Special stop at Staffin slipway

Road trips are great for the soul…

They are also good for inspiration too! The road trip to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland in our vintage VW camper van continues on the stunning Isle of Skye. Our travels took us further up the north-east coast on the Isle of Skye to Staffin slipway, near Staffin Bay.

Once again, the journey is very much a part of the experience, not just the destination! The journey to Staffin took us past the iconic Old Man of Storr mountain and rocky outcrop. As seen in the movie Prometheus. Apparently it might even get used in a new Game of Thrones prequel that is supposed to be filmed on the Isle of Skye? It really does have a very cinematic type of landscape!

The seclusion of Staffin

Staffin promised to be a beautiful and peaceful spot right by the sea. For us, it would be restful ‘home’ for a few days. A chance to relax and explore the local area and be inspired by the fantastic surroundings. After all the walking and scrambling around the Fairy Pools, it would be nice just to chill for a bit. Staffin seemed to be the perfect spot! Plus it had ‘facilities’ too, ie; a tap with running water. What more could you want?

The slipway, built more than a century ago, was effectively a lifeline for generations of local people with essential supplies being delivered by boat. It was, and is, a source of fish and other seafood and the slipway area is a key recreational asset for Staffin’s community and visitors whether it is fishing, camping, walking or bird watching.

Dinosaurs on the prowl

It was a really beautiful location. Nice and secluded, yet still pretty popular with locals and camper vans/motorhomes. There was a small village you could walk to either over the cliffs, or up and around the windy coast road. Always nice to know that there are options to top up on supplies if needed. Staffin bay has also become popular due to the discovery of dinosaur footprints dating back 170 million years! There was even a dinosaur museum you can visit.

We also found an award-winning social enterprise and charity called Columba 1440 based there. It was set up to help young people realise that they already have the inner greatness and confidence to transform their own lives and those around them.

As part of the centre, they also ran a great cafe for snacks and meals, which were great. It was an interesting opportunity to chat with the people there and hear their stories and more about the work of Columba 1440. A great place, and good to be able to support their work in a small way. Worth checking out if you are in the area…

Cool Campers

We were not the only cool camper enjoying the area. This very funky Tonke camper from the Netherlands arrived. It was great to meet the young Dutch family using it. We shared a mutual admiration of each other’s vehicles.

Turns out they also had a nice T25 Westfalia camper at home. This was a promo vehicle they were using for some photography opportunities. Perfect for them as Martin Fickweiler is a photographer and climbing adventurer. Always fun to meet interesting people on your travels.

Creative inspiration

The landscape, colours and textures of our surrounds were really amazing. Creatively, very inspiring. For me, great for some photography and videos. For Lorna, her inspiration is often (although not exclusively) outworked in knitting.

Lorna had brought a selection of the fabulous Noro Yarn Silk Garden yarn (10% Wool, 45% Mohair and 45% Silk) with her on the road trip. She likes to travel with a selection of yarns with her, as you never know what might inspire you. I really loved the Noro Yarn yarn, and their brand concept was right up my street!

‘Harmonize natural unevenness, asymmetric pattern and complex colour to portray the beauty of nature. Taking sufficient time to dye and yarn natural flavours and tenderness of materials to preserve their original characters and deliver them into the hands of you.’

‘Be free from existing concepts and limitations’

‘Pursue the image in our minds’

These are what we value for our manufacturing – The World of Nature.

Natural Inspiration

The world of nature rarely disappoints when it comes to sources of inspiration. Despite the apparent harshness of the environment, there was a delicacy to be found. Subdued earthy colours, contrasted by bright highlights. There was beauty all around.

Nature always finds a way to surprise you. Like this crazy little forest. Who wants regular and simple when you can have this.

‘Harmonize natural unevenness, asymmetric pattern
and complex colour to portray the beauty of nature’

This was like a living embodiment of the Noro Yarn brand concept.

Made with love…

So on a day of ‘not such great weather’ Lorna made the most of being in the camper. She took inspiration from our surroundings and produced this amazing new hat for me! Made with love, made for memories, made for me!

My new über cool, hand made in Noro Silk Garden hat has love and memories knitted right into its very core. It reflects brilliantly our memories and experiences from our time here in both Staffin and Scotland. Plus it keeps you warm as well! What more could you want? Such an awesome way to remember this road trip, the landscape, our experiences thus far!