remote SKYE & romantic
DISCOVER THE NOOKS AND CRANNIES OF THE NORTH YORK MOORS NATIONAL PARK – A PLACE WHERE HISTORY, CREATIVITY AND NATURAL BEAUTY COME TOGETHER…
Otherworldly landscapes, quaint fishing villages and rugged shoreline mark out the Isle of Skye as one of Britain’s most beautiful places. Truly remote and reached by bridge from Scotland’s north-west coast, Skye is the perfect destination to escape the stresses of modern life, embrace the wild setting and luxuriate in idyllic peace and quiet. Walk the beaches, explore hidden, ancient castles, and breathe the purest of salt-tinged air.
WHAT TO DO
You could try your hand at rock climbing and mountaineering on the Cuillin Hills, check out the dramatic scenery at the Old Man of Storr, swim in the Fairy Pools of Glen Brittle or take a boat trip to see the white-tailed sea eagles. Alternatively, get cosy and enjoy doing nothing. WHERE TO EAT
A favourite on the island is
The Three Chimneys, a seafood restaurant making the most of its location – the accolades have been piling up for years in celebration of head chef Scott Davies’ inventive cooking. Kinloch Lodge, a hotel on the shores of Loch na Dal, is noted for its fine dining and foraged ingredients, while The Old School offers a more casual menu in an 1870s schoolhouse.
THE PLACE TO STAY
For a far-flung romantic escape, book yourself into Supernova. A chapel conversion on a highland hillside with views across Loch Harport, this cosy rustic-chic hideaway – part of the Unique Home Stays group – promises total seclusion from the bothers of the outside world. Over in the village of Geary, Mint Croft provides similarly isolated lodgings: two crofters’ cottages looking over the sea, outfitted with devol kitchens, wood-burning stoves and local artisan welcome hampers.
Going on holiday to enjoy the calm and adventure that comes with being somewhere new doesn’t need to start with a tiring mission of airports and exceeded baggage allowance. Instead, keep things simple by staying in the beautiful British countryside and exploring all that the great North York Moors National Park has to offer.
HERITAGE AND HISTORY
Steeped in a rich local heritage, the North York Moors is home to a host of secret gardens and imposing castles, as well as the heather moorland that shapes so much of the area’s identity. Garden enthusiasts will love the botanical dreamland that is Helmsley Walled Garden, plus the English country gardens at Mount Grace Priory, House and Gardens are not to be missed. While history buffs will enjoy wandering the magnificent halls of Castle Howard, as well as stepping back in time at the ruinous remains of Rievaulx Abbey – a once powerful monastery forgotten to the pages of history.
THIS PAGE, FROM TOP The national park is home to endless walking trails and pretty picnic spots; visit Gillies Jones’ beautiful glass-blowing studio in Rosedale Abbey; explore the five colourful acres of Helmsley Walled Garden