Over the Sea To Skye - On The Historic Kylerhea Ferry

Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
Onward! the sailors cry;
Carry the lad that's born to be King
Over the sea to Skye
by
Sir Harold Boulton (1859 – 1935 )

If ever you decide to go over the sea to Skye, you must not miss the chance to ride on the MV Glenachullish, a tiny car ferry – the only remaining turntable ferry in the world that is manually operated. The ferry operates across the Kyle Rhea straits, connecting Glenelg on the Scottish mainland with Kylerhea on Skye.

Since the Skye Bridge opened in 1975, it is tempting to just take the bridge across and back, but what I suggest you do, as we did last year, is to take the bridge across, but return via the Kylerhea Ferry further south on the island at Kylerhea. There is another main ferry crossing that most people know about, crossing from Mallaig on the mainland to Armadale on Skye, but the crossing you really must experience is the one from Glenelg across to Kylerhea. The scenery approaching the ferry on both sides is spectacular, and you will feel as if you have stepped back in time.

This is the view from the isle of Skye looking down towards the ferry and across the Kyle Rhea straits. The road, like many in the highlands and Islands, is not for the faint of heart. It is a one track road with passing places, and you must understand the etiquette of driving on those roads. Whoever is closest to a Passing Place must pull in to allow the other to pass. It is then customary to flash your lights and give a small wave to say Thank You.

Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: Canon 5D Mark II
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Another view of the Kyle Rhea straits and mainland Scotland.

Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: iPhone 6S Plus

Be prepared for roadblocks - Scottish style - on the way to the ferry on the Skye side.

Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: iPhone 6S Plus

The ferry has just arrived from Glenelg.

Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: iPhone 6S Plus

The view from the ferry is breathtaking.

Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: iPhone 6S Plus

The Painted Rock greets us on the Glendale side of the crossing.

Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: iPhone 6S Plus

Buy some souvenirs of your historic crossing at the lighthouse, which serves as a small gift shop.

Image ©Diane Macdonald. All Rights Reserved. Camera: iPhone 6S Plus