Our recommendations for things to do and places to visit when visiting the area
Josephine
Our recommendations for things to do and places to visit when visiting the area
Our recommended ‘things to do’ and places to visit. Including our ‘must do’s’
Here are some of our recommendations for things to do and places to visit. Please just ask if you would like further information on distances/time scales etc. We pretty much know every nook and cranny in Skye & Lochalsh!
The Falls of Glomach are perhaps the most magnificent waterfalls in Britain, with a single leap of 113 metres (370 feet) The Falls of Glomach (Glomach means gloomy) are 375 feet high and as such are the highest falls in the country. However the walk up to the falls is spectacular and there is plenty to take in on the your journey.
The falls are at the end of a 2.5 mile (approximate) moderate uphill walk from the car park at Dorusduain on the old A87. Most people of ordinary fitness take their time and allow around 5 hours for the round trip.
The falls are best after rain however it should be noted that thick mist regularly hangs over the hills in these conditions, especially near the end of the track leading to the gully where the falls are and its very easy for the inexperienced to get lost if the mist comes down. Be careful and preferably go up with someone who has been before and knows the way. In the summer on good weather days the water may not be as spectacular but the views are great!
There are Ranger guided walks with The National Trust of Scotland up to the falls in the summer months.
6 locals recommend
Falls of Glomach
The Falls of Glomach are perhaps the most magnificent waterfalls in Britain, with a single leap of 113 metres (370 feet) The Falls of Glomach (Glomach means gloomy) are 375 feet high and as such are the highest falls in the country. However the walk up to the falls is spectacular and there is plenty to take in on the your journey.
The falls are at the end of a 2.5 mile (approximate) moderate uphill walk from the car park at Dorusduain on the old A87. Most people of ordinary fitness take their time and allow around 5 hours for the round trip.
The falls are best after rain however it should be noted that thick mist regularly hangs over the hills in these conditions, especially near the end of the track leading to the gully where the falls are and its very easy for the inexperienced to get lost if the mist comes down. Be careful and preferably go up with someone who has been before and knows the way. In the summer on good weather days the water may not be as spectacular but the views are great!
There are Ranger guided walks with The National Trust of Scotland up to the falls in the summer months.
One of the major attractions to the Kintail area is hill walking. There are numerous Munroe's including the Five Sisters of Kintail and the Cluanie Ridges. There are also regular guided walks scheduled during the summer by the National Trust for Scotland at their Morvich Countryside Centre.
Kintail
One of the major attractions to the Kintail area is hill walking. There are numerous Munroe's including the Five Sisters of Kintail and the Cluanie Ridges. There are also regular guided walks scheduled during the summer by the National Trust for Scotland at their Morvich Countryside Centre.
A great place to spend an hour or so is the Raiway Museum at the far end of Kyle Railway Station Platform (Skye Bridge side). Here you can see railway memorabilia from the past 100 years; right where some of it was used - in the station. The museum was set up to generate funds for Friends of the Kyle Line (FOKL) whose purpose is to keep the Kyle Line open and busy.
Kyle Railway Museum
Railway StationA great place to spend an hour or so is the Raiway Museum at the far end of Kyle Railway Station Platform (Skye Bridge side). Here you can see railway memorabilia from the past 100 years; right where some of it was used - in the station. The museum was set up to generate funds for Friends of the Kyle Line (FOKL) whose purpose is to keep the Kyle Line open and busy.
Prices are very reasonable and the trails couldn't be more dramatic. This is quintissential Highland Pony Trekking for up to 6 riders.
7 locals recommend
Glenshiel Highland Pony Trekking Centre
Prices are very reasonable and the trails couldn't be more dramatic. This is quintissential Highland Pony Trekking for up to 6 riders.
At foot of the Black Cuillins near Glenbrittle are the Fairy Pools, beautifully crystal clear blue pools on the River Brittle.
These famous pools entice visitors from all over the world, as they make some great ‘Wild Swimming’ for those brave enough to enter the cold water. For the less adventurous these magical Fairy Pools make some fantastic photos.
150 locals recommend
Fairy Pools
At foot of the Black Cuillins near Glenbrittle are the Fairy Pools, beautifully crystal clear blue pools on the River Brittle.
