle ruins

castle wall…

urquhart castle ruins

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

lakeside foliage…

urquhart castle ruins

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

looking back towards the hidden carpark area.

urquhart castle ruins

urquhart castle ruins

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

to the other end bound by the castle wall…just ruins..

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

encircle quite a large compound..

urquhart castle loch ness

it was about closing time.

we drove the another 30+mins to arrive at our b&b for the evening, the willows.

c.h.e.f andy

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Urquhart Castle

Contact:

Excellent £45 3-course Lunch at One Michelin Star Kinloch on 14Jun2017(Day 6 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

first amuse bouche

sligachan was a enchanting stop & short walk…

3-course £40 4-course £45 set lunch menu

we had prebooked for lunch at one michelin star kinloch on 14.6.2017. ^^

very good lunch…we had 3-course £40 lunch then added 1 dessert for 4-course £45 lunch,

first amuse bouche

first amuse bouche

& there were 2 amuse bouche 👍👍

there is some thai influence here…we had croquette & some like prawn cake or fritters, maybe with seaweed, cannot remember, with tahi sweet chili sauce dip. it was good.

2nd amuse bouche

& the 2nd amuse bouche=this was awesome..a pea mousse, prosciutto, caramelised onions=the best la! 🙂

kinloch drawing room

we were led first the nice drawing room with good natural light & views, to wait for the table to be set.

we had our first amuse bouche here.

kinloch drawing room

we looked at the menu, selected the order, then we were led to our table at the dining hall.

butternut squash soup very creamy buttery unfortunately too sweet!

butternut squash soup very creamy buttery unfortunately too sweet!

butternut squash soup very creamy buttery & unfortunately too sweet!

pigeon ok, good standard NOT special

pigeon ok, good standard NOT special

pigeon was ok, quite good standard just not special…

scallops excellent=duisdale standard not as good as three chimney

scallops were excellent here=duisdale standard not as good as three chimneys.

nicely seared, tender, plump, sweet scallops and wonderful sauce…

Tenderloin as good as can be..great sides

plating was faultless. tenderloin as good as can be..really great sides too…not the best beef but certainly more than competent…

hake was excellent mussels by the way

hake was excellent mussels by the way

restaurant apologised for not having cod as written in the menu. they replaced by hake.

and the hake was excellent, firm, sweet, tasty… mussels were just by the way…

parfait competent really not my kind of dessert…

we added one dessert just to try.

the parfait was competent but really it’s just not my kind of dessert…& both of us not so dessert persons to start with…

taste-wise total experience-wise, this far far below the standards of japanese parfait.

for the price of £40, this 3-course lunch was really very good standard, and if i am back in isle of skye i will definitely come again for lunch…quite superb!

kinloch grounds..a serene wilderness …

kinloch grounds..a serene wilderness …

kinloch grounds..a serene wilderness …

kinloch grounds..a serene wilderness …

kinloch grounds..a serene wilderness …

kinloch grounds..a serene wilderness …

kinloch grounds..a serene wilderness …

after the excellent lunch at kinloch, we walked around the grounds..a serene wilderness …nice!

c.h.e.f andy

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Contact:

Enchanted Waters, Sligachan Bridge & Cullins Landscape on 14Jun2017 (Day 6 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

sligachan hotel

leaving for inverness today on 14.6.2017. ^^

wife chose to go inverness as we then did not have to make a 6-hr drive back to glasgow. we had booked an easyjet flight from inverness to london luton the next day.

inverness is a 3hr drive. so we need not rush…we had a nice lunch booked already at one michelin star kinloch at the sleat peninsula.

