Skye - Skye

Skye is an island of Inner Hebrides in the northwest of the Scotland.

To know

The largest among the Hebridean Islands, Skye is also a major tourist destination in the Scotland. The primacy is due to the beauty of its landscapes which can be fully enjoyed on clear days. The climate is changeable and even in summer morning drizzles and mists are not uncommon. The capital and largest city of the island is the picturesque port of Portree.

Geographical notes

Skye is part of the Highland Council and is connected to the mainland by a road bridge. The island is renowned for its spectacular landscapes, cultural heritage and abundant wildlife, including the Golden Eagle, Red Deer and Salmon.

Skye's wildlife is characterized by birds of prey such as golden eagles, buzzards and ospreys. On the coast you can find rare sea eagles, scopaccioni and cormorants. The magnificent red deer and a great diversity of smaller animals such as roe deer, red fox or weasel. Even smaller are the rarely seen vipers, but also toads, frogs, lizards and insects such as dragonflies, butterflies, snails and caterpillars. On the shores you can see gray or common seals and otters and you may be lucky enough to spot porpoises, dolphins or even whales offshore.

The Sleat peninsula is famous for its microclimate which, especially in the summer months, allows the growth of numerous plants. In this regard, the gardens of Armadale Castle are worth a visit.

Background

Inhabited since the Mesolithic, the transient tourist population increases residents during the summer months.

Spoken languages

It is also one of the more accessible regions where Gaelic is spoken, with around 30% of the local population fluent in Gaelic and a notable college Gaelic in the region of Sleat.

Territories and tourist destinations

Skye can be understood as a series of distinct peninsulas extending from the Cuillin, the mountainous center of the island. A largely missing central plateau north of the Cuillin separates Portree on the east coast and Dunvegan to the west.

• In the north (west to east):
  • Duirnish Peninsula includes Glendale, Colbost and the Neist Point Lookout Lighthouse.
  • The peninsula of Waternish it has some beautiful villages, but is otherwise often overlooked by tourists.
  • The peninsula of Trotternish it is the largest and most visited, thanks also to the splendid rock formations of the Old Man of Storr he was born in Quiraing. The A855 road (and bus lines 57A / 57C) circumnavigate this beautiful part of Skye, with numerous walking and climbing possibilities, as well as numerous attractive small settlements for overnight stops or holiday bases.
• West:
  • The peninsula of Minginish it offers a breathtaking view (but depends on the clouds!) south-east towards the Cuillin and the coast. The Talisker Distillery is located on the quiet shore of Loch Harport in Colbost.
• In the south:
  • Sleat is the gently rolling landscape that encompasses the southernmost tip of Skye and the pier of Armadale where is the ferry to and from Mallaig.

Urban centers

Other destinations

How to get

By car

Coming from Glasgow it is best to arrive in Mallaig and use the ferry as indicated above. Coming from Inverness you can instead go through Kyle of Localsh and cross the Skye Bridge.

There are two main routes to Skye. The A87 travels west from the A82 (Glasgow - Fort William - Inverness) at Invergarry (the A887 provides another connection to the A87 further north towards Inverness) a Uig, and reaches Skye across the bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland a Kyleakin on Skye.

The least used but equally scenic route is the A830, the "Road to the Isles", from Fort William to Mallaig and from there by ferry to Armadale.

On the train

There are two train stations serving Skye from the mainland, with the terminus of the West Highland Railway in Mallaig and the Kyle of Lochalsh Line which ends at its namesake destination.

From Glasgow and Fort William

The trains Scotland's Railway travel along the West Highland Railway between Glasgow, Fort William is Mallaig in about five hours of travel, where you will board one of the ferries of the Caledonian MacBrayne which will land you ad Armadale. Tickets for Armadale can be purchased at the ticket office, or on the train if boarding takes place at an unattended station.

Between May and October, a vintage steam train makes a daily round trip between Fort William is Mallaig. A second trip is also in operation between June and August. The rates are slightly higher than normal ScotRail services, but offer an extra connection. Tickets for this service can only be purchased online from the website of the West Coast Railways or by the guard on board the train.

From Inverness

Four or five ScotRail trains run south from each day Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh in two and a half hours. From there the Skye Bridge extends to connect the Isle of Skye from the mainland.

From London and the South

Connections with night trains with sleepers from London]. Euston are possible six nights a week at Glasgow, Fort William is Inverness. There is also a daily "Highland Chieftan" intercity train from London King's Cross to Inverness. For train timetables and fares please contact ScotRail or National Rail.

