Portree | VisitScotland Portree Towns & Villages Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye, is a bustling port and a thriving cultural centre. Set round its natural harbour and fringed by high ground and cliffs, the town is a popular tourists’ holiday destination and the harbour continues to be used by fishing boats as well as pleasure craft. It boasts excellent leisure facilities including a swimming pool, pony-trekking and boat cruises plus plenty of shopping opportunities in addition to the great variety of accommodation ranging from upmarket hotels through guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering establishments and hostels. There is also a campsite nearby. Portree is also the cultural hub for Skye and one of its main attractions, the award-winning Aros Centre, runs regular theatre, concerts and film screenings. The centre also incorporates an exhibition capturing the drama of Skye’s history, a spectacular RSPB exhibit with live and recorded footage of rare sea eagles plus an audio-visual presentation giving a dramatic aerial view of Skye’s incredible landscapes. The town is a popular base for exploring the rest of the island.

Many visitors are drawn to the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Ridge to the north as this wild area is dominated by weird and wonderful at the same time rock formations such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the truly extraordinary pinnacles of the Quaraing. Portree Isle of Skye, Scotland Portree Portree, Isle of Skye Portree is the principal town of the Isle of Skye, with a sheltered harbour and small but bustling centre. Portree is where you will find the main banks, shops and administrative offices on the Island. Skye travel guide - Wikitravel 15 Get out The Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye Skye (Scottish Gaelic An t-Eilean Sgitheanach), often referred to as the Isle of Skye, is the largest of the Inner Hebridean islands located off the west coast of Scotland . The capital and largest town on the island is the picturesque port of Portree . Villages[ edit ] Armadale - linked to Mallaig on the mainland by ferry.

Broadford - a village spread around a large bay looking onto the Inner Sound & across to the mainland, about 8 miles from the Skye Bridge. Carbost - home to the Talisker distillery and a very good beach. Elgol - small village with a boat service to Loch Coruisk and a walk to the fine beach at Camasunary. Glenbrittle - a good walking and climbing base. Isleornsay - a small village between Broadford and Armadale . It's a natural harbour with a hotel, a pub and an art gallery. Very quiet. Kyleakin - the original ferry landing from Kyle before the Skye Bridge was built, now a picturesque and peaceful fishing village with views of the harbour/loch/mountains & Castle Moil. Portnalong - end of the Minginish peninsular. Great craft fair weekly in the summer. Friendly pub with good food Good base for walking, climbing and photography. Portree - the attractive capital of the island. Sconser - location of the Isle of Skye Golf Club & ferry link to the Isle of Raasay, great views. Staffin - a district in the north-east and uninhabited offshore island.

Uig - ferry link to the Outer Hebrides, great brewery, the Fairy Glen and close to the Skye Museum of Island Life. Other destinations[ edit ] View from Quiraing in the Cuillin towards Staffin bay The Cuillin (Scottish Gaelic: An Cuilthionn or An Cuiltheann), Skye's best known mountain range ascending to 3,255 ft (992 m) at Sgùrr Alasdair. The Black Cuillin is perhaps the only range in the British Isles to approach in sheer, jagged rawness the mountain experience of such ranges as the Alps or Rockies. Understand[ edit ] Inhabited since the Mesolithic era, there are currently about 10,000 people living on the island, although the transient population of tourists swells during the busy summer months. Skye's popularity with tourists is largely due to its remarkable landscape and easy accessibility from the mainland, both by car over the Skye Bridge or by ferry; and by bus and train through adjacent mainland towns. Skye is part of the Highland Council local government area and is now linked to the mainland by a road bridge.

The island is renowned for its spectacular scenery, vibrant culture and heritage, and its abundant wildlife including the Golden Eagle, Red Deer and Salmon. It is also one of the most accessible regions in which to hear Gaelic being spoken, with about thirty percent of the local population being fluent and a sizeable Gaelic college in Sleat . Regions[ edit ] Skye may be understood as a number of distinct peninsulas that extend out from the Cuillin, the mountainous centre of the island. A largely missable central plateau north of the Cuillin separates Portree on the east coast and Dunvegan in the west. In the north (from west to east): Duirnish Peninsula includes Glendale, Colbost and the scenic lighthouse at Neist Point. Waternish Peninsula has some pretty villages, but is otherwise often overlooked by tourists. Trotternish Peninsula is the largest and most frequently visited, thanks in no small part to the stunning rock formations of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing .

The A855 road (and 57A / 57C bus routes) circumnavigate this beautiful part of Skye, with plentiful options for walking and climbing, as well as numerous attractive small settlements for overnight stops or holiday bases. In the west: Minginish Peninsula offers amazing (but cloud dependent!) views south-east towards the Cuillin, as well as a scenic coastline. The Talisker Distillery (see 'Drink' below) is on the tranquil shore of Loch Harport in Colbost. In the south: Sleat is the gently rolling landscape that includes the southernmost tip of Skye and the pier at Armadale for the ferry to and from Mallaig . By road[ edit ] There are two main roads to Skye. The A87 travels west from the A82 ( Glasgow - Fort William - Inverness ) road at Invergarry (the A887 provides another connection to the A87 further north towards Inverness) to Uig , and reaches Skye over the bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland to Kyleakin on Skye.