 

sligachan bridge

we were early, with time (about 1.5hrs) to spare. 🙂

sligachan bridge

we stopped at sligachan to take in the beautiful sligachan bridge & landscape of the cullins.

sligachan bridge

sligachan bridge

Sligachan is located at the junction of the roads from portree, dunvegan & bradford. the hotel (top photo) was built around 1830. many early climbers chose this as a spot to start ascents of the cuillin.

we were here 3days ago when we were going to fairy pools on 11.6.2017.

we stopped but it was pouring, so we left and did not walk around…

sligachan bridge

there were groups of students doing their field study trips. 🙂

the enchanting waters of sligachan

& below flows the enchanted waters of sligachan, with all its magical powers.

the enchanting waters of sligachan

to confer eternal beauty for the ladies.

you need to kneel down, bend over let your face immerse into the flowing river, and then let it air dry, cannot cup the water & cannot wipe dry!

freezing cold it must be, so good luck to you all! 🙂

the enchanting waters of sligachan

the cuillin

the cuillin mountain range in the background.

wife thought she could see fairy pools glistening in the distance…

the cullins

lots of flora & fauna of course! 🙂

the cullins

the cullins

the cullins

the cullins

there is a swing gate & trek on the southern side of the river.

but it was starting to rain again, and our car was parked at the hotel grounds for short while.

the cuillin backdrop from sligachan

the cuillin backdrop from sligachan

the cuillin backdrop from sligachan

the cuillin backdrop from sligachan

trail at sligachan

trail at sligachan 

we returned to the car, but it was still too early for lunch maybe another 45mins. so we drove over and parked at the carpark south side of sligachan bridge. we dressed up in rain gears & went to take a short walk along the trail.

trail at sligachan

trail at sligachan

enchanted waters of sligachan 

we couldn’t go far also, so we turned back after a short walk, and headed to kinloch, much looking forward to our lunch.

c.h.e.f andy

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sligachan,

Isle of Skye IV47 8SW, UK

 

Another Hearty Breakfast @ Pienmore House on 14Jun2017 (Day 6 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

smoked salmon, scrambled eggs & buttered bread 

woke up looking forward to a nice breakfast this morning on 14.6.2017.

of course if you take the same old stuff for full cooked breakfast everyday, you get tired of it. so we skipped kippers the other day.

for this morning’s breakfast, we had the usual “help yourself” cereals, cold cuts, juice, toast etc. & coffee was served at the table also as usual. 🙂

smoked salmon, scrambled eggs & buttered bread 

for the main selection, we had a choice of smoked salmon, scrambled eggs & buttered bread.

nothing much to talk about, just the salmon was lightly smoked & good.

smoked kippers

smoked salmon, scrambled eggs & buttered bread 

it was kippers again for the other choice.

wife finished one piece with my help. it was good too, but i did not want to take a second piece.

pleasant dining room, pleasant host & servers & a nice breakfast – what we needed to start our journey to inverness (later in the afternoon).

c.h.e.f andy

Great Stay & Location @ Pienmore House B&B on 13Jun2017 (Day 5 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

peinmore house 

stayed at peinmore house b&b this evening on 13.6.2017. ^^

peinmore house – view from car park

peinmore house car park

an excellent b&b! just £140/night, nice room, great lounge, free parking, great breakfast, and very importantly good wifi…

peinmore is 4km & 6mins drive from portree town centre, quite a perfect location really.

after returning from the spectacular scenery at neist point,

we decided to go light for dinner this evening..in fact we were light on lunch as well…so that’s why having a huge satisfying breakfast like we had at uig lodge this morning is so important https://chefquak.com/2017/09/03/great-stay-good-breakfast-uig-lodge-on-13jun2017-day-5-fort-williamsisle-of-skye-trip-9-14jun2017/(& when travelling in UK every breakfast is huge & almost w/o fail satisfying!)

went to buy takeaway fish & chips from the same portree stall we had 2 days back on 11.6.2017. it was just so good! ^^

so we had one £6.50 fish & chips to share, added a fried fish (the guy only charged me £3.50 for the extra fish) & a king rib (£4) =our dinner today no lunch…

btw, the king rib was a “fake” rib, some processed thingy like crab cake is, so not worth taking!…

peinmore house room

peinmore house room & toilet

and peinmore has decent sized room nicely appointed, nice ensuite toilet.

& location is convenient base to explore the northern signts like old man of storr, kilt rock & mealt falls, brothers point, quiraing. and also to go west to neist point etc..and of course south…quite an ideal base.

there is no need to pay £328 for skeabost & the like for duisdale, and the wifi at both these places basically don’t work!

>we had another packet of instant noodles, so i took one for myself. wife had enough of that. 🙂

peinmore house common lounge

peinmore house common lounge

view from peinmore house common lounge bay window

peinmore had a good size common lounge, very nicely appointed. we sat there & drank coffee & chilled.

i would stay at peinmore any time. it basically offers everything a traveller need in terms of good location, convenience, free parking, nice room & toilets, great breakfast & good wifi.

c.h.e.f andy

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Peinmore House B&B

Contact:

 

 

Breathtaking Neist Point on 13Jun2017 (Day 5 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

breathtaking neist point

old man of storr to dunvegan castle to neist point

drove to neist point after dunvegan castle gardens on 13.6.2017…

really wonderful walk enjoying the beautiful breathtaking scenery….

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

the carpark for neist point is located at very end of the single track road about 30mins from Dunvegan Castle..

tiny carpark was full & we parked like many cars by the roadside.

breathtaking neist point

the path leads all the way to the lighthouse.

it’s an easy stroll. we took about 1 hr overall including stopping for pictures..

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

Neist Point (Scottish Gaelic: Rubha na h-Eist) is at the most westerly point of Skye. Neist Point Lighthouse has been located there since 1909. 

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

outside the dirt track, the fields were like carpet-bombed with sheep droppings…lol! 🙂

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

neist point lighthouse

The lighthouse is 43 meters above sea level and can be seen up to 16 nautical miles offshore. 

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

neist point has awesome views on both sides of the protruding rock shelves.

breathtaking neist point

we walked over to the east side of the rock shelves.

this the view of the coastline behind us looking back..

breathtaking neist point

& this is looking forward at the east side of the protruding shelves.

 

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

we walked further back & took some selfies & wefies with the breathtaking scenery in the background.

a beautiful place…so many beautiful places…very happy that we drove the distance here, even if it’s more than an hours drive from portree. 🙂

c.h.e.f andy

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Neist Point Lighthouse

Contact:

 

 

Visiting Dunvegan Castle Gardens on 13Jun2017 (Day 5 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

dunvegan castle gardens

today we are moving to a b&b peinmore at portree..we have done most of what we wanted to see on the east coast.

old man of storr to dunvegan castle to neist point

so after the exhilarating climb at old man of storr,

we decided to drive to neist point…that takes about 1hr 15mins…so we thought to drop by dunvegan castle to vist the gardens also on 13.6.2017..

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle

entrance to the gardens was £11each for gardens only (£13 for castle & gardens)..

nothing much to see for me non-botantist just consider as donating to the upkeep of the place 🙏😎 

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

the gardens have various setting – like water gardens, wooded gardens, round gardens, walled gardens etc.

with a variety of water features, plants, flowers & trees…

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden 

it was a pleasant stroll..

not quite the scenery that we would look out for in isle of skye but since it was on the way to neist point, it was a good break stop as well. 🙂

c.h.e.f andy

++++++++++++++++++++++

Duvegan Castle & Gardens

Contact:
Opening Hours:

 

 

Exhilarating Climb Old Man of Storr on 13Jun2017 (Day 5 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

old man of storr hike

After a hearty breakfast at uig lodge,

we drove to old man of stor parked roadside about 1030am on 13.6.2017. ^^

It was a wonderful 2.5hrs hike, albeit 60% time in the rain & old man of storr constantly in mist & fog…

On a sunny day this would be quite an easy ascend…

We left uig in sunshine hoping to catch the sun at old man of storr soon drove through heavy rain & then stopped at old man of storr & started the hike with slight drizzle.. such is the weather…

cars parking roadside – old man of storr

cars parking roadside – old man of storr

cars parking roadside – old man of storr

we parked our car by the roadsdie like others, not far from the access swing gate.

people came before us. people came after us. despite the constant drizzle almost.