These famous pools entice visitors from all over the world, as they make some great ‘Wild Swimming’ for those brave enough to enter the cold water. For the less adventurous these magical Fairy Pools make some fantastic photos.
Totaig
A few minutes walk from the house, you will find the ‘viewpoint road’ of Carr Brae. Stunning views of Loch Duich & Eilean Donan castle. And an amazing dark sky to see the Northern lights of the Aurora borealis on a clear night.
Loch Duich Viewpoint, Carr Brae
A few minutes walk from the house, you will find the ‘viewpoint road’ of Carr Brae. Stunning views of Loch Duich & Eilean Donan castle. And an amazing dark sky to see the Northern lights of the Aurora borealis on a clear night.
Places to visit
Plockton has a charming seaside setting and the road follows the bay with a chocolate-box row of neatly painted cottages arranged around the curve of a tiny harbour. There is a great variety of interesting things to see and do in Plockton too. The village is great for a relaxing walk whether along the seafront or going across to the little island when the tide is low. Bikes are available to rent and explore the countryside and boats head out of the harbour on seal-spotting or fishing trips. Shopping in Plockton is rewarding too and ranges from the everyday items to high quality crafts, gifts, books and even freshly caught seafood at the pier.
Good food at the Plockton Hotel & the Plockton Inn.
53 locals recommend
Plockton
Plockton has a charming seaside setting and the road follows the bay with a chocolate-box row of neatly painted cottages arranged around the curve of a tiny harbour. There is a great variety of interesting things to see and do in Plockton too. The village is great for a relaxing walk whether along the seafront or going across to the little island when the tide is low. Bikes are available to rent and explore the countryside and boats head out of the harbour on seal-spotting or fishing trips. Shopping in Plockton is rewarding too and ranges from the everyday items to high quality crafts, gifts, books and even freshly caught seafood at the pier.
Good food at the Plockton Hotel & the Plockton Inn.
The journey over the 2053’ road called the Bealach na Ba is very rewarding. If the cloud has lifted, you’ll see the kind of views normally reserved only for mountaineers. Panoramas to the Outer Hebrides and South to the Kintail mountains. Once there, be sure to visit the famous Applecross Inn for some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat. This trip is another ‘must do’ in my opinion.
44 locals recommend
Applecross
The journey over the 2053’ road called the Bealach na Ba is very rewarding. If the cloud has lifted, you’ll see the kind of views normally reserved only for mountaineers. Panoramas to the Outer Hebrides and South to the Kintail mountains. Once there, be sure to visit the famous Applecross Inn for some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat. This trip is another ‘must do’ in my opinion.
The archetypal highland village complete with highland cattle and a river running through its centre.
Duirinish is also home to The Croft Cafe. Great home cooked food and baking.
Duirinish
The archetypal highland village complete with highland cattle and a river running through its centre.
Duirinish is also home to The Croft Cafe. Great home cooked food and baking.
Outdoor adventure
Canyoning, abseiling, biking, kayaking.
Skye Highland Adventures is an outdoor adventure experience. Offering amongst other things, kayaking to Eilean Donan Castle, secret waterfalls, exploring the rivers and coast from a new perspective. Explore the beautiful wilderness in the safe hands of expert instructors who are great fun and have years of experience.
6 locals recommend
Skye Highland Adventures ltd
Skye Highland Adventures is an outdoor adventure experience. Offering amongst other things, kayaking to Eilean Donan Castle, secret waterfalls, exploring the rivers and coast from a new perspective. Explore the beautiful wilderness in the safe hands of expert instructors who are great fun and have years of experience.
Guiding for Skye and the Cuillin. Specialising in providing high quality professional mountain guiding and climbing instruction on the Isle of Skye.
www.skyeguides.co.uk
SKYEGUIDES
Guiding for Skye and the Cuillin. Specialising in providing high quality professional mountain guiding and climbing instruction on the Isle of Skye.
www.skyeguides.co.uk
Sightseeing
The Kyle Line is 120km long and takes about two-and-a-half hours, travelling on a single track for most of the way. Although it is often referred to as starting in Inverness, this branch line actually starts in Dingwall, just outside Inverness although it is linked to the Highland capital. It just branches west from Dingwall as the Far North Line branches, well, north, to Thurso.