The lesser used but equally scenic route is by the A830, the "Road to the Isles", from Fort William to Mallaig and thence by ferry to Armadale (see below). By ferry[ edit ] Now that the Skye Bridge is open (and free of charge since 2004), it is no longer essential to travel to Skye by boat, but it is still an enjoyable ride. The main route to the mainland is on the Caledonian MacBrayne (also known as "CalMac") [1] ferry between Mallaig and Armadale . The community owned Skye Ferry [2] also operates between Easter and mid-October seven days a week 10:00-18:00. Sailings are every twenty minutes or as required between Glenelg and Kylerhea, accessible from the A87 on both the mainland and Skye via minor roads. From the Outer Hebrides , CalMac run to Uig in the north of Skye from Tarbert on Harris and Lochmaddy on North Uist .

Many travellers bound for the Outer Hebrides will travel through Skye en route to Uig, usually on board the multiple daily Citylink [3] buses from Inverness , Fort William and Glasgow . A CalMac ferry also operates from Sconser on Skye to Inverarish on Raasay . By train[ edit ] There are two railway stations that serve Skye from the mainland, with the terminus of the West Highland Railway in Mallaig and the Kyle of Lochalsh Line terminating in its eponymous destination. From Glasgow and Fort William[ edit ] ScotRail [4] trains travel along the West Highland Railway between Glasgow , Fort William and Mallaig , with convenient connections to the CalMac ferry to Armadale . Through tickets to Armadale can be bought at the ticket office, or on the train if boarding at an unmanned station. Between May and October, a restored vintage steam train hauls a rake of restored carriages on a daily return trip between Fort William and Mallaig . A second trip also operates between June and August. Fares are slightly higher than regular ScotRail services, but offer an additional connection.

Tickets for this service can only be bought online from the West Coast Railways website [5] or from the guard on the train. From Inverness[ edit ] Four or five ScotRail trains operate daily between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh , with onward bus connections to Skye. From London and the south[ edit ] Connections with overnight sleeper trains from London Euston are possible six nights a week in Glasgow , Fort William and Inverness . There is also a daily 'Highland Chieftan' intercity train from London King's Cross to Inverness. For train times and fares contact ScotRail [6] or National Rail [7] . By bus[ edit ] Scottish Citylink [8] operate two routes in and out of Skye: Services 915 and 916 run from Glasgow to Uig and/or Portree via Loch Lomond , Crianlarich , Tyndrum , Glen Coe , Fort William and Kyle of Lochalsh . The journey takes up to 8 hours. Service 917 runs from Inverness to Portree via Loch Ness and Kyle of Lochalsh, with the journey taking up to 3 hours 30 minutes.

If bought on the day, a ticket from Glasgow to Uig costs around £40 each way. Limited numbers of discounted advance purchase tickets are available online [9] - it is possible to obtain a ticket from Glasgow to Skye for £5 if booked in advance. It is advisable to book a ticket in advance during the summer or around holidays. Local buses connect Armadale pier (for the ferry to/from Mallaig ) with Broadford and Portree several times a day (fewer in the winter). Local buses also run over the Skye Bridge between Kyleakin and Kyle of Lochalsh . By bus[ edit ] Skye is served by rural network of local buses, mostly provided by Stagecoach Highlands [10] .

Routes include: 51: Armadale - Broadford - Kyleakin - Kyle of Lochalsh (summer only) 52: Portree - Broadford - Armadale (summer only) 52A: Portree - Broadford - Kyleakin - Kyle of Lochalsh (summer only) 54: Portree - Carbost (and the Talisker Distillery) - Fiscavaig 55: Elgol - Broadford - Kyleakin - Kyle of Lochalsh 56: Portree - Dunvegan - Glendale 57C (clockwise) & 57A (anti-clockwise): Portree - Trotternish Peninsula (for Staffin , the Old Man of Storr, the Quirang and Uig ) 58: Portree Town Service 155: Portree - Broadford - Torrin 158: Portree School Service Fares rise by distance travelled, with a half-hour journey usually costing around £3.

The only remaining special ticket of interest to tourists is the £8.50 Day Rider, which will normally make sense if you are using more than two buses in one day (although drivers will normally advise you if it is cheaper to buy that or singles). Although they are listed alongside local buses in journey planners and at bus stops, passengers should avoid taking Scottish Citylink coaches for local journeys within Skye or across the bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh ; fares are substantially cheaper on local services and the Day Rider is not valid on the Citylink buses. That being said, Citylink buses operate the most direct service from north to south and vice versa. As a guide, a return ticket from Kyle of Lochalsh to Sconser costs £6 as of 2013. An area guide for Skye and Lochalsh lists all bus times, and is issued twice annually for winter and summer seasons. It can be downloaded in pdf format from Stagecoach Highlands by clicking on 'Timetables' and then scrolling down to 'Skye and Lochalsh' or picked up in paper form from buses and tourist information centres.