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

a dirt track up.

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

open plains…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

nice walk…very slight drizzle at the start…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

view of the sea looking back…

old man of storr hike

a second swing gate.

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

very overcast sky…

old man of storr hike

further up we go…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

& quite misty too…..

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

starting to see old man of storr…mysterious & inviting…want to see more…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

such a thrilling landscape…like middle earth my friends said…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

the walking is easier than quiraing…

between the 2, quiraing scenery is better…

old man of storr hike

quiraing was a shorter hike because we started from the carpark higher up.

here we started at road level.

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

the final stretches to the top..

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

it gets steeper, and more climbing…

old man of storr hike

view of where we came…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

steeper still…

old man of storr hike

it’s there, in clear weather or sheathed in mystery…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

it got a bit steep the last parts.

and large gravel patches.

wife didn’t feel comfortable to go up, so we didn’t…

overall it was an excellent walk & climb despite the moderately heavy rain. my S$2 daiso raincoat was not enough protection but still a great help otherwise my rain resistant parka would have soaked through…

an exhilarating climb!

i can do this again. ^^

c.h.e.f andy

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Old Man of Storr

Location:

Portree IV51 9HX UK 4.6

Great Stay, Good Breakfast @ UIG Lodge on 13Jun2017 (Day 5 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

cereals – breakfast at uig lodge 

had another hearty breakfast at uig lodge on 13.7.2017. ^^

this £120 b&b fraction of the cost of duisdale & skeabost (like 1/3), is better located near quiraing, kilt rock & mealt falls, brothers point, lealt falls, old man of storr & HAS strong wifi..whereas other 2 (duisdale & skeabost) basically did not!!!

yesterday, we came to take refuge  when it was pouring at quiraing, and i needed to dry my jeans, boots & socks. luckily we could get the room early just waited 45mins…

used hairdryer to blow dry jeans & shoes. changed to new socks & then we were in business going out again – & we had my best hike at quiraing.

while waiting for the room, we had wonderful mussels in 2 flavours – golden ale & wine sauce, & very good onion rings.

breakfast at uig lodge 

this morning, we had the usual cereals, coffee, juice & fruits.

breakfast at uig lodge

full scottish breakfast 

we were tired of kippers & decided to both ordered full scottish breakfast.

& really all the b&b/hotels, from £120 at uig lodge (and as i said far better location for our hikes), to the >£300 for duisdal house hotel & skeabost, the full scottish breakfast were just about same.

equally good, and equally satisfying…feeling good for a good hike.

c.h.e.f andy

++++++++++++++++++++++++

UIG Lodge

Address:

Contact:

Best 8-course Degustation @ The Three Chimneys on 12Jun2017(Day 4 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

#1 wild rabbit, raw & cooked langoustine

had the best degustation dinner for a while at three chimneys.

this my 31st anniversary celebration with wife on 12.6.2017. ^^

skye land & sea 8-course degustation menu

well, the skye land & sea menu looked amazing (& such an imaginative name!). lol!^^

three chimneys was one of only 2 one michelin star restaurants in isle of skye in 2014.

however, they lost the star in 2017 when chef director michael smith left followed by an exodus of staff.

now helmed by 31-yr young new chef scott davis & his new team, they are trying hard to win back the michelin star. 

i think they got a “michelin plate” in 2017. this a new category introduced in 2016. not yet a michelin star.

#1 wild rabbit, raw & cooked langoustine

the raw langoustine was delightful, very sweet.

the rabbit was flavourful. the cooked langoustine too.

#2 dunvegan crab

the dunvegan crab was very sweet. lovely! great stuff…

#2 dunvegan crab

but i must say our impression was that the “tian of crab” dish at lime tree fort williams was even more tasty.

#3 roasted sconser scallops

the roasted scallop was very good.

#3 roasted sconser scallops

though we had many great scallop preparations in many restaurants, most recently at the restaurant at duisdale. couldn’t really say this was better…

#4 seaweed & miso cured halibut, crispy loch harport oyster

wow…this dish beautifully crafted & plated!

#4 seaweed & miso cured halibut, crispy loch harport oyster

nice oyster fritter…sweet fish, curing was light…not sure about the miso flavours, a bit on salty side..

#4 seaweed & miso cured halibut

nice sides of peas, seaweed.

#5 braised soy lamb ravioli

the  braised soy lamb ravioli, with the condiments & sides, very good too..

#5 braised soy lamb ravioli

a great pasta dish, before the meats.

#5 pigeon (replaced lamb ravioli for wife)

wife doesn’t take lamb, so restaurant replaced by pigeon, one of their menu dishes.

#5 pigeon (replaced lamb ravioli for wife)

an excellent preparation, texture, taste, plating, quite perfect.

#6 orbost farm rose beef

the second main was a beef.

#6 orbost farm rose beef

very good though, with the sides of good onion ring and pressed potatoes.

#7 pressed apple

#7 pressed apple

wife & i not very dessert people.

the pressed apple was really quite good, the the different textures…

#8 rhubarb & hibiscus

#8 rhubarb & hibiscus

the rhubarb was less exciting for us…

the dinner degustation was £90. every dish was excellent, we enjoyed every bit of the dinner.

they have not yet regained their one michelin star. by definition, it is “worth a stop” for one start & “worth a detour” for 2 stars.

50mins from UIG Lodge to Three Chomneys for 2pax dinner

so going by michelin’s definition, this dinner was 2 michelin star for me la…we drove like 50mins just for this dinner! that’s quite a “detour” right?

c.h.e.f andy

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Best Hike I had @ Quiraing on 12Jun2017 (Day 4 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

quiraing from carpark

it was really no fun getting wet. & it’s like raining all the time.

wife’s adage – just assume it will rain, be properly attired with all the rain gears, and roll on…wife later made good her advise, and bought me proper rain gears..but that was later.

quiraing from carpark

so we arrived at quiraing carpark after the beautiful walk at brothers point,

waited in the car for the rain to get lighter, ventured out for a short 50m, and was forced back by the rain.

my rain resistant parka was not much resistant, and my jeans and boots were wet through.

so defeated, we retreated to uig lodge, and discovered they had wonderful tasting mussels pot. 

we checked into our uig lodge room. and i used the dryer to dry my jeans & our boots. suitably rested & with dry gears, i was ready for war again, taking advantage of a short spell of dry weather.

quiraing from carpark

so we were back at quiraing carpark. it’s more crowded, and groups of hikers had gone up maybe 1hr earlier & trooping back when we ascended.

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

this must be the most beautiful ladnscape i have seen, outside of craggy coastlines like cornwall, exmoor & wales.

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

and the best hike ever!

nikko’s senjogahara marshland hike was beautiful, but not like this!

and the thrilling bukhansan hike was tougher than this, and beautiful too, but this was mesmerising!

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

unlike (say) the recent 7hr hike up mount snowdon i did with my RI bros on 2may2017, which was just a walk & the wondrous view came at the summit.

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

here we were just walking alongside the mountain & looking over the rolling knolls & plains in all their glories…

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

there are nice cracks & crevices..

quiraing hike

but the greatest beauty is the valleys.

 

quiraing hike

all my friends commented on the whatsapped photos “it’s like lord of the rings, in middle earth!”..

so why did they go new zealand to film?

