Moving the Scot’s Way: A foodie trip to Skye, Scotland

Europcar Skye trip michelin eating drinking sleeping

It’s not every day that a car rental company offers you the chance to showcase the country you love, visit some fabulous places along the way, and of course drive an amazing car to show how we would celebrate St. Andrews Day like true Scots! We don’t have a car so when Europcar asked it only took two seconds to think of a reply – er, yes!

We plotted our route and took receipt of a fab wee Mini Cooper SD, part of Europcar’s Prestige range, and set it through its paces…

Mini Cooper SD europcar scotland
Our Mini Cooper SD

Mr Foodie loves to drag me off to the countryside and the large, often desolate but cultured Skye, a 5 – 6 hour drive away was the aim. We picked Skye as it is accessible by a toll-free road bridge, boasts incredible scenery and now has two Michelin starred restaurants and so armed with a copy of this year’s Great Britain & Ireland Michelin Guide we set off but with being winter we had to leave Glasgow around 7am and out first stop for breakfast was just over an hour away at Mhor 84 Motel with the best Eggs Benedict Ms Foodie has tasted. Review here.

Scotland Mhor84 hotel accommodation meals breakfast bar budget
Eggs Benedict mmm

There were some stunning scenery stops on the way to Mhor84, with the unseasonal warmth, we had some creepy misty weather.Europcar Skye trip michelin eating drinking sleeping

After breakfast we were quickly back on the road, and the A82 up to Fort William is a favourite of ours.  With stunning scenery, that you can see even when driving – you can’t really miss a huge Glen! As well as places to stop along the way for a break.

Scotland Skye glencoe europcar
Glen Coe, Scotland

Just after Fort William we stopped off at Neptune’s Staircase.  Neptune’s Staircase is a staircase lock comprising eight locks on the Caledonian Canal. Built by Thomas Telford beteeen 1803 and 1822, it is the longest staircase lock in Britain.

Europcar Skye trip michelin eating drinking sleeping
Neptune’s Staircase

Following the Caledonian Canal, it was soon time for a tea break.   A welcome farm shop sign meant a cuppa and a photo of some Shetland Ponies called Maisie and Iris, however they seemed to be more interested in their lunch!

Europcar Skye trip michelin eating drinking sleeping
Maisie and Iris

Back on the road, it was another hour before we reached what is Scotland’s probably most photogenic castle – Eilean Donan Castle.

Europcar Skye trip michelin eating drinking sleeping
Eileen Donan Castle

And then shortly afterwards we were within sight of the Skye Bridge.

Europcar Skye trip michelin eating drinking sleeping
Skye Bridge

There’s a really good view of the bridge just before Kyle of Lochalsh (look for the P stop for the Murchison Memorial and follow the path to the memorial).

By this point we were starving, thankfully we had booked lunch at the Michelin Starred Kinloch Lodge and when travelling so far it would be rude not to visit!  At £32.99 for three courses, this was an excellent value lunch.

Neptune's Staircase (grid reference NN113769) is a staircase lock comprising eight locks on the Caledonian Canal. Built by Thomas Telford beteeen 1803 and 1822, it is the longest staircase lock in Britain. The system was originally hand-powered but has been converted to hydraulic operation. Kinloch lodge
Lunch at Kinloch Lodge

After this we headed off to Isle of Skye Sea Salt Company as we had heard all about them and wanted to hear about their story.

Wth water from Loch Snizort dried naturally to produce the sea salt the only human interaction is the sieving and packaging of the salt.  No machines and no power involved.  The packs are completed by hand and are made by 90% recycled content.

We were impressed by the lack of impact on the environment as well as the use of recycled card in the packaging.   The salt is made in small quantities and is used in places such as Kinloch Lodge, Cafe St Honore as well as The Three Chimneys.

Skye sea salt natural scotland europcar
Isle of Skye Sea Salt

Surely time to rest?!

Yes! A short drive to our hotel to check-in and have a quick rest stop, well we were offered a complimentary whisky each on arrival!

Skeabost Country House Hotel
Skeabost Country House Hotel – our bed for the night

But no rest for the wicked, soon it was time for dinner, this time The Three Chimneys in Colbost.  Having gained a Michelin Star this year, we were lucky to grab a space.

The three chimneys skye scotland Michelin
Food from The Three Chimneys, Skye

Driving in the dark, and slightly concerned that we were going the wrong way down a single track road with lots of spooky sheep by the roadside made this an eventful drive! We arrived safely and headed into the cosy restaurant.  A delicious meal and service, well worth seeking this one out!

Next day we were up and refreshed ready to drive homeward via Trotternish and the Quiraing in the North-east of Skye.

The Quiraing, Trotternish
The Quiraing, Trotternish
Skye europcar scotland
Uig, Skye
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Skye at its best

It was sad to leave Skye, such a beautiful place and so easy to drive around.  We’ll be back!

Homeward we got to stop at Loch Garry which looks a bit like the shape of Scotland just as the sun started to set.

Europcar Skye trip michelin eating drinking sleeping
Loch Garry, Scotland in water form!

And then a bonus of the Commando Monument at Spean Bridge in the gloaming.

Commando monument europcar scotland
Commando Monument, Spean Bridge

Europcar Skye trip michelin eating drinking sleeping

We had a fabulous time driving about, seeing the scenery and being able to visit some amazing places, and after the excitement of 2 Michelin starred restaurants we settled for fish & chips on the way home – but the chippy had run out of fish! No worries as they had everything else still on the menu.

Many thanks to Europcar for providing us with a car and fuel for our overnight trip!  The Mini Cooper was a great wee car to drive, it handled the twisty Highland roads very well and was surprisingly spacious & comfortable to sit in – a great way to experience the country. Click to find out more about their Prestige range of cars.

Emma

Emma

Hello!

I am Emma and with my husband Mark write Foodie Explorers, which is a food and travel website.

I am a member of the Guild of Food Writers and British Guild of Travel Writers.

We have a wide range of judging experience covering products, hotels and have judged, for example, for Great Taste Awards and Scottish Baker of the Year.

Along the way Mark gained WSET Level 2 in Wine and I have WSET Level 2 in Spirits as well as picking up an award with The Scotsman Food and Drink Awards.    

Usually I can be found sleeping beside a cat.

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1 Comment

  1. Laura

    i think the Quairaing might be one of the most stunning views in Scotland.
    Sounds like quite the foodie adventure! 🙂

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