It is strongly recommended to check times in advance, paying special attention to any timetable notes relating to days when the bus runs or does not. Many buses listed above only run on schooldays; in addition none of the local buses operate on Sundays outwith the summer season. The Citylink services, on the other hand, operate on Sundays year-round. In addition to Stagecoach services on the island, Uig Taxis operates a taxibus service between Portree and the Trotternish Peninsula - this service connects with the 1500 Citylink service from Glasgow. Timetables for the taxibus can be found on the Citylink website in the Glasgow - Fort William - Skye timetable. By car[ edit ] Although substantial European and Scottish funding has been made available to improve and widen certain key routes (most recently the southern section of the Armadale to Broadford road), major roads are still quite narrow and can get congested in high season. However in low season driving in Skye is a delight with only the occasional sheep wandering onto the tarmac to concern you. On narrow single track rural roads pay attention to passing places and drive courteously, being ready to pull over to allow an oncoming vehicle to pass.

Car hire is available in Portree and Kyle of Lochalsh, but can be expensive. When travelling to the island in the high season, call ahead for availability. By bicycle[ edit ] Many of the roads in Skye make for good cycling, although traffic can be a problem in late summer. If you're cycling, make sure you have good raingear; Skye is wet even by the drizzly standards of Scotland. The ferry from Mallaig accepts bicycles, and the ride from Armadale north to the bridge is pleasant. By thumb[ edit ] Hitching is never one hundred percent safe, but residents of Skye are generally very open to giving rides in remoter areas (especially if you've missed the last bus of the day or it's raining). See[ edit ][ add listing ] Castle Moil, Kyleakin Trotternish Peninsula, including The Old Man of Storr and The Quirang has a beautiful coastline with numerous viewpoints and the many interesting rock formations of the Trotternish Ridge. A minor road follows its coast from Staffin to Uig and offers some of the best scenery on Skye. Old Man of Storr - one of the famous sights.

Expect a 2-3 hour walk, from the car park to the Old man and back down. The Quirang is an area of dramatic rock towers and ridges. You get great views even from the car park but to fully explore it set aside 3-4 hours. Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, [11] is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. Experience an extraordinary castle and Highland estate steeped in history and clan legend, delight in the beauty of its formal gardens, take an exhilarating boat trip to see the seal colony, enjoy a meal at the MacLeods Table Cafe or browse in one of its four shops. The Clan Donald Centre [12] at Armadale is set on a large estate and preserves the ancestral home of the MacDonalds at Armadale Castle. Facilities open to the visitor include the castle grounds (attractive gardens), several hiking trails, and a new museum, the Museum of the Isles, covering the history of the area (extending back as much as 1500 years).

The grounds and museum are open during the summer 7 days, 9:30-5:30; the grounds are open for outdoor visits year-round, while hours at the museum during the fall are Wednesdays only, 11-3, and it is apparently closed during the winter months. Admission £4.90 for adults, £14.00 for families; admission covers both grounds and museum. There are other castles on the island that are in a state of disrepair, if not outright ruins, but still scenic: Castle Moil (Caisteal Maol) near Kyleakin Dunscaith Castle on the wild west coast of the Trotternish Peninsula Duntulm Castle north of Uig ; Duntulm Castle Hotel (see under "Sleep") is nearby Kilt Rock Kilt Rock and Waterfall On the A855, about 2 miles south of Staffin, you can see a cliff that bears an amazing resemblance to a kilt, complete with tartan-like pattern. There is a good parking place and you can photograph both Kilt Rock and a small stream from Loch Mealt falling off the cliff into the sea.

An Corran near Staffin is known for its fossilized footprints of dinosaurs living there 160 million years ago. They can be seen at low tide. Loch Coruisk to many people the very finest loch in Scotland - surrounded by shapely peaks. Accessible by boat from the village of Elgol or by walks from Sligachan (long but not hard) or from Elgol via Camasunary (but this involves a 'bad step') MacLeod's Maidens - Skye's magnificent coast off the Dunvegan road is often forgotten in the allure of the Cuillin. The UK's highest cliffs are to be found here. The 'Maidens' are very striking sea stacks and give a target for a walk. Neist Point Lighthouse marks the westernmost point of Skye. It is located on top of a stack of cliffs and offers wonderful views across the Minch over to the Outer Hebrides and is also a good place for spotting whales, dolphins and other wildlife. To get there head south from Dunvegan and turn west onto B884 towards Colbost and Glendale.

