PAGE 38 DAILY RECORD Saturday, July 18, 2015MORE AT DAILYRECORD.CO.UK

TRAVEL with MELANIE HARVEY

VISITORS may not need to board a bonny boat to get to Skye any more but the romance of the island remains.

During the trip north and across the bridge you take in some of Scotlands most spectacular scenery.

Eilean Donan Castle in Lochalsh is as stunning as it appears on postcards and is well worth a stop.

Its little wonder tourists from the Americas beat such a path to Skye. And it doesnt matter what season you pick, the views are breathtaking.

A car is, however, essential for trips around the island and it makes sense to fill up before you

venture over the water.The majesty of the

island, unfortunately, may remain a secret if it is hit with one of its regular power cuts particularly in autumn and winter when the petrol stations as well as everything else close down.

But most of the hotels have emergency power and a drink alcoholic or otherwise can usually be provided.

If you succeed in negotiating the mountain tracks, head north to Trotternish, where the famous Kilt Rock is situated.

The sea cliff is said to resemble a kilt, with vertical basalt columns forming the pleats and intruded sills of dolerite forming the pattern.

Nearby is Flora MacDonalds grave and no trip to the island is complete without a nod

to its most famous resident and her Bonnie Prince Charlie.

But the island is awash with other history, much of it bloodthirsty.

The Skeabost Country House Hotel near Portree is a fabulous base for visiting the island and it has plenty to offer in historical terms itself. There has been a

COME SKYE WITH ME

Its no wonder thousands cross the bridge every year to see the

romantic isle with its rich history

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house of one sort or another on the site for centuries.

The Norse name means The Sheltered House and in the grounds and surroundings there are places of real antiquity which are identifiable in the ancient writings of Scotland.

On an island in the River Snizort, which can be accessed by an old road bridge near the main driveway of the grounds, are the ruins of two small chapels associated with St

Columba the first missionary to Scotland.

St Columbas Island is the ancient burial ground and site of the Cathedral Church of the Bishop of the Isles from 1079-1498.

Another historic attraction is the Mortuary Chapels Nicolsons Aisle, where, tradition has it, 28 clan chiefs are buried.

It is understood St Columba preached from a rock on the island in the sixth century as he began

MARTIN stayed at Eshott Hall, part of a select group of high-end hotels. Look out for special offers such as the Summer Luxury Break, with Champagne afternoon tea on arrival, two nights B&B and an a la carte dinner in the restaurant each night for 475 per room based on two sharing. Go to www.eshotthall.co.uk

Facts

Gardens with the Capability to thrillTHERE is a growing market for specialist interest holidays these days, with tourism operators offering tailored packages for enthusiasts.

And the green shoots of this blossoming sector are clear to see for keen gardeners.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Northumberland, where some of the countys most impressive estates are preparing to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of that doyen of the green-fingered brigade, Capability Brown.

His name may sound more suited to a Wild West stage musical but the life of Lancelot Capability Brown, who was born in 1716, is one that holds remarkable fascination for gardeners.

The landscape gardens he designed in the 18th century were ground-breaking and he acquired celebrity status.

There is no better base from which to see his creations than Eshott Hall, a country house hotel midway between the towns of Alnwick and Morpeth.

The staff at Eshott are more than happy to tailor a package that includes entry tickets to the notable gardens.

One of the best known is at Alnwick Castle, seat of the Duke of Northumberland, which has featured in the Harry Potter films and TV drama Downton Abbey.

Brown, a Northumberland man himself, was hired by the 3rd duke to landscape the estate.

Alnwick draws huge numbers of people to what has become a fascinating pleasure garden, with a wide range of activities for families.

For adherents of Brown, the ornamental garden is worth the climb from the entrance but so, too, are the rose garden, poison garden, water feature and, perhaps most of all, the bamboo labyrinth.

Some 20 miles to the south is another garden with links to Brown.

Gifted to the National Trust in 1941, Wallington Halls grounds are divided into the East and West Woods, the latter of which boasts a wildlife hide, red squirrel trail and adventure playground.

However, its the East Wood that draws gardeners with its magnificent walled

garden and hot houses. Wallingtons countryside manager is Paul Hewitt, a huge admirer of, and encyclopaedic authority on, Brown. He is thrilled at the prospect of next years anniversary.

Paul said: We hope as many people as possible will visit Wallington to see the gardens here and the connections we think Capability Brown has with the estate.

Guests at Eshott Hall whose own gardens are well worth exploring are in for a considerable treat, especially from the double AA Rosette-winning fine dining restaurant.

Eshott does not have a spa of its own but guests are welcome at its sister hotel, Doxford Hall, which boasts fabulous facilities a few miles away.

Its a place in which it would be very easy to set down roots.M www.alnwickgarden.com and www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington

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PLEAT VIEW Kilt Rock, on the Trotternish peninsula. Main picture, Skye Bridge

MARTIN LAINGreporters@dailyrecord.co.uk

WATER DELIGHT The Grand Cascade is the striking centrepiece of Alnwick Garden

VIVIENNE AITKENv.aitken@dailyrecord.co.uk