About The Area
Things to see and do on the Isle of Skye
Discover the best of the Isle of Skye with our handy tourist literature provided in the cottage. Some of our favorite recommendations include Dunvegan Castle, the Quiraing, and Croft Museum in the north, and the Clan Donald Centre, Elgol with boat trips to Loch Coruisk, and the stunning beaches of Claigan Coral, Glenbrittle, Eynort, Talisker, and Fiscavaig in the south. For adventure seekers, we recommend a visit to Whitewave – Skye’s Outdoor Centre at Kilmuir near Uig. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Isle of Skye Bakery & Skyeworks Gallery in Portree for some tasty treats and unique souvenirs. Find out more below!
Golf Holidays on the Isle of Skye
Golfing on the Isle of Skye is an experience like no other. With its breathtaking scenery and challenging courses, Skye is a golfer's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, Skye has something for everyone.
One of the island's most popular courses is the Isle of Skye Golf Club in Sconser. This nine-hole course offers stunning views of the Red Cuillin (hills) and the Sound of Raasay. The course is suitable for all levels of players and is open year-round.
Another great course to check out is the Traigh Golf Course in Arisaig. This nine-hole course is located on the mainland, but can be easily accessed from Skye by ferry. The course is set on a sandy beach, offering stunning views of the sea and the islands beyond.
For a truly unique golfing experience, head to the Three Chimneys Restaurant and House in Colbost. This luxury hotel has a three-hole golf course located on its grounds, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
No matter which course you choose, you're sure to have a memorable golfing experience on Skye. So pack your clubs and head to this beautiful island for a round or two.
The best beaches to visit on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is known for its rugged landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and stunning natural beauty. With over 400 miles of coastline, the island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From secluded coves to long stretches of sand, there is a beach to suit everyone’s taste. Here are some of the best beaches on Skye:
First up is Coral Beach, located on the Waternish peninsula. It's a picturesque spot with clear blue waters and stunning views of the nearby islands. The beach is made up of crushed white coral, giving it a unique appearance. It's a great spot for a picnic or a paddle in the sea.
Next is Talisker Bay, located on the west coast of the island. It's a secluded spot with dramatic cliffs and a large stretch of golden sand. The beach is popular with surfers, and there are some great waves for experienced riders. It's also a great spot to watch the sunset over the Western Isles (Outer Hebrides).
Glenbrittle Beach is another popular spot, located on the west coast of Skye. It's a long stretch of white sand backed by dramatic mountains, making it a breathtakingly beautiful spot. The beach is a great spot for a swim, and there are plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide.
Eilean Donan Beach, located in Dornie, is a great spot for families. It's a small, sheltered beach with calm waters and plenty of rock pools to explore. It's a great spot for a paddle or a picnic, and there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore.
Last but not least is Staffin Beach, located on the east coast of Skye. It's a rugged spot with stunning views of the Trotternish peninsula. The beach is popular with fossil hunters, and there are plenty of interesting rocks to explore. It's a great spot for a walk along the coast, and there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore.
These are just a few of the amazing beaches on the Isle of Skye. With so many beautiful spots to explore, it's no wonder the island is such a popular destination for visitors.
The best walks on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is home to some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Scotland, and the best way to explore them is on foot. From gentle strolls to challenging hikes, there's a walk for every level of fitness and experience. Here are some of the best walks on the Isle of Skye.
The Quiraing is one of the most popular walks on Skye. The trail takes you through a surreal landscape of towering rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and rolling hills. The views from the top are simply breathtaking, and on a clear day, you can see for miles around. The walk is about 6.8km long and takes around 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level. It's a moderately challenging hike with some steep sections, but the effort is well worth it.
The Old Man of Storr is another iconic landmark on the Isle of Skye. The walk to the Old Man is short but steep, with some challenging sections, but the views from the top are simply stunning. The trail is about 3.8km long and takes around 1-2 hours to complete. The Old Man of Storr is a towering pinnacle of rock that dominates the surrounding landscape, and it's well worth the climb to see it up close.
The Fairy Pools, located near the village of Carbost, are a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls that are famous for their bright blue and turquoise hues. The walk from Torgorm Cottage to the Fairy Pools is a moderate four-mile hike, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls along the way. It's a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping, but visitors should be aware that the water can be very cold, even in the summer months.
The Cuillin, the famous mountain peaks on the Isle of Skye, are a mecca for experienced walkers and climbers and offer some of the most challenging hikes in Scotland. The Black Cuillin, which are composed of jagged peaks and sheer ridges including 12 Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet), are particularly popular with mountaineers. For those who are less experienced, there are plenty of easier walks in the area, such as the Red Cuillin accessible from Sconser and Sligachan, the Fairy Pools or the Quiraing.
Neist Point Lighthouse, located on the most westerly point of Skye, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in coastal walks and stunning views. The walk to the lighthouse is short and easy, but the views along the way are breathtaking. From the lighthouse, visitors can see the Outer Hebrides on a clear day, and there are often sightings of whales and dolphins in the waters below.
Finally, Loch Coruisk is a remote freshwater loch that is surrounded by the towering peaks of the Cuillin. Accessible only by boat (from Elgol) or on foot, the loch is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The walk to Loch Coruisk takes around four hours from Sligachan and passes through some of the most beautiful scenery on the island, including Glen Sligachan. Once at the loch, visitors can take a boat tour or enjoy a picnic on the shore.
Visit Portree
Portree is a picturesque town located on the east coast of the Isle of Skye. It is the largest town on the island and the main hub for visitors to Skye. The town is surrounded by hills and has a picturesque harbour, making it a popular spot for photographers. Portree is a great place to base yourself while exploring the rest of the island or to simply spend a day wandering around.