The drive should take about 45minutes and it is then a short (but steep) walk to the lighthouse. Neist Point Lighthouse Fairy Glen is a hidden but absolutely lovely small valley of cone-shaped hills with ambience that truly lives up to its name. It is on a very minor road branching off A87 just south of Uig and well worth the short detour. Please note it is not signposted so check directions before you go and watch out for the sharp uphill turn. Flora & Fauna - The fauna of Skye knows a great diversity as birds of prey like golden eagles, buzzards and hen harriers. On the coastline you will find rare sea eagles, shags and cormorants. The magnificent red deer and a great diversity of smaller animals like roe deer, the red fox or the weasel. Even smaller the rarely seen adder but also toads, frogs, lizards and insects as dragonflies, butterflies, slugs & caterpillars. Grey or common seals and otters can be seen on the shores and you may be lucky to observe porpoises, dolphins or even whales offshore.

Visit Isle of Skye walks , a free and independent on-line guide to walks on the island. Skye Live is a mid-June event featuring popular music with both regional and international entries. Enjoy coastal treks. View from the Quiraing Go walking in the Cuillins, Skye's most famous group of mountains. Be warned that there are no natural sources of water on the ridge (except for winter snows and melt water): all water must be carried by the visitor. Walk/climb the Quiraing a landslip on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish Ridge. You can walk around the Quiraing following a quite easy path, 4 miles (7 km) in about 4 hours. Quiraing (Scotish Gaelic: Cuith-Raing) comes from Old Norse Kvi Rand, which means Round Fold. For the less adventurous, there are boat tours of the Cullins during the summer months leaving from the remote village of Elgol . The views are stunning and you'll get to see some seals too. Learn[ edit ] Learn Scottish Gaelic at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig , Skye's famous Gaelic college.

Attend one of their short courses or do a full degree. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Go to the Skye Silver shop in the north. Woollen goods are a noted product of Skye. Look for them at the gift shop at the Clan Donald Centre (above) or in Portree or Armadale. Isle of Skye Bakery, The Old Woolen Mill, Dunvegan Rd, Portree IV51 9HG (turn near the petrol station), ☎ 01478612669, [13] . A delightful little bakery, selling great bread, scones, cakes and condiments. Upstairs they have a gallery where you can buy local arts and crafts. edit Budget[ edit ] Self catering Most of the larger villages on Skye have some kind of small shop, but don't expect a broad range or supermarket prices. If basing yourself in Portree you will have a choice of local shops and supermarkets, including: Co-Operative Woodlands Road (on the A87 out of Skye towards Uig) tel: 01478 612483.

Portree's only large supermarket is - luckily - one of this large chain with a wide range, including excellent organic, fairtrade and ethically sourced produce. There is also a Co-op in Broadford, with a 'Gulf' petrol station attatched to it. Portree Butchers Wentworth Street, tel: 01478 612551. Mid-range[ edit ] The Waverley Restaurant opposite the Kyle Hotel, Kyle of Lochalsh, tel:01599 534337 [14] , specialises in home cooked highland fare. A favourite with the locals! The Waterside Restaurant train station platform, Kyle of Lochalsh, tel:01599 524813, specialises in simple, fresh seafood. The Taste of India Kyleakin, tel:01599 534134, traditional Indian cuisine. Very popular with the locals. Red Skye Restaurant Breakish, near Broadford, tel:01471 822180 [15] , specialises in home cooked highland fare. A favourite with locals!

Creelers Seafood Restaurant Broadford, tel:01471 822281 [16] , French country dishes alongside Cajun style seafood. Shores Restaurant Plockton, tel:01599 544263 [17] , a favourite with locals! Café Arriba Quay Brae, Portree (overlooking the harbour). Tel: 01478 611830 [18] A must for any visit to Portree. Broad and constantly changing menu of Mediterranean style snacks and meals, with good coffee and plentiful vegetarian choices. Also the perfect spot to sit out a rain shower, with views over the harbour. Lower Deck Restaurant on the harbour in Portree , tel:01478-613611 specialises in simple, fresh seafood dishes, e.g. fish and chips £7.50. The Old Inn Carbost. tel 01478 640205.

[19] Adjacent to the bunkhouse and B&B of the same name, take caution from guidebooks that report superb meals and snacks: the professional chef is only employed during the summer season so expect pretty average pub grub between autumn and Easter. The Uig Hotel Uig. tel 01470 542206 Specializes in local sourced cuisine at an average price. Menu consists of lots of fresh seafood. Lovely view of Uig harbour. A must visit! Munros Bar - Taigh Ailean Hotel Locally sourced food in a super friendly pub - watch out for the barman's very dry sense of humour! The bar is open 6-11 in Spring and Summer but look on the website to make sure ( at other times. Winter menu is more bar food (fish and chips, scampi and chips etc). Takeaway is available all year, useful if you're staying in the bunkhouses or camping.