This railway route is all a bit train-tastic really, taking you on a journey through highland greats known as the Torridon Peaks, home to nine of the famously sought after Scottish monros. This track also winds its way through ancient forests and peaty bog, where deer roam freely and eagles soar. A great spot for deer watching is on the downhill slope between Loch Luichart to Garve, a village that comes up very soon after Dingwall. Another beauty to keep your eyes peeled for, soon after Dingwall, is the isolated peak of Ben Wyvis.
The Kyle Line
The Kyle Line is 120km long and takes about two-and-a-half hours, travelling on a single track for most of the way. Although it is often referred to as starting in Inverness, this branch line actually starts in Dingwall, just outside Inverness although it is linked to the Highland capital. It just branches west from Dingwall as the Far North Line branches, well, north, to Thurso.
This railway route is all a bit train-tastic really, taking you on a journey through highland greats known as the Torridon Peaks, home to nine of the famously sought after Scottish monros. This track also winds its way through ancient forests and peaty bog, where deer roam freely and eagles soar. A great spot for deer watching is on the downhill slope between Loch Luichart to Garve, a village that comes up very soon after Dingwall. Another beauty to keep your eyes peeled for, soon after Dingwall, is the isolated peak of Ben Wyvis.
This is probably the most famous walk on the Island and definitely the busiest. The ‘Old Man’ is a large pinnacle of rock that stands high and can be seen for miles around.
As part of the Trotternish ridge the Storr was created by a massive ancient landside, leaving one of the most photographed landscapes in the world.
127 locals recommend
The Storr
This is probably the most famous walk on the Island and definitely the busiest. The ‘Old Man’ is a large pinnacle of rock that stands high and can be seen for miles around.
As part of the Trotternish ridge the Storr was created by a massive ancient landside, leaving one of the most photographed landscapes in the world.
For one of the most spectacular views on the Isle of Skye, do not miss the Quiraing. These dramatic cliffs are gorgeous, rain or shine.
67 locals recommend
Quiraing
For one of the most spectacular views on the Isle of Skye, do not miss the Quiraing. These dramatic cliffs are gorgeous, rain or shine.
Talisker distillery is the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport in Carbost.
103 locals recommend
Talisker Distillery
Talisker distillery is the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport in Carbost.
Highly recommended
Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most recognised castles in Scotland, and probably appears on more shortbread tins and calendars than any other. It is, without doubt, a Scottish icon and certainly one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Highlands. The castle is less than a 5 minute walk from the house. Remember to book your ticket online before you visit. Lovely for a stroll round in the evening.
40 locals recommend
Eilean Donan
Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most recognised castles in Scotland, and probably appears on more shortbread tins and calendars than any other. It is, without doubt, a Scottish icon and certainly one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Highlands. The castle is less than a 5 minute walk from the house. Remember to book your ticket online before you visit. Lovely for a stroll round in the evening.
This is one of my ‘must do’ recommendations during your visit. The boat trip from Elgol on Skye into Loch Coruisk and the heart of the Cullin Mountains is amongst some of the most stunning scenery on Skye & you’ll hopefully see a host of wildlife including seals, porpoises and the occasional basking shark or minke whale. The crew are very friendly and informative. They also offer trips to the small isles, Eigg, Muck & Rum. Booking is a must.
38 locals recommend
Misty Isle Boat Trips
This is one of my ‘must do’ recommendations during your visit. The boat trip from Elgol on Skye into Loch Coruisk and the heart of the Cullin Mountains is amongst some of the most stunning scenery on Skye & you’ll hopefully see a host of wildlife including seals, porpoises and the occasional basking shark or minke whale. The crew are very friendly and informative. They also offer trips to the small isles, Eigg, Muck & Rum. Booking is a must.
One of the more stunning drives in Scotland is over the 1100 ft hairpinned pass of Mam Ratagan down to the village of Glenelg on the Sound of Sleat. The road itself is a scenic attraction with a stop at the summit for taking in the view reccommended. You should be able to see right along loch Duich on the near side and down the Glen to Glenelg, The Saddle and Sguirr Fharan on the other. The old military roads criss-cross this area as do the more recent forestry tracks and can be explored with the aid of a detailed Ordnance
A right turn at Glenelg leads past a beach and camp ground to the small Skye ferry opposite Kylerhea (http://www.skyeferry.co.uk). This ferry only takes 6 cars (plus foot passengers) and is a charming method of sailing "over the sea to Skye". The ferry house by the slipway at Glenelg was where Dr Johnson and Boswell stayed in 1773. The "narrows" crossing used to be part of the cattle drovers route when at the right tidal conditions the cattle were made to swim across on the way south to market!
cheerful welcome and has a well-deserved reputation for good, reasonably priced food and congenial company.
