Where to go & just a taste of what to see

Although it is a small, fairly sparsely populated island, it holds an enormous range of possibilities for visitors. If you have a particular interest e.g. fossils/dinosaurs, wildlife, Vikings, Clans, ceramics, art and paintings, or textiles, then just let us know and we can point you in the right direction.

Because of its beauty and history Skye gets quite a few visitors, especially in the summer, but there are still many relatively ‘undiscovered’ spots which deserve attention.

Tourist book - Every tourist goes to Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr, Talisker Distillery, Neist Point Lighthouse ...... and they are well worth seeing! But there are other less visited but just as interesting attractions.

Out of the way

Scenic
MacLeods Tables - flat topped mountains west of Dunvegan. Climb to the top for a stunning view across the Minch to the Outer Hebrides.... If the weather is kind.

MacLeods Maidens - pinnacles of rock guarding the entrance to Loch Harport.

Ardmore Bay & Trumpan Church – a few miles from the Cabin, a beautiful curving bay with a range of wading birds

Dunvegan Head – some of the highest cliffs in Britain... Lay on the edge and look at the drop down to clear blue sea below, with the occasional seal or dolphin if you are fortunate.

Castles & Forts
Duns & Brochs – beautiful Iron Age round tumbled stone fortifications found across Skye. Dun Hallin near the Cabin is one of the best. How did they build them?

Clan Castles - some grand and still lived in like Dunvegan. Others majestically ruined overlooking the sea - Duntulm.

Viking remains – Vikings ruled Skye and most of the Hebrides for many years and most of the place names on Skye reflect this Viking past.

Fossils
Skye is a rich source of fossils from the ammonites beds around Broadford and near the Cabin at Lochbay, to the ‘Dinosaur’ areas north of Uig and around Staffin where remains of dinosaurs, especially footprints can be seen on the flat stone terraces of the beaches.

Wildlife
Between mid spring to autumn the waters around Skye host a range of whales, dolphins & porpoises.... and basking sharks (up to 7-8m long). A number of boats are available around the island to take you out to look for them.
Skye is home to a large variety of birdlife, from the iconic eagles, both Sea Eagle and Golden Eagle to the smaller but sometimes more interesting species such as puffins & corncrakes. Just ask us if you want to know where to look. www.skye-birds.com is a particularly useful website here.
Often neglected, Skye has a number of nationally, and some globally, important plant species and habitats. Orchids and lichens are particularly interesting.

And don’t forget the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) which can be seen at times across the northern horizon during the dark nights between mid Autumn to early Spring… If the weather is kind & the sky is clear.

When it is wet

There are a number of good potteries on Skye most open all year with a beautiful array of ceramics to see and buy. Look especially for Armadale, near the ferry, Uig, and the wood fired pots at Edinbane.

Spinning, weaving and yarn dyeing has a long history on Skye. Look out for a range of craft enterprises across the island. Skye Skyns produces cosy fleeces and the shop in Waternish is well worth a visit.https://www.skyeskyns.co.uk

Artist and photographers are often drawn to Skye. The results can be seen in a number of galleries, often in tiny hamlets and unexpected places.Other crafts abound such as candle and soap making to stained glass panels and sword making. There is always something new to find.

Walking and Cycling on Skye

A number of walks and off road cycle routes are near the Cabin. Please see the maps and walk information in cupboard drawer or just email us for more details. Because of its secluded setting away from background lighting, the Cabin provides beautiful views of the night sky, and the occasional glimpse of Northern lights.. but usually Autumn through to Spring. It remains light during much of the summer night time.Walking and cycling trails can either be along graded tracks or paths, or along more difficult routes that require additional care. These routes cover a range of beautiful scenery, from coastal cliff walks along Skye’s western edge through woods and across moorland to the difficult technical climbs of the Cuillin range to Trotternish ridge, there is something for everyone.

A website with a few more ideas: www.walkhighlands.co.uk

Useful Links

Visitor information for Skye -

• http://visit-waternish.co.uk (For a more local information website for the Waternish area)

• http://www.theskyeguide.com/

• https://www.isleofskye.com/

• http://www.skye.co.uk/

• https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/portree-p236431

Edinbane Pottery - http://www.edinbane-pottery.co.uk

Divers Eye - http://www.divers-eye.co.uk/

Dandelion Designs - Craft Workshop and Images Gallery - http://www.dandelion-designs.co.uk/

Skye Skins - Sheep Skin Tannery and shop - https://www.skyeskyns.co.uk/

Waternish Farm - Corncrakes, walks and afternoon tea - www.waternishfarm.com

Go to St Kilda - Day trips to the dual World Heritage Site & National Nature Reserve. Departing from April – September from Stein Jetty – a natural & historical adventure of a lifetime. - www.gotostkilda.co.uk

Cuckoo Tree Studio - Artist’s Working Studio and Gallery Space. -  www.cuckootree.com  

Aros Community Cultural Centre (cinema, theatre, St Kilda Exhibition, cafe, shop) - http://www.aros.co.uk/

Portree Tourist Information Office - http://www.visitscotland.com/