By bus

The buses of the Scottish Citylink It takes less than 7 hours from Glasgow directly to the central square of Portree.

On boat

Thanks to the Skye bridge (free since 2004) it is no longer essential to reach Skye by boat, but it is still a pleasant journey. The main route to the mainland is on the ferry Caledonian MacBrayne (also known as "CalMac") between Mallaig is Armadale.

The company Skye Ferry it also operates between Easter and mid-October, seven days a week, from 10:00 to 18:00. Departures are every twenty minutes or as required between Glenelg and Kylerhea, accessible from the A87 on both mainland and Skye via secondary roads.

Give her Outer Hebrides, the CalMac reaches Uig in the north of Skye from Tarbert] up Harris is Lochmaddy up North Uist. Many travelers headed to the Outer Hebrides will cross Skye en route to Uig, usually aboard the numerous daily buses Citylink from Inverness, Fort William is Glasgow.

A CalMac ferry also operates from Sconser on Skye to Inverarish on Raasay.

How to get around

By public transport

The connections between the various centers are ensured by the bus lines Stagecoach Highlands. There are no races on Saturdays and Sundays. The routes include:

• 51: Armadale - Broadford - Kyleakin - Kyle of Lochalsh (summer only)
• 52: Portree - Broadford - Armadale (summer only)
• 52A: Portree - Broadford - Kyleakin - Kyleakin - Kyle of Lochalsh (summer only)
• 54: Portree - Carbost (and the Talisker distillery) - Fiscavaig
• 55: Elgol - Broadford - Kyleakin - Kyleakin - Kyle of Lochalsh
• 56: Portree - Dunvegan - Glendale
• 57C (clockwise) and 57A (counterclockwise): Portree - Trotternish Peninsula (for Staffin, Old Man of Storr, the Quirang and Uig)
• 58: Portree Town Service
• 59: Portree - Peinchorran
• 60X (Open Top Bus): Portree - Dunvegan - Portree - Trotternish Peninsula (summer only)
• 152: Portree - Broadford - Ardvasar
• 155: Portree - Broadford - Torrin
• 158: Portree School Service

It is strongly recommended to check the timetables in advance, paying particular attention to the timetable notes relating to the days when the bus runs or not. Many of the buses listed above only run on school days; in addition, none of the local buses operate on Sundays outside the summer season. Citylink services, on the other hand, operate on Sundays all year round.

In addition to the stagecoach services on the island, Uig Taxis operates a taxi service between Portree and the Trotternish Peninsula - this service is linked with the 1500 Citylink service from Glasgow. Taxibus timetables are available on the Citylink website under Glasgow - Fort William - Skye timetable.

By car

Although substantial European and Scottish funding has been made available to improve and expand some key roads (most recently the southern section of the Armadale to Broadford), the main roads are still quite narrow and can become congested in the high season. However in the off-season driving on Skye is a delight with only the sheep roaming the tarmac to worry you. On the narrow rural roads with a single carriageway, pay attention to the passageways and drive with courtesy, be ready to pull over to allow the passage of an oncoming vehicle.

Car hire is available in Portree and Kyle of Lochalsh, but can be expensive. When traveling on the island in peak season, call ahead to check availability.

By bike

Many of Skye's roads allow for good cycling, although traffic can be a problem in late summer. If you are cycling, make sure you have a good drizzle; Skye is wet even by Scotland's standards of drizzle. The ferry from Mallaig accepts bicycles, and the ride from Armadale north to the bridge is pleasant.

By hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is never 100 percent safe, but Skye residents are generally very open to lifts to more remote areas (especially if you've missed the last bus of the day or it's raining).