South of the village up a side road (down the hill to the split and turn to Glenelg village. Turn left again after the village and follow the signs) are the brochs of Dun Telve and Dun Troddan; tall stone towers (1 more than 10 metres high) with well preserved structural features. These date from 2000 years ago and are thought to have been defensive towersoccupied by families of Picts. (http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk for more information).
Further along the coast road a forest track leads to Sandaig, the site of "Camusfearna" in Gavin Maxwell's "Ring of Bright Water".
28 locals recommend
Glenelg
One of the more stunning drives in Scotland is over the 1100 ft hairpinned pass of Mam Ratagan down to the village of Glenelg on the Sound of Sleat. The road itself is a scenic attraction with a stop at the summit for taking in the view reccommended. You should be able to see right along loch Duich on the near side and down the Glen to Glenelg, The Saddle and Sguirr Fharan on the other. The old military roads criss-cross this area as do the more recent forestry tracks and can be explored with the aid of a detailed Ordnance
A right turn at Glenelg leads past a beach and camp ground to the small Skye ferry opposite Kylerhea (http://www.skyeferry.co.uk). This ferry only takes 6 cars (plus foot passengers) and is a charming method of sailing "over the sea to Skye". The ferry house by the slipway at Glenelg was where Dr Johnson and Boswell stayed in 1773. The "narrows" crossing used to be part of the cattle drovers route when at the right tidal conditions the cattle were made to swim across on the way south to market!
cheerful welcome and has a well-deserved reputation for good, reasonably priced food and congenial company.
South of the village up a side road (down the hill to the split and turn to Glenelg village. Turn left again after the village and follow the signs) are the brochs of Dun Telve and Dun Troddan; tall stone towers (1 more than 10 metres high) with well preserved structural features. These date from 2000 years ago and are thought to have been defensive towersoccupied by families of Picts. (http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk for more information).
Further along the coast road a forest track leads to Sandaig, the site of "Camusfearna" in Gavin Maxwell's "Ring of Bright Water".
Calum's Seal Trips
32 Harbour StAnother ‘must do’ recommendation. Go ‘over the sea to Skye’ on the MV Glenachulish, the last manually operated turntable ferry in the world.
12 locals recommend
Skye Ferry
Another ‘must do’ recommendation. Go ‘over the sea to Skye’ on the MV Glenachulish, the last manually operated turntable ferry in the world.
Lochalsh Woodland Garden
Lovely walking routes with spectacular views of Skye & Lochalsh
Take the loop road from Portree to Uig via the Quirang to see the iconic Old Man of Storr and the Quirang
127 locals recommend
The Storr
Take the loop road from Portree to Uig via the Quirang to see the iconic Old Man of Storr and the Quirang
Take to the sea and experience sights of the isles of Skye, Rona and Raasay that are otherwise unseen. Enjoy spectacular views of the abundant and beautiful island wildlife from the comfort of the MV Seaflower!
Seaflower Skye
Viewfield RoadTake to the sea and experience sights of the isles of Skye, Rona and Raasay that are otherwise unseen. Enjoy spectacular views of the abundant and beautiful island wildlife from the comfort of the MV Seaflower!
Food scene
Award winning seafood shop and takeaway, supplying as much locally sourced produce as possible.
11 locals recommend
Fisherman's Kitchen Kyle
Award winning seafood shop and takeaway, supplying as much locally sourced produce as possible.
Garden
A Scottish Highland Garden in Wester Ross.
With views of Skye this Highland garden offers meandering
paths through water gardens and woodland, with sculptures,
a herb garden, sunken garden and Japanese garden to
discover along the way. Voters commented:
"Vistas to die for and it's beyond magical and imaginative.'
*Beautiful, peaceful and it blends so well into its setting.'
'An Eden amongst the rugged mountains.'
Attadale Gardens
Attadale Gardens