Splurge[ edit ] Flodigarry Country House Hotel tel:01470-552203 [20] was apparently once very good, but now past it: food is unimaginative, overcooked, and poor value at £36/head for three courses and coffee. Loch Bay Seafood Restaurant Stein (at the end of the loch front road in the village) tel.01470-592235 [21] The Old School House Dunvegan, tel. 01470 521421. Perhaps the greatest surprise to be found in Dunvegan: behind a modest facade sits one of Skye's finest restaurants, with a small but confident and ever changing menu of superb dishes. Much of the meat and fish is locally sourced, although vegetarians should expect no more than one or two main courses to choose from. Mains from £9 - £20.

The Three Chimneys Colbost, Dunvegan, tel: 01470 511258 fax: 01470 511358 email: eatandstay@threechimneys.co.uk [22] was voted one of the 50 Top World Restaurants by "Restaurant" magazine. Book well ahead! Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Breweries and distillery[ edit ] Cuillin Brewery tel: 01478 650204 [23] Easily found adjacent to the Sligachan Hotel & Restaurant, at the junction of the A87 Broadford - Portree Road and the A863 to Dunvegan. Micro-brewery that also offers tours. Isle of Skye Brewing Company in Uig tel: 01470 542477 [24] Brewery tours and a shop open from Easter to mid-October. The breweries most popular bottled beers Black Cuillin (a dark porter), Red Cuillin (an amber) and Hebridean Gold (a golden ale) are available in most pubs throughout the island.

Talisker Distillery tel: 01478 614300‎ [25] On the shores of Loch Harport in Carbost, on the west coast of Skye (and not in the village of Talisker itself) Talisker is Skye's only distillery. Producing a hefty, aromatic and distinctly peaty whisky that is similar to those from Islay. Tours of the distillery are offered at intervals throughout the day by friendly and informative guides. Reservations recommended, especially during the summer. Tickets £5 with including a £3 discount in the shop at the end of the tour. Note that Isle of Skye [26] is a blended whisky produced near Edinburgh, with no extant connection to the island. Pubs[ edit ] Basement Bar beneath the Dunvegan Hotel, Dunvegan. tel: 01470 521497 [27] A spacious pub with several pool tables and views across the water to Macleod's Tables, usually quite spectacular at sunset. Note also the more refined surroundings of the lounge bar in the hotel upstairs. The Old Inn Carbost.

tel 01478 640205. [28] Note the words of caution with regard to the menu above, but this is a friendly and cosy pub that - while busy with tourists during the summer - is a charming local during the winter with a stunning view along Loch Harport from the patio. Pier Hotel Portree Harbour 01478 612094‎. A haven from the tourist crowds, the tiny bar of the Pier Hotel is predominantly frequented by locals. Visitors should expect to be part of the conversation the moment they enter the bar. Budget[ edit ] Hostels and bunkhouses[ edit ] Portree Independent Hostel, +44 1478 613737 [29] is where you're most likely to end up staying if on a budget in Portree. Formerly the town's post office, the unmissable bright yellow building is just off the town's main square (where all local and long distance buses stop). Small lounge, drying room and large well equipped kitchen / dining room. £17 per person per night.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Halls of Residence, 01471 888000 near Armadale in Sleat. Stay at Skye's famous Gaelic College, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Bed and breakfast; individual en-suite rooms and good breakfast. Book the penthouse in the tower for the most spectacular views. Evening meals available too (check serving times) Visit Sabhal Mòr Ostaig [30] . Scottish Youth Hostels Association have three hostels on Skye and one on Raasay. They are a cheap alternative to expensive hotels or B&B's. They are very busy during the summer and some can be closed or only available to groups during the winter. Call ahead or check online for details. They are: Broadford Hostel 01471 822442 or 08701 553255. Perhaps Skye's least attractive hostel, but conveniently located in this practical town, an ideal base for exploring. Glenbrittle Hostel 01478 640278 or 08701 553255.

The remotest of Skye's hostels, some distance from the nearest bus but accessible on foot, bicycle or by car. Portree Hostel 01478 612 231. Opened in March 2015 in central Portree. Raasay Hostel 01478 660240 or 08701 553255. Open from May to September. The Cowshed Boutique Bunkhouse, 07917 536 820 [31] Located at the former SYHA hostel in Uig . Dunvegan Hotel Bunkhouse, 01470 521497 [32] Two small rooms with bunks adjacent to the Dunvegan Hotel (see below). Linen provided, small bathroom but no kitchen facilities. £12.50 per person per night. The Old Inn Carbost, 01478 640205 [33] Five multiple occupancy bunk rooms in this excellent hostel, recently built overlooking Loch Harport in the small town that is also home to the Talisker Distillery.