What see

• The Trotternish Peninsula, including the Old Man of Storr and the Quirang, has a beautiful coastline with numerous viewpoints and numerous interesting rock formations of the Trotternish Ridge. A side road follows its coast from Staffin to Uig and offers some of Skye's best scenery.
  • Old Man of Storr ' - one of the most famous places. It's a 2-3 hour walk from the parking lot and back.
  • The Quirang it is an area of ​​towers and rocky ridges. There is also a great view from the car park, but it takes 3-4 hours to fully explore it.
• Dunvegan Castle. The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and was the ancestral home of the MacLeod clan leaders for 800 years. Discover a stunning Highland castle and estate steeped in clan history and legend, enjoy the beauty of its formal gardens, take a boat trip to see the seal colony, enjoy a meal at MacLeods Table Cafe or browse one of its four shops. 
• Kilt Rock (On the A855, approximately 2 miles south of Staffin). A cliff can be seen which bears a striking resemblance to a kilt, complete with tartan design. There is good parking and it is possible to photograph both Kilt Rock and a small stream from Loch Mealt falling off the cliff to the sea. 
• Museum of the Isles (near Armadale). 
• Clan Donald Center (To Armadale). Located on a large estate and preserves the ancestral home of the MacDonalds at Armadale Castle. Among the facilities open to the visitor are the castle park (beautiful gardens), several hiking trails and a new museum, the Museum of the Isles, which traces the history of the area (which began about 1500 years ago). The park and museum are open during the summer 7 days, 9:30 am-5:30pm; the park is open for outdoor visits all year round, while the museum's hours during the fall are Wednesday only, 11-3am, and is apparently closed during the winter months. Admission £ 4.90 for adults, £ 14.00 for families; the entrance concerns both the park and the museum. 
• An Corran (Near Staffin). Known for its dinosaur fossil footprints who lived there 160 million years ago. They can be seen at low tide. 
• Loch Coruisk. Some say the most beautiful lake in Scotland - surrounded by spectacular peaks. Accessible by boat from Elgol village or on foot from Sligachan (long but not difficult) or from Elgol via Camasunary (more difficult). 
• MacLeod's Maidens. Skye's magnificent coastline off Dunvegan road is often overshadowed by the charm of the Cuillin. Here are the highest cliffs in the UK. The "Maidens" are very suggestive sea stacks. 
• Neist Point Lighthouse. Marks the westernmost point of Skye. It sits on top of a cliff and offers wonderful views across the Minch to the Outer Hebrides and is also a good place to spot whales, dolphins and other wildlife. To get there, head south from Dunvegan and turn west on the B884 towards Colbost and Glendale. The journey should take around 45 minutes and is then a short (but steep) hike to the lighthouse. 
• Fairy Glen. A small hidden but absolutely enchanting valley of cone-shaped hills, with an atmosphere that lives up to its name. It is located on a secondary road that branches off from the A87 just south of Uig and is well worth the short detour. Please note that it is not signposted, so check the signs before you go and watch out for the uphill bend. 

There are other castles on the island that are in a state of decay, if not ruins, but still panoramic:

• Castle Moil (Caisteal Maol) (Near Kyleakin). 
• Dunscaith Castle (On the wild west coast of the Trottern peninsula). 
• Duntulm Castle (North of Uig; near the Duntulm Castle Hotel). 

Events and parties

• Skye Music Festival. It occurs every year at the end of May and takes place Ashaig Airstrip, near Broadford. Rock singers and DJs participate. 
• Skye Live. Mid June. Event with popular music, both regional and international. 

What to do

What Skye offers the most beautiful is the possibility of hiking among magnificent hill landscapes or along its bays. Also noteworthy are the boat trips to the islets that surround it. You will find the description of the walking itineraries on the website of the tourist office or on those of some private agencies.

Trekking

• Go for a walk in the Cuillins, Skye's most famous mountain group. Beware, there are no natural water sources on the ridge (except for winter snows and melt water): all the water must be brought by the visitor.
  • Walk / climb the Quiraing a landslide on the eastern wall of the Meall na Suiramach, the northernmost peak of the Trotternish ridge. You can walk around the Quiraing following a fairly easy route (7km) in about 4 hours. The Quiraing (in Scottish Gaelic: Cuith-Raing) comes from Old Norse Kvi Rand, which means "rounded fold".
• For the less adventurous, there are boat tour of the Cullins during the summer months departing from the remote village of Elgol. The view is breathtaking and you can even see some seals.

Shopping

Wool products are a well-known product of Skye. Look for them in the Clan Donald Centre's gift shop (above) or in Portree or Armadale.

• Isle of Skye Bakery, The Old Woolen Mill, Dunvegan Rd, Portree IV51 9HG (Turn close to the petrol station), ☎ 44 1478612669. A lovely little bakery, which sells great bread, scones, cakes and toppings. Upstairs they have a gallery where you can buy local arts and crafts. 
• Edinbane Pottery (On the road from Portree to Dunvegan). 

How to have fun

Night clubs

Breweries and distilleries

• ^{[link not working]}Cuillin Brewery (Adjacent to Sligachan Hotel & Restaurant, at the intersection of the A87 Broadford - Portree Road and the A863 to Dunvegan), ☎ 44 1478 650204. Micro-brewery that also offers tours. 
• ^{[link not working]}Isle of Skye Brewing Company (To Uig), ☎ 44 1470 542477. Tour of the brewery and shop open from Easter to mid-October. The most popular bottled beer breweries Black Cuillin (a black goalkeeper), Red Cuillin (an amber) e Hebridean Gold (a golden beer) are available in most of the pubs on the island. 
• Talisker Distillery (On the shores of Loch Harport harbor in Carbost, on the west coast of Skye (and not in Talisker village itself)), ☎ 44 1478 614300. Talisker is Skye's only distillery. It produces a heavy, aromatic and decidedly peaty whiskey, similar to that of Islay. Guided tours of the distillery are offered at intervals throughout the day by friendly and informative guides. Reservations are recommended, especially during the summer. £ 5 tickets including a £ 3 discount in the shop at the end of the tour. 

Note that Isle of Skye is a blended whiskey produced near Edinburgh, with no connection to the island.

Pub

• ^{[link not working]}Basement Bar (Under the Dunvegan Hotel in Dunvegan), ☎ 44 1470 521497. 
• The Old Inn (Carbost), ☎ 44 1478 640205. 
• Pier Hotel (Portree Harbor), ☎ 44 1478 612094. 

Where to eat

Moderate prices

Most of the larger Skye resorts have some sort of small shop, but don't expect a huge range of supermarket prices. If you are staying in Portree you will have a choice of local shops and supermarkets, including:

• Co-Operative, Woodlands Road (On the A87 from Skye towards Uig), ☎ 44 1478 612483. Portree's only large supermarket is - thankfully - one of this large chain with a wide range of products, including excellent organic, fair trade and ethical products. There is also a Co-op in Broadford, with a "Gulf" petrol station. 
• Portree Butchers, Wentworth Street, ☎ 44 1478 612551. 

Average prices

• ^{[link not working]}The Waverley Restaurant (Opposite the Kyle Hotel, Kyle of Lochalsh), ☎ 44 1599 534337. Specialized in home cooking. 
• The Waterside Restaurant (Railway station platform, Kyle of Lochalsh), ☎ 44 1599 524813. Specialized in simple fresh seafood. 
• The taste of India (Kyleakin), ☎ 44 1599 534134. Traditional Indian cuisine. Very popular with the locals. 
• Red Skye Restaurant (Breakish, near Broadford), ☎ 44 1471 822180. Specialized in mountain home cooking. 
• ^{[link not working]}Creelers Seafood Restaurant (Broadford), ☎ 44 1471 822281. French country dishes alongside Cajun seafood. 
• ^{[link not working]}Shores Restaurant (Plockton), ☎ 44 1599 544263. 
• Café Arriba (Quay Brae, Portree; overlooking the harbor), ☎ 44 1478 611830. A must on any visit to Portree. Extensive menu of ever-changing Mediterranean-style snacks and meals, with good coffee and an abundant vegetarian choice. Also the perfect place to sit outside overlooking the harbor. 
• Lower Deck Restaurant (On the port of Portree), ☎ 44 1478-613611. Fish and chips £ 7.50. Specialized in simple and fresh dishes based on fresh fish. 
• The Old Inn (Carbost), ☎ 44 1478 640205. Adjacent to the bunk of the same name and the eponymous B&B, beware of guides reporting superb meals and snacks - the professional chef is only employed during the summer season, so expect a rather mediocre pub meal between autumn and Easter. 
• The Uig Hotel (Uig), ☎ 44 1470 542206. Specializing in local cuisine at an average price. The menu consists of lots of fresh seafood. Nice view of the port of Uig. 
• Munros Bar - Taigh Ailean Hotel. Spring and summer 18: 00-23: 00. Local food in a super friendly pub. The winter menu is more bar food (scampi and fries, etc). Takeaway food is available all year round, which is useful if you are staying in bunks or camping. 

High prices

• Flodigarry Country House Hotel, ☎ 44 1470-552203. 
• Loch Bay Seafood Restaurant, ☎ 44 1470-592235. 
• The Old School House (In Dunvegan), ☎ 44 1470 521421. The kitchen is available from 9/20 pounds. Behind a modest facade sits one of Skye's best restaurants, with a small but safe and ever-changing menu of superb dishes. Much of the meat and fish is locally sourced, although vegetarians shouldn't expect more than one or two main dishes to choose from. 
• The Three Chimneys (Colbost, Dunvegan), ☎ 44 1470 511258, fax: 44 1470 511358, @[email protected]. Voted by "Restaurant" magazine as one of the 50 best restaurants in the world. Book in advance! 

