Globetrotting adventurer names favourite place in the world '“ the Isle of Skye

A TOP adventurer who spends his life travelling the world has revealed his favourite destination - the Isle of Skye.
A view of the ruins of Castle Moil on the east coast of the Isle of Skye. Picture: AP/Jeannette GoldsteinA view of the ruins of Castle Moil on the east coast of the Isle of Skye. Picture: AP/Jeannette Goldstein
A view of the ruins of Castle Moil on the east coast of the Isle of Skye. Picture: AP/Jeannette Goldstein

Alastair Humphreys spent four years cycling the globe, walked across India and rowed without a support ship across the Atlantic Ocean.

In 2008 he completed the gruelling Marathon des Sables - a 150-mile run across the Sahara desert - despite breaking his foot along the way.

Hide Ad

Now the Yorkshireman has revealed the place he loves the most - the Isle of Skye, off Scotland’s west coast.

A view of the Cuillins. Picture: Ian RutherfordA view of the Cuillins. Picture: Ian Rutherford
A view of the Cuillins. Picture: Ian Rutherford

And he is so fascinated by the island he goes there once a year to “relax and unwind” from his adventures.

In an interview with Singapore newspaper The Straits Times, he said: “I love the scenery with its mix of mountains and oceans. I go about once a year and always feel myself relax and unwind as soon as I cross the beautiful bridge from the mainland to the island.

“It feels a million miles away from London. I wish I lived there.”

Read More
History of Scottish surnames from the Isly of Skye
A view of the Cuillin on the Isle of Skye. Picture: Bob CrawfordA view of the Cuillin on the Isle of Skye. Picture: Bob Crawford
A view of the Cuillin on the Isle of Skye. Picture: Bob Crawford

He also revealed that his favourite place to spend the night was in a bothy - a bare cottage used as a shelter which usually has no electricity, running water or working toilet.

He said: “My favourite bothy is one perched on the northern cliffs of Skye. The views of the surrounding landscape and sea are incredible, and you can sometimes see whales.

“It is very beautiful but simple.”

Hide Ad

Alastair, who was chosen as one of National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year in 2012, has sampled dishes from across the world while on his expeditions.

Portree on the Isle of Skye. Picture: Ian RutherfordPortree on the Isle of Skye. Picture: Ian Rutherford
Portree on the Isle of Skye. Picture: Ian Rutherford

But his top meal is traditional Cullen skink from Skye’s Edinbane Inn.

Hide Ad

The £5.95 dish consists of smoked haddock, potato and cream, and Alastair says he enjoys it with “a beer from the Skye brewery”.

He added: “My favourite thing to do on Skye is get out in the mountains.

“On Skye the mountains - dark and rocky and brooding - are never far from you.

A view of the Cuillins. Picture: Ian RutherfordA view of the Cuillins. Picture: Ian Rutherford
A view of the Cuillins. Picture: Ian Rutherford

“The small winding roads and little villages enhance the landscape rather than hinder it and offer a thousand different views of the ocean.”

Humphreys, who has published nine books, is also a keen photographer and videographer and gives motivational speeches at businesses and schools.

In 2011 he coined the term ‘microadventure’ - an overnight outdoor adventure that is “small and achievable” - which has since gained him a global following.

He now lives in a village outside London with his wife and two young children.

DOWNLOAD THE SCOTSMAN APP ON ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY

Related topics: