The Isle of Skye
Things to See and Do on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is well known for it's outstanding natural beauty and many of the things to see and do around Skye revolve around this fact. Unfortunately many of the most beautiful places on Skye are rather difficult to get to but certainly worth the extra effort required.
Scotland has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world and the Hebrides certainly has many of them. The Outer Hebrides has vast expanses of golden sands (and you often find yourself the only person walking them") but in the Inner Hebrides the beaches take the form of smaller and more personal spaces.
Braes Beach, just south of Portree, is an easily accessible and reasonably well sheltered beach with a gentle slope. Surrounded by caves and sea stacks it has amazing views that beg to be photographed. Other beaches include Camas Daraich at the far south of Skye, Claigan Coral Beach just north of Dunvegan, Glen Brittle Beach at the head of Loch Brittle, Staffin and Waterloo (near Broadford) have a number of beaches.
Around the coast of Skye are a number of incredible little caves when scream out at you to be explored, however it is EXTREMELY important that you know exactly what you are doing if you decide to venture further! Please always be aware that coastal caves are extremely dangerous with a great many of them only being accessible at low tide. Please check and double check the tide times before leaving. One of the most interesting caves to be found on the Isle of Skye is Spar Cave near Elgol, famously visited by Sir Walter Scott in 1814 the roof of the cave has been stained by the candles of the Victorian tourists.
Another popular way to explore Skye is by a boat trip which enables you to experience the views only possible from the sea.
Misty Isle Boat Trips: Tel: 01471 866288
Rainy Day Activites on Skye
Yes, it is a sad fact that it rains alot on the Isle of Skye. Often it is just short showers but sometimes the day is dominated by heavy rain and strong winds. Luckily there are a number of things to do on Skye when the weather drives you indoors.
Aros is a visitor centre located on the outskirts of Portree overlooking the bay. It has a cinema, shops and a restaurant, lots to keep all ages interested.
Tel: 01478 613649
Glendale Toy Museum is a very small museum (2 rooms) dedicated to toys and games of the past. Of course children of all ages will find it fascinating (and that includes the parents!). The visit can take more than an hour!
Tel: 01470 511240
Skye Museum of Island Life is a small group of blackhouses at Kilmuir (about 6 miles north of Uig) with each blackhouse having a particular theme such as the blacksmiths or the weaver's cottage. Together the thatched cottages bring to life the life of the crofter of the 19th and early 20th century. Allow yourself plenty of time.
Skye Serpentarium is a small building just off the main road just outside (east) of Broadford. It is well sign posted and do not be put off by the size of the building it is incredible inside! It is run by some of the friendliest people I have met, they are experts in their field and participate in breeding programs and the likes. Even when it is crowded you are given the opportunity to handle some of the snakes and other reptiles. Nextdoor is a small cafe which serves some excellent snacks.
Tel: 01471 822209 / 822533
The Talisker Distillery is the only distillery on the Isle of Skye. The distillery is at Carbost and it gives regular whisky tours which includes sampling (under eights not allowed). There is also the distillery shop which is always worth a visit.
Tel: 01478 614308