Large kitchen / lounge upstairs with balcony and views up and down the loch. Adjacent to the Old Inn for food and drinks. £14 / £16 en suite. Bed & breakfast accommodation (£37 / £42) and self catering family chalet (£110 per night) also available. Flora Macdonald Hostel 01471 844272 [34] Located a couple of miles from the pier at Armadale (with a free pick-up from the ferry available with advance notice) this modest hostel has a number of self catering rooms in its main building and newer lodge. Tranquil setting but with no local amenities accessible on foot, so bring supplies. £15 per person per night. Camping[ edit ] Very popular with visitors to Skye, and there are numerous camp sites dotted around the island, some in extremely picturesque settings. There will no be a better place to camp than on the Quiraing itself. Imagine wild camping there, sitting in your tent with a nice hot brew and admiring this magical landscape at sunset, or even better, waking up at sunrise!

For the ones who wants just a little more comfort then you can have a pitch at Torvaig Campsite , Portree, IV51 9HU ☎ +44 1478 611849 - This camp site within walking distance of Portree is well maintained and very clean. Most B&Bs are run by the owners and are often a more economical option to hotel accommodation. Quiraing View, Mrs Donna Macdonald, 5 Digg, Staffin ☎ +44 1470 562388 Conusg Bed & Breakfast, Coolin Hills Gardens, Portree, IV51 9NB, ☎ 01478611873, [35] . Beautiful 4-room B&B owned by a charming lady that takes care of everything. The place if looking for peace and quiet while being at a nice 10 minutes away walk from Portree center through Portree Harbour (3 blocks are dark at night but harmless nonetheless). Huge continental breakfast, you'll easily make it through the whole day. Ask the landlord for her homemade Porridge with honey, best ever!

From £40, book well in advance, gets full. edit Hotels and self-catering[ edit ] White Heather Hotel, 01599 534577 [36] Small & friendly, family run hotel, B&B £37 pppn. Views onto Loch Alsh, Kyleakin harbour & Castle Moil. Kinloch Lodge Located at Sleat, tel: 01471 833214 [37] cozy, seven room lodge for when you need to get away from it all. Clan Donald Centre includes a limited number of cottages; see link above under "See". Self Catering Cottages are available at various locations over the island - e.g. Staffin Bay Cottages [38] . Skye Stays [39] Glenview Hotel, 01470 562248 [40] offers comfortable accommodation just ten minutes from the Old Man of Storr. Dunvegan Hotel, 01470 521497 [41] Small family run hotel in the quiet town of Dunvegan. Lounge bar and restaurant and pub downstairs.

Stunning views (especially at sunset) west towards the Macleod Tables. £80 / £90 a night (more expensive with a view). Splurge[ edit ] Sligachan Hotel, 01478 650204 [42] is a famous gathering place for climbers and walkers. Pricey (£90 and up for twin room with breakfast, at least during peak season), but you can't beat the location. There is also a bunkhouse. Duntulm Castle Hotel, 01470 552213 [43] is near the ruins of Castle Duntulm north of Portree. A 19th-century shooting lodge in an attractive setting. Hotel Eilean Iarmain (Isle Ornsay Hotel), Sleat, Isle of Skye, Scotland IV43 8QR (Between the villages of Broadford and Armadale), ☎ +44 1471 833332 ( hotel@eileaniarmain.co.uk , fax: +44 1471 833275), [44] .

Small hotel on the pier of the village's harbour and overseeing the island of Ornsay (where you can see the lighthouse). The hotel is well-known for its cuisine. Next to the hotel there's a pub (same chef as the restaurant, but price is cheaper), an art gallery and a distillery. edit Stay safe[ edit ] Walking the Quiraing is not that tough but be sure to wear good walking shoes and proper rain clothes. When preparing for this walk, Walkhighlands will be a great help. Cope[ edit ] Some may think that the greatest annoyance, especially from the beginning of June until the end of September, is the ferocious "Midge". This site maps midge levels across Scotland. Get out[ edit ] The four Small Isles of Eigg , Rum , Muck and Canna are accessible by CalMac [45] ferry from Mallaig on the mainland, although note that during the winter service is limited and that throughout the year the daily timetable changes, so overnight trips are often necessary. A great deal of beautiful and historic country is on the Scottish "mainland" side of the Skye Bridge, beyond Kyle of Lochalsh .

Eilean Donan Castle is near the tiny village of Dornie , not far beyond Kyle of Lochalsh, and is well worth a visit. 2017: Best of Isle of Skye Tourism - TripAdvisor Things to Do More The landscape is dramatic—even a bit moody, with the Cuillin Range in the background—but outdoorsy kids will have a blast on the Isle of Skye. Plenty of water sports are available, and you’ll also find great hiking and even pony rides. Portree, the largest town, makes a great base for exploring this striking island. Read more Read less Isle of Skye: Arriving & Departing - TripAdvisor Want the lowest hotel prices? You're in the right place. We check 200+ sites for you. Isle of Skye: Arriving & Departing Review a place you’ve visited JOIN Free Newsletter Interested in Isle of Skye? We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Isle of Skye each week. Isle of Skye Traveler Article: Isle of Skye: Arriving & Departing Save Article Read more about Isle of Skye Topics include Dining Scene, United Kingdom: For Foreign Visitors & more!