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

if not for the threatening rain, i could do this lesisurely for another few hours…

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

there’s the falls & mountain streams…

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

& the rock shelves..more middle earth..

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

the mist adding to the mystery & romance..

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

we got to the gap, wanting to go over & look over the other side.

but the rain finally came.

i had to hurriedly put on my S$2 daiso raincoat. at least i did not get wet as before.

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

we turned back & walked hurriedly.

we took 1hr 40mins…

This my best hike..such wonderful scenery hiking in the mountain.

We took 1hr 45mins. more than 1 hr to get to the gap & very quick trekking back forced by the rain….could gave taken 2.5hrs but it started to rain as we descended so had to walk really fast..

this a place i would like to return to trek, hopefully in better weather…my most memorable hike!

c.h.e.f andy

 

 

Most Beautiful & Serene Walk @ Brothers Point on 12Jun2017 (Day 4 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

we parked here & crossed the road to walk brother’s point 

after a good breakfast at skeabost hotel,

we drove again on A855 coastal road & parked at Rubha nam Brathairean, also known as Brothers Point, on 12.6.2017. ^^

brothers point walk

trailhead – brothers point walk 

we crossed over to the trailhead.

brothers point walk 

& followed the trek past swing gates & private farm livestock grazing fields.

gracing fields – brothers point walk 

so beautiful!

brothers point walk 

it is every bit a hidden treasure as many bloggers noted!

gracing fields – brothers point walk 

a truly wonderful 1 hr stroll…

gracing fields – brothers point walk

craggy coast – brothers point walk 

a 1hr return on a slow stroll…

craggy coast –
brothers point walk

gracing fields – brothers point walk 

we had the whole place to ourselves!

did not see a soul till we were walking back…

beautiful knolls – brothers point walk 

lush green grazing fields..

beautiful knolls – brothers point walk

beautiful knolls – brothers point walk 

the rock formation, small boulders patches..

beautiful knolls – brothers point walk

beautiful knolls – brothers point walk

and craggy coast…

brothers point walk

grazing fields, sheep..backdrop of rocks..

craggy coast – brothers point walk

craggy coast – brothers point walk

craggy coast – brothers point walk 

stones & boulders dotted the craggy coastline…

looking back at the farm house – brothers point walk

craggy coast – brothers point walk 

lost in the interplay of lush green farmed habitat & craggy wilderness…

craggy coast – brothers point walk

craggy coast – brothers point walk

nice rock formation – brothers point walk

small fall – brothers point walk 

a tiny fall along the path

craggy stone coast – brothers point walk

craggy stone coast – brothers point walk

brothers point walk

craggy stone coast – brothers point walk 

the serene beauty of it all!

we could just sit & picnic…

for the short interlude we were blessed with “good” weather. that means an overcast sky but no rain…

it’s time to get to quiraing & try our luck…but alas, not to be for time being….

c.h.e.f andy

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Brothers Point (Rubha nam Brathairean)

Location:

Skye, East Kilbride, Glasgow G74 2BX, UK

 

 

Best Mussels Pot @ UIG Lodge Restaurant on 12Jun2017 (Day 4 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

excellent mussels pot at uig lodge

after the really joyous walk at brothers point,

we drove to quiraing hoping to do the hike on 12.6.2017.

we parked at the carpark & waited as it poured outside, drinking coffee from our hot tumbler & taking shortcakes & snicker bars (for me).

when the rain was lighter, we attempted the hike.

fortunately we turned back soon enough, after like 50m, as it really poured & my jeans were wet through.

the heavy rain stopped our first attemp to hike quiraing

view from uig lodge restaurant – raining heavily

defeated, we decided to retreat to our next hotel, uig lodge, to seek refuge, on 12.6.2017.

bored, nothing to do, so we sat in the restaurant & ordered some food. 🙂

excellent mussels in golden ale at uig lodge

to our pleasant surprise the mussels were super good.

