Our adventure began as soon as the wheels of our plane landed at Edinburgh Airport. We quickly collected our luggage and picked up our hire car for the journey ahead, a stunning drive across the most beautiful, wild Scottish countryside. We passed lochs and mountains as we drove westwards, endless miles of pine forest and the occasional fortress, such as the magnificent Eilean Donan castle, perched on the edge of Loch Duich, which we discovered beautifully lit up amidst the inky night skies.
We approached the Isle of Skye via the Kyle of Lochalsh, crossing the bridge that arches over Loch Alsh, only imagining the scenery hidden from us in the darkness. Our journey continued as we drove north westward to the valley of Glendale. Tucked down a narrow lane and hugging a grassy hill, we found Black Box Cabin, beautifully illuminated. We let ourselves in and chose our bedrooms, before cloud soft bedding lulled us into a blissful slumber.
The next morning, we awoke eager to explore our home for the next few days. Thoroughly refreshed, we took our time uncovering the cabin, with its muted tones of grey, off-white and black. Through the windows, the dreamiest of views greeted us. A plain of swaying grasses surrounded us, whilst in the distance rose a majestic summit. In between, a river flowed, silver water dancing across the rocks towards the sea just a few miles away. The occasional bleating made us aware of our neighbours, a flock of sheep grazing contentedly nearby. Above all, we noticed the peace; not a sound could be heard as we gazed in awe.
Black Box Cabin is a gorgeous, two-bedroomed retreat. Behind its blackened wood façade lies a modern, sleek homestay that belies its more traditional exterior. With brushed cement floors throughout (kept cosy warm with underfloor heating), there’s a central living area complete with a comfy off-white sofa and occasional chairs for cosy evenings in around the wood burner, and a chic concrete-topped dining table that’s situated by glass doors overlooking the wilderness outside. The kitchen, in the same spacious room, has everything needed to rustle up meals and snacks. We particularly loved the view from the sink – the ultimate scene to gaze at when washing up!
The bedrooms, located at either end of the cabin, offer an exquisite retreat away from it all. The bright and airy master bedroom has a king-sized bed with four large windows, making it perfect for long-lie ins, sitting and admiring the view whilst enjoying breakfast in bed. Next to this room lies a bathroom with a deep oval bath for long soaks after a days’ exploring. At the other end lies a simple twin bedroom, perfect for little ones or friends, with an en suite wet room for morning ablutions.
With a coffee in hand, we opened the glass doors and stepped out on to the decking. We were drawn to the spellbinding outdoor bath – something we couldn’t wait to try out later that night. In addition, a table, chairs and fire pit offer a fabulous outside living space.
We decided to make the most of the cabin, with time leisurely spent lazing, whether sipping on a glass of whiskey, reading in front of the fire or meandering around the grounds.
That evening, we decided to visit a nearby restaurant, handily just a short stroll from Black Box Cabin. A low-lying, whitewashed cottage with eye-catching red roof, Chidakasha is a fabulous vegetarian restaurant that beautifully pairs its dishes with teas from around the world. With just a few tables and two sittings (6pm or 8pm), it’s worth booking in advance as it’s a popular choice (also note that it shuts over winter). We fell in love with our dishes, taking time to savour the exquisite flavours and pretty surroundings, before strolling home again. Lighting the fire pit, we took a dip in the outdoor bath – a truly memorable experience, sipping a glass of sparkle beneath star studded skies.
The next day, after another blissful night’s sleep, we got up early to explore the northern end of the island. As we drove, we were delighted to see everything that was shrouded by night when we arrived – and what a sight! Skye is one of the most beautiful islands in the UK, and we were lucky to see it in bright sunshine that morning too. We passed glittering Loch Dunvegan, dotted with tiny verdant islands, and the world-renowned Three Chimneys Restaurant, before taking a road north onto the Trotternish peninsula. Our first destination – the Old Man of Storr.
From there, we drove back to the coast to Uig, following the coastline to Dunvegan. Here we stopped for coffee and cake, with gorgeous views over the Loch. Fully refreshed, we headed to nearby Dunvegan Castle to explore the famous gardens. We explored the lush grounds, where flowers bloomed in profusion, gentle flurries of petals in stark contrast to the imposing stone castle. There’s plenty to see here, from the walled kitchen gardens and pretty stream and waterfall to the outstanding tree collection and boat tours across the loch.
We made our way back to Black Box Cabin for a cup of tea and a rest before heading back out again to eat at the fabulous Three Chimneys Restaurant. Set on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, this world-famous eatery looks very much like a whitewashed cottage from the outside, but stepping within we found a stylish, welcoming and atmospheric space. We had booked the tasting menu at the kitchen table, a unique opportunity to enjoy eight courses, which offered an insight into the produce grown, raised and produced on the Isle of Skye.
The next day, we headed south to explore for the day, but not before visiting the nearest hotspot, Neist Point. Just up the road from the cabin, it’s famed for being home to one of the most picturesque lighthouses. It’s easy to park up and walk to the viewing point, or for the more adventurous, you can walk down and across to the lighthouse itself. The views are impressive, with craggy cliffs, atmospheric seas and birdlife galore to gaze at.
Next on the list, a visit to Talisker, famed for its whiskey distillery. We drove alongside Loch Harport, an exceptionally pretty expanse of water, before parking up and checking out the distillery. With a museum and shop, it’s an excellent immersive experience, a must for any whisky lover.
An hour or so later, we emerged with bags of gifts, then headed off to find The Oyster Shed. Well-respected and much talked about by anyone in the know, this tucked-away spot, perched high up overlooking the loch, is a popular place for lunch, where you can get anything from lobster, oysters, scallops, prawns and smoked salmon, all served with chips and a wedge of lemon. Best eaten standing up, using the old whiskey barrels as tables, this is open-air eating at its best.
Next, we drove on to the island’s capital, Portree. Nestled on the edge of Loch Portree, there’s a plethora of shops selling pottery, souvenirs, locally made clothes, plus plenty of places to eat, from ice cream parlours to traditional looking hotels.
We then ambled back to Black Box Cabin to enjoy our last night. We put together some snacks from our trips out and ate in front of the fire, heading outside for a final night in front of the fire pit, gazing at the stars, before slipping softly into our beds for the final night.
The next morning, we packed up and said our goodbyes to Black Box Cabin. We had fallen in love with this wild Scottish idyll and wished we could have stayed forever. As we drove back over the island, the view from the bridge simply astonishing. We both agreed that we’d most certainly return to the beautiful and mysterious island of Skye.
If you’re flying, the nearest airport to the Isle of Skye is Inverness, whilst flying into Glasgow means you’ll have a wonderful journey past Loch Lomond, and from Edinburgh you pass along the Cairngorms.
Black Box Cabin is the perfect Scottish retreat for couples, families and friends alike, offering so much to see and do, only a short drive away. A must for walkers, nature-lovers, history buffs and adventurers, or those simply seeking a refuge away from it all, a stay at Black Box Cabin will leave you with magical memories.
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