Where stay

Skye's busiest tourist season runs from Easter until the end of September, when accommodation usually requires reservations and when some prices go up. Some places close during the winter.

The campsite is very popular with visitors to Skye, and there are numerous campsites scattered around the island, some in extremely picturesque settings.

Moderate prices

• Torvaig Camping (Portree). 
• Armadale Youth Hostel. 
• Glenbrittle Youth Hostel (Cuillin Hills), ☎ 44 1478 640278, 44 8701 553255. The most remote of Skye's hostels, some distance from the nearest bus but accessible on foot, by bike or by car. 
• Bayview House (Portree). 
• Portree Independent Hostel, ☎ 44 1478 613737. 
• ^{[link not working]}Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Halls of Residence (Near Armadale in Sleat), ☎ 44 1471 888000. 
• Scottish Youth Hostels Association. They have three hostels on Skye and one in Raasay. They are an inexpensive alternative to expensive hotels or B & Bs. They are very busy during the summer and some may be closed or only available for groups during the winter. Call ahead or check online for details. 
  • Broadford Hostel, ☎ 44 1471 822442, 44 8701 553255. Perhaps the least attractive hostel on Skye, but conveniently located, an ideal base. 
  • Portree Hostel, ☎ 44 1478 612 231. 
  • Raasay Hostel, ☎ 44 1478 660240, 44 8701 553255. 
• The Cowshed Boutique Bunkhouse (Located in the former SYHA hostel a Uig), ☎ 44 7917 536 820. 
• ^{[link not working]}Dunvegan Hotel Bunkhouse, ☎ 44 1470 521497. 
• The Old Inn Carbost, ☎ 44 1478 640205. 
• Flora Macdonald Hostel, ☎ 44 1471 844272. 

Average prices

Most B & Bs are owner-managed and are often a cheaper option than hotel accommodation.

• Conusg Bed & Breakfast, Coolin Hills Gardens, Portree, IV51 9NB, ☎ 44 1478611873. From £ 40, book well in advance, gets full. 
• Shorefield House, Shorefield House, ☎ 44 1470582444. 

High prices

• Eilean Iarmain hotels (Isle Ornsay Hotel), Sleat, Isle of Skye, Scotland IV43 8QR (Between the villages of Broadford and Armadale), ☎ 44 1471 833332, fax: 44 1471 833275, @[email protected]. Small hotel on the quay of the village harbor and overlooking the island of Ornsay (where you can see the lighthouse). The hotel is known for its cuisine. Next to the hotel there is a pub (the same chef as the restaurant, but the price is cheaper), an art gallery and a distillery. 

Safety

Walk the Quiraing it's not that difficult, but make sure you wear good walking shoes and rain clothes. In preparing for this walk, Walkhighlands will be of great help.

How to keep in touch

Around

Itineraries

Assuming you have come to Skye from Mallaig where the panoramic railway from Glasgow you will meet the following villages along the way to Portree, the small island capital: Armadale, Isleornsay, Broadford, Sligachanfinally Portree.isolator, Portree it is also the major tourist center.

From Portree the A87 leads to Uig small port with maritime connections for the Outer Hebrides but it is far more interesting to reach the town via the panoramic road that runs along the bay of Raasaym dotted with islets. You will have the opportunity to see the basalt cliffs of Kilt Rock and to the village of Flodigarry where you will also find hotels. Once in Uig do not miss the excursion to Fairy Glen in a surreal landscape of rocky spikes.

A branch of the A87 leads instead to Dunvegan, Stein is Colbost.

• Four o'clock Small Isles of Eigg], Rum, Muck is Cane are accessible by the ferry of the CalMac from Mallaig on the mainland, although note that during winter service it is limited and that the daily schedule changes throughout the year, so overnight trips are often required.
• A beautiful and historic country lies on the Scottish 'mainland' side of the Skye Bridge, across the Kyle of Lochalsh.
• Eilean Donan Castle is near the small village of Dornie, not far from Kyle of Lochalsh, and is worth a visit.
• The ferries of the CalMac connect Uig to Lochmaddy up North Uist and Tarbert on Harris.

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Skye
• Commons contains images or other files on Skye

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