there were 2 sauces.

we ordered the mussels in golden ale & it was so good. we decided to order the other one, which was the regular white wine sauce.

excellent mussels pot at uig lodge

very tender, sweet, perfect texture NOT overdone! 🙂

the white wine sauce was great.

excellent mussels pot at uig lodge

excellent mussels pot at uig lodge

i guess we were cold & hungry & bored!

still, this was a really good mussels pot.

superb onion rings

wife ordered the onion rings, and they were really good too!

so nicely crisp, a very good batter. we liked it very much, a pleasant surprise!

vista from mountain road quiraing to uig lodge

vista from mountain road quiraing to uig lodge

vista from mountain road quiraing to uig lodge

leaving quiraing slight drenched, we drove the mountain road to uig lodge. took some photos at vista points on the way.

lamb

lamb in the headlights

at a vista, caught some lambs gracing, literally caught like a “lamb in the headlights”

c.h.e.f andy

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Restaurant at the Uig Hotel

Good Breakfast @ Skeabost Hotel Isles of Skye on 12Jun2017 (Day 4 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

breakfast at skeabost 

breakfast at skeabost was good too on 12.6.2017.^^

about same good breakfast as duisdale. 🙂

i guess full cooked breakfast always good anywhere in england, wales or scotland. lol! 🙂

breakfast at skeabost dining room 

a nice, spacious, bright dining room.

breakfast at skeabost 

there was buffet spread for cereals, cold cuts, cheese, juice, toast, cut fruits etc.

cold cuts & cheese 

prosciutto & salami were average. cheese ok too!

i guess if quantity is the reference, this would be better than duisdale since food about same & you can take more if you wish.

but nothing, & i mean nothing beats the breakfast at the gantocks fort williams by allan!^^

scottish breakfast 

the backgamon, farm sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, eggs all about same as duisdalee.

kippers

kippers 

the kippers were nice too, nicely smoked & flavourful. we were getting tired of smoked fish though after 3 consecutive days!

c.h.e.f andy

 

Expensive Skeabost Hotel Isles of Skye on 11Jun2017 (Day 3 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

skeabost hotel room

after a satisfied sampling of fresh oysters & 1/2 lobster at the oyster shed, 

we drove on & checked in at skeabost hotel on 11.6.2017.

another really expensive hotel, like it’s sister hotel, duisdale house hotel, where we stayed last evening.

skeabost hotel room 

room was large, but not as large and not as nicely appointed as duisdale.

skeabost hotel room toilet 

toilet was 1/2 the size of duisdale room toilet & not of the same class.

the entire location, ambience of the building and room did not impress like duisdale.

in terms of tariff, this place was even more expensive. duisdal was £428, but that included 2x£55 5-course degustation dinner. this one was £328/night for for bed & breakfast.

and the wifi really sucks! as bad as duisdale. don’t think it can be badder. no wifi (basically) in the room nor at the drawing room or dining hall (basically) if you try to upload any photos!

nespresso coffee in the room 

redemming grace – they did have a nespresso machine, and i managed to get some extra capsules from the service desk…that they were very friendly about! we are both coffee king, me a lot more than wife.wife had a strange episode here, one of 2 times in her life…

she woke up in the middle of the night feeling uneasy, and needed me to go to the car to get something…

it was drizzling. we both went to the main door. i took an umbrella & got to our car. a car stopped by at the main door at this time & a caucasian guy came in to ask for directions, said he was lost trying to locate his friend’s place to ask for directions. it was 2.30am. we helped him rang the calling bell at the service desk. no one came, as quite expected. he realised that it was odd & he left the place shortly. we then went back to our level 2 room.

c.h.e.f andy

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Skeabost Hotel

Contact:

Delicious Fish and Chips at Portree on 11Jun2017 (Day 3 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

highland bull

after the exhilarating views of kilt rock & mealt falls, and lealt gorge, lealt falls, cliffs & craggy coastlines,

we drove back to the picturesque portree.