Comments (0) By car: Although not highly recommended, because of the efficiency of other transportation, it is possible to rent a car and proceed to the Isle of Skye that way, coming over through the relatively new Skye Bridge linking the area. Note there are no wee known national car hire offices on Skye but there are local car hire companies. The journey to Skye from Glasgow via Fort William is long (approx 200 miles) but spectacular with stunning scenary on route. The roads are good. Traffic levels vary enormously depending on the season. If you take the A82 up by Loch Lomond in summer time, expect to get stuck behind a lot of caravans! By train: One of the best modes of getting in to the Isle of Skye area is via train. There is a major train station located in Glasgow where visitors can catch the train to Mallaig. The ride takes approximately six hours. From there, the best method of proceeding on to the Isle of Skye is to take the ferry across. There is also a rail link between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh where you can then go over the Skye Bridge onto Skye. The train takes approximately 2.5 hours.

In summertime thsi can be a very scenic route. By ferry: Visitors looking for a unique transportation experience can take the ferry from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye. The ride is only about twenty minutes long but it offers travelers the best visual perspective for entering the area. There is also a ferry which runs between Glenelg on the mainland and Kylerea on Skye . Note this is seasonal and the road to/from it is not recommended for caravans. NOTE: Both the ferry/train and the Skye Bridge bring you to points at the Southern end of the island, some 50 miles from the Northern end and more than 30 from Portree, the main town. If you plan to explore Skye further afield you will require further transportation. By bus: Travelers seeking to spend as little as possible can take the bus to get to the Isle of Skye. There are buses coming from all over the United Kingdom so travelers should have little trouble getting information from their point of origin. There are daily busses from Inverness and Glasgow. See Additional information: For more information about various means of getting to the Isle of Skye , see .

Skye – Travel guide at Wikivoyage Regions[ edit ] Skye may be understood as a number of distinct peninsulas that extend out from the Cuillin, the mountainous centre of the island. A largely missable central plateau north of the Cuillin separates Portree on the east coast and Dunvegan in the west. In the north (from west to east): Duirnish Peninsula — includes Glendale, Colbost and the scenic lighthouse at Neist Point. Waternish Peninsula — has some pretty villages, in particular the village of Stein, but is otherwise often overlooked by tourists. The ruins of Trumpan church are well worth a visit both for the church itself and the fabulous sunsets that can be experienced there. Trotternish Peninsula — is the largest and most frequently visited, thanks in no small part to the stunning rock formations of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. The A855 road (and 57A / 57C bus routes) circumnavigate this beautiful part of Skye, with plentiful options for walking and climbing, as well as numerous attractive small settlements for overnight stops or holidays bases.

In the west: Minginish Peninsula — offers amazing (but cloud dependent!) views south-east towards the Cuillin, as well as a scenic coastline. The Talisker Distillery (see 'Drink' below) is on the tranquil shore of Loch Harport in Colbost. In the south: Sleat — is the gently rolling landscape that includes the southernmost tip of Skye and the pier at Armadale for the ferry to and from Mallaig . Villages[ edit ] Armadale - linked to Mallaig on the mainland by ferry. Broadford - a village spread around a large bay looking onto the Inner Sound & across to the mainland, about 8 miles from the Skye Bridge. Carbost - a clue - think of Talisker - also a very good beach. Elgol - small village with a boat service to Loch Coruisk and a walk to the fine beach at Camasunary. Glenbrittle - a good walking and climbing base for the Cuillins, Skye's best known mountains. Kyleakin - original ferry landing from Kyle (before the Bridge), now a picturesque and peaceful fishing village with views of the harbour/loch/mountains & Castle Moil.

Sconser - location of the Isle of Skye Golf Club & ferry link to the Isle of Raasay , great views. Sligachan - Located between Portree and Broadford, close to the Cuillins. Portree - the attractive capital of the island. Uig - ferry link to the Outer Hebrides, great brewery, the Fairy Glen and close to the Skye Museum of Island Life. Understand[ edit ] The island can be seen as a series of peninsulas that radiate from the mountainous centre of the Cuillin hills. Occupied since the Mesolithic era, there are currently about 9,200 people living on the island, although the transient population of tourists swells during the busy summer months. Skye's popularity with tourists is largely due to its remarkable landscape and easy accessibility from the mainland, both by car over the Skye Bridge or by ferry; and by bus and train through adjacent mainland towns. Skye is part of the Highland Council local government area and is now linked to the mainland by a road bridge. The island is renowned for its spectacular scenery, vibrant culture and heritage, and its abundant wildlife including the Golden Eagle, Red Deer and Salmon.

