Men in Kilts – Episode 6 Review
Not what I would have expected from Men in Kilts Episode 6, but it’s all about different modes of transport. With such rugged terrain and dozens of islands to visit, it makes sense that you need to travel by Land, Air and Sea to get around it all effectively.
This is a really widespread episode with Outlander reunions, seaplane journeys, wild swimming and death defying, extreme sports. In my opinion, the best thing about Men in Kilts Episode 6 is that it showcases some of the less common things to do in Scotland. Anything that spreads Scottish tourism away from the same old spots is good news in my books.
If you missed Episode 5 then click here to go back and read that one first! All of the previous episode reviews are up and even if you aren’t watching the series, you’ll hopefully still enjoy the write ups.
On The Ferry
It’s fitting that Men in Kilts Episode 6 opens with some travel by sea. Today, we think of crossing a loch or a short sea passage like the Minch as a huge inconvenience. But cast your mind back just a few hundred years and travelling on water was both the fastest and safest method. There’s a reason that the islands and peninsulas of the west coast have so many castles, they were incredibly well connected!
On the way, Sam tells the story of the Cailleach – Scotland’s creator deity. There are dozens of stories around this ancient, giant hag. She carved the glens, filled the lochs and used the mountains as stepping stones. Scotland has a very rich folklore and if you want to hear more of them, then after you’ve finished Men in Kilts Episode 6, why not watch some of these?
Rowing on Loch Ness
It’s time for another Men in Kilts reunion next when a rowing boat appears with Gary Lewis otherwise known as Colum Mackenzie as skipper. Since we’re talking about Scottish stories and surely there aren’t any more famous than Nessie. I’m due for a visit to the area soon and you can bet that I’ll be keeping an eye out for her.
The Loch Ness monster goes back much further than the blurry photographs that caused the media frenzy. Surprisingly enough, the first reported monster around Loch Ness was a confrontation with St Columba in the 6th century. He sent his follower out as bait and when Nessie attacked, Columba banished it with the word of God. Clearly, she thought it safe to come back out over 1000 years later.
Cycling the Quiraing
The next stop for the Men in Kilts is an attempt to cycle around the unmistakeable landscape of the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye. While I’ve never been mad enough to try and get a bike up there, I can testify it really is as steep as it looks. This entire landslip on the Trotternish Peninsula is actually still moving towards the sea and the road needs repaired practically every year.
Scotland might be a country famous for the hills and glens, but it’s a great place to cycle. In certain areas like the smaller islands, this would be my preferred method of transport. With a well suited bike, you can get off some of the main roads and onto the thousands of miles of rough track. If you’re looking for the road less travelled then head for those that only a bike can handle!
Wild Swimming
There is no better way of cooling off in Scotland than what’s become known as “Wild Swimming”. Don’t underestimate the power or depth of water though. Tragically people lose their lives every year in the water so please give this a read before you take the plunge! Trust me that even on a warm day, the water will be refreshingly cold.
Thousands of people visit the Fairy Pools on Skye for a dip every year, it’s an undoubtedly beautiful location. Unfortunately, it’s become a little bit too crowded for my liking. I’m happy to say I’ve found a good alternative on another island. Read all about North Glen Sannox on the Isle of Arran here!
If you’re looking for other locations then the Falls of Falloch near Loch Lomond is another great swim spot as is right next to Castle Tioram.
Loch Lomond Seaplane
We’ve had land, we’ve had sea so now it’s time for Episode 6 to take us to the air. I’ve never taken a sea plane although hopefully that’s something I’ll remedy this year. The Men in Kilts fly past Ben Lomond which is what’s known as a Munro – a hill over 3000ft. There are 282 in total to hike and if you want to learn more then have a read of How to Hike Your First Munro!
Abseiling Kilt Rock
The last stop for Men in Kilts Episode 6 is one of my favourites. Everybody knows of Scotland as a historical, beautiful, romantic location with incredible scenery. I don’t think enough people realise it’s a location for adventure tourism as well. Climbing, white water rafting, bungee jumping and gorge walking are just a few available options.
On this occasion, Sam and Graham are due to abseil down Kilt Rock on Skye. I’ve done plenty of abseiling in the past but from moderately sized rocks, not an enormous cliff so I’m not sure I have the head for these heights. Graham struggles enormously with this, Sam won’t stop cracking jokes and massive kudos to him for actually doing it on camera.
It does tie the episode together nicely though. Hanging off the Land, while dangling over the Air and hoping you don’t end up in the Sea!
If you’re watching along with the show then next up is the Episode 7 Review here!
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2 Comments
Marianne · February 22, 2022 at 12:38 pm
I see that to visit the islands is a whole trip in itself , which I plan on doing ! By plane landing on sand , walking maybe the odd kayak. However , no climbing, uphill bike riding ( prefer downhill) and well swimming in icy waters π€π€π€ β¦ Love anything that is off the beaten path. See you one day Islands !!!!! ππ»ππ»
Graeme · February 22, 2022 at 12:49 pm
You’re going to love it! Cycling out there wouldn’t be too bad either, those islands are a little flatter than Skye!