One of the must-see attractions in Portree is the colourful harbour, which is full of fishing boats and pleasure craft. There are also plenty of seafood restaurants, cafes and pubs nearby where you can enjoy fresh local seafood or a traditional Scottish meal. If you are interested in art, the town has a number of galleries and shops selling local crafts, including pottery, jewellery and knitwear.
For those interested in history, the Isle of Skye Candle Company Visitor Centre in Portree offers an interesting insight into the island’s past. The centre includes displays, a pizzeria, wellness space, a cinema and a shop selling locally made products. The town also has a number of historic buildings, including the 19th-century St Columba’s Church and the nearby Dunvegan Castle, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited castles in Scotland and well worth a visit.
If you are looking for outdoor activities, Portree is a great starting point for hiking in the nearby Cuillin, fishing in nearby lochs, or taking a boat trip to see the local wildlife, including dolphins, whales and seals. The town also has a golf course and a swimming pool for those who prefer more leisurely activities.
Overall, Portree is a charming town with plenty to see and do, making it a great destination for visitors to the Isle of Skye. Whether you are interested in history, art, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying the local food and drink, there is something for everyone in Portree.
Visit Talisker Whisky Distillery
If you're a fan of whisky, or just interested in learning more about the production process, a visit to the Talisker Distillery on the Isle of Skye is an absolute must. Nestled close to Torgorm Cottage, in the picturesque village of Carbost, the distillery has been producing its famous single malt since 1830, using the pure spring water that flows down from the Cuillin.
Talisker is known for its distinctive, peaty flavour, which is achieved by using malted barley that has been dried over peat fires. The whisky is then aged for a minimum of 10 years in oak casks, giving it a rich and complex flavour that's loved by whisky enthusiasts around the world.
Visiting the distillery is a fascinating experience, giving you the chance to see firsthand how Talisker is made. Guided tours are available throughout the day, and take you on a journey through the entire production process, from milling the barley to bottling the finished product. You'll learn about the history of the distillery, as well as the different types of whisky produced here.
One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to sample some of Talisker's finest whiskies, including the classic 10-year-old expression and the more complex 18-year-old. The distillery's staff are knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the whisky or the production process.
After the tour, you can browse the distillery shop, which stocks a wide range of Talisker products, including exclusive bottlings and limited editions. The shop also sells a range of whisky-related gifts and souvenirs, making it the perfect place to pick up a memento of your visit.
If you're looking for a truly unforgettable experience, you can also book a Talisker Tasting Tour, which includes a private tour of the distillery, a tasting of several different Talisker expressions, and a chance to fill your own bottle straight from the cask.
Whether you're a whisky enthusiast or just looking for a fun and informative day out, a visit to the Talisker Distillery is an absolute must when you're on the Isle of Skye. With its stunning location, fascinating history, and world-renowned whiskies, it's an experience you won't forget in a hurry.
Visiting Skye: A Guide to the Island’s Must-See Attractions
Skye, known for its rugged landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a popular destination for travellers seeking to explore the wild and untouched beauty of the Scottish Highlands. The island boasts a range of must-see attractions, from ancient castles and towering rock formations to thrilling boat safaris and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Here is a guide to some of Skye's top attractions that are not to be missed.
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle is a spectacular fortress located on the shores of Loch Dunvegan. The castle has been home to the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years and is one of the most popular visitor attractions on Skye. Visitors can explore the castle's magnificent gardens and take a tour of the castle's interior to learn about the rich history and legends of the MacLeod clan.
Storr Rock and The Quiraing
Storr Rock and The Quiraing are two iconic geological formations that showcase Skye's unique landscape. Storr Rock, standing tall at 50 meters, is a popular spot for hikers and rock climbers, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and coastlines. The Quiraing, on the other hand, is a rugged geological formation consisting of towering cliffs, pinnacles, and jagged rock formations, and is a must-see for any landscape lover.
Boat Safaris and Wildlife Tours
Skye's pristine waters and rugged coastline make it a perfect location for boat safaris and wildlife tours. Visitors can take a boat trip to explore the remote corners of the island, spotting seals, dolphins, porpoises, and even whales along the way. Wildlife tours offer the opportunity to observe some of Skye's most elusive creatures, including red deer, golden eagles, and sea eagles.
Clan Donald Centre
The Clan Donald Centre is a cultural centre located on the Sleat peninsula, dedicated to preserving the rich history and traditions of the Macdonald clan. The centre is home to a museum, library, and genealogy centre, as well as a beautiful garden and woodland trail. Visitors can explore the centre's exhibitions and learn about the history of the Macdonald clan, one of the most prominent clans in Scottish history.
Boat Trips to Loch Coruisk
Loch Coruisk is a secluded freshwater loch located in the heart of the Cuillin. The loch is surrounded by towering mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a boat trip to explore the loch and its surroundings, enjoying the stunning views and learning about the history and geology of the area.
Skye Skins and Local Crafting Trails
Skye is renowned for its traditional crafts, including wool weaving, pottery, and jewelry making. Visitors can take a tour of local crafting trails, visiting local makers and learning about traditional techniques and materials. Skye Skins is a local business that specializes in sheepskin products, offering a range of high-quality products made from locally sourced materials.
Skye is a magical place, full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are interested in hiking and rock climbing, exploring ancient castles and cultural centres, or spotting wildlife and enjoying boat trips, Skye has something to offer for everyone. Don't miss out on these top attractions during your next visit to the island. Book your stay at Torgorm Cottage today!