highland bull

on the way wife sighted the highland bull, a magnificient creature & evidently with a murderous temper.

portree

portree

we stopped along a roadside parking a short turn from the tiny picturesque portree town centre & took some pictures.

portree

portree

portree

the we drove down to the quay area.

portree

there was a fish & chip sign entering the quay road to the quay area.

fish and chips

fish and chips

we ordered one takeaway fish & chips to share. it was £6.50..

the fish & chips was delicious, quite excellent!

fish batter was very crisp, nicely browned, sweet & tasty, especially with salt & vinegar.

it was certainly nostalgic. fish & chips was like among the first food i had some 40yrs ago when i first arrived in england. 🙂

fish and chips @ portree

there was a queue forming up for the restaurant next to the fish & chips joint. the fish & chips place itself, no much queue, just couple of guys in front of us.

pink guest house portree

on the other side was the pink guesthouse.

instant noodles

strawberries

we stopped by the quay area to eat the fish & chips.

then we bought couple grocery items at the supermarket.

we bought some instant noodles, and strawberries. there was an american tourist guy. he was refused a wine purchase at the check-out because he had his daughter with him, and the staff asked to verify her age. they did not let him buy the wine.very strict, i guess necessary! 🙂

afterwards we returned to skeabost hotel room, shared a packet of instant noodles & took the strawberries.

c.h.e.f andy

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Fish & Chips

Address:

Amazing Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, and Lealt Falls on 11Jun2017 (Day 3 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

going to kilt rock & lealt falls

after a good break relishing great oysters & lobster at oyster shed, 

and it was still raining, we decided to just go to our next hotel, skeabost hotel, and checked in.

weather was unpredictable. we rested in the room for 1hr+. then we drove to kilt rocks & mealt falls.

old man of storr in the distance

old man of storr in the distance

old man of storr in the distance

old man of storr in the distance

old man of storr in the distance

old man of storr in the distance

it was a nice coastal drive.

the road runs along the coast on the right,

and the spectacular ridge of hills called trotternish ridge runs over 30km on the left.

we had a good if misty view of old man of storr from a distance. there was still a bit of drizzle.

nice rock formations

nice rock formations

there were nice rock formations nearer to kilt rock & mealt falls.

kilt rock & mealt falls

kilt rock & mealt falls was a spectacular sight, the mealt falls fed by the waters from loch mealt, plummets 55m down the cliffs of kilt rock into the atlantic ocean! 

kilt rock & mealt falls

we parked at kilt rock.

it was cold outside, and still a slight drizzle.

kilt rock & mealt falls

kilt rock & mealt falls

we walked a short distance & took some photos of the craggy coastline to the south.

kilt rock & mealt falls

kilt rock & mealt falls

kilt rock & mealt falls

& returned to our car after taking some more photos of kilt rock & mealt falls and the craggy coastline to the north.

lealt falls

we drove southwards on the return route & stopped at lealt falls.

lealt falls

we parked at the small carpark where lealt gorge is located.

lealt falls

lealt falls

lealt falls

we walked to the first viewpoint which looked over the gorge & lealt falls on its way down the gorge to the bottom 90m below.

lealt falls

lealt falls

lealt falls

we walked further down to another viewing platform that looked over the cliff and the sea.

lealt falls

lealt falls

lealt falls

lealt falls

lealt falls

it was cold & windy there was still a slight drizzle.

we could not wait out for better weather. the views were amazing, and it was invigorating walking the outdoors & looking over the gorge, cliffs and sea. the evening drive was well worth it. ^^

we made the return journey to portree, a tiny picturesque hamlet along the coast.

c.h.e.f andy

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Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

Location:

52 A855, Portree IV51 9JE, UK

 

Lealt Falls

Location:

Skye, East Kilbride, Glasgow G74 2BX, UK