It is also one of the most accessible regions in which to hear Gaelic being spoken, with about thirty percent of the local population being fluent and a sizeable Gaelic college in Sleat. 57.41186 -6.19355 1 Tourist Information , Bayfield House, Bayfield Road, Portree, IV51 9EL, ☎ +44 1478 612992 . Apr-Sep: open daily; Oct-Mar: open Mon-Sat, Sun closed. (updated Sep 2016) By road[ edit ] There are two main roads to Skye: the A87 and travels west from the A82 Fort William - Inverness road at Invergarry (the A887 provides another connection to the A87 further north towards Inverness). The A87 reaches Skye over the bridge from the Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland to Kyleakin on Skye. The lesser used but equally scenic route is by the A830 "Road to the Isles" from Fort William to Mallaig and thence by ferry to Armadale (see below).

By ferry[ edit ] Now that the Skye Bridge is open (and free of charge since 2004), it is no longer essential to travel to Skye by boat, but it is still an enjoyable ride. The main route to the mainland is on the Caledonian Macbrayne (aka Calmac) ferry between Armadale and Mallaig . Skye Ferry , a seasonal car ferry (from around Easter till mid-October) operates between Glenelg and Kylerhea, reachable via minor roads. For the Outer Hebrides , Calmac run from Uig in the north of Skye to Tarbert on Harris and Lochmaddy on North Uist . Many travellers bound for the Outer Hebrides will travel through Skye en route to Uig, usually on board the multiple daily Citylink buses from Inverness or Fort William and Glasgow . A Calmac ferry also operates from Sconser on Skye to Inverarish on Raasay .

Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in the United Kingdom There are two railway stations that serve Skye from the mainland, with the terminus of the West Highland Line in Mallaig ( MLG ) and the Kyle of Lochalsh Line terminating in its eponymous destination ( KYL ). From Glasgow and Fort William[ edit ] Trains travel about three times a day between Fort William and Mallaig , with convenient connections to the Calmac ferry to Armadale . At least one train a day continues to/from Glasgow . During the summer months, a restored vintage steam train hauls a rake of restored carriages on a daily round trip between Fort William and Mallaig . Fares are slightly higher than regular ScotRail services, but offer an additional connection. Four or five trains operate daily between Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness , from where there are connections to Aberdeen , Edinburgh , Glasgow and Perth . From London and the south[ edit ] Connections with overnight sleeper trains to/from London Euston are possible six nights a week in both Fort William and Inverness , as well as the daily 'Highland Chieftan' intercity train from Inverness to London King's Cross.

For train times and fares contact ScotRail or National Rail . By bus[ edit ] Scottish Citylink operate two routes in and out of Skye: 914 / 915 / 916 /917 run from Uig or Portree to Kyle of Lochalsh , Fort William , and Glasgow (about six and a half hours from Portree) 916 / 917 run from Uig or Portree to Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness (about three and a half hours from Portree) Limited numbers of discounted advance purchase tickets are available on their webpage. It is advisable to reserve a seat during the summer or around holidays. Local buses 51 & 52 connect Armadale pier (for the ferry to/from Mallaig with Broadford and Portree several times a day (fewer in the winter). Buses 50 & 55 run every 30 minutes over the Skye Bridge between Kyleakin and Kyle of Lochalsh . By bus[ edit ] The rural network of local buses is provided by Stagecoach Highlands (who acquired the local operator Rapsons in 2008). A Stagecoach Highlands Skye route map is available online.

North Skye routes include the following services (see Stagecoach Highlands timetable for North Skye routes 54, 56, 57A/57C, 58/158 and 59 ): 54 - Portree / Carbost (and the Talisker Distillery) / Fiscavaig: only operates once a day per direction from Mon-Fri (on schooldays) leaving Fiscavaig in the morning and Portree in the afternoon. 56 - Portree / Dunvegan / Lonmore / Glendale: operates Mon-Fri and Sat, no service on Sun. 57C (clockwise) & 57A (anti-clockwise) - Portree / Uig / Flodigarry Peninsula / Portree: operates Mon-Fri and Sat, no service on Sun; for Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, Kilt Rock and Uig 58 - Portree town service & 158 - Portree School bus: operates only Mon-Fri. 59 - Portree / Peinchorran: operates only Mon-Fri.

60X (morning) - Portree / Sligachan / Dunvegan Castle / Portree: operates in summer only (about end-June till the beginning of September); daily (except Wed) at 10:45 (duration: 3h) with a 1h break at Dunvegan Castle and a 20min break at Sligachan. 60X (afternoon) - Portree / Kilt Rock / Portree: operates in summer only (about end-June till the beginning of September); daily (except Wed) at 14:45 (duration: 2.5h) with a 10min break at Kilt Rock.

South Skye routes include the following services (see Stagecoach Highlands timetable for South Skye routes 55, 152, 155, 164 ): 49, 49B Portree / Elgol 50, 55 Portree / Kyle of Lochalsh (for coach and train connections to Inverness , and coach connections to Fort William and Glasgow ), 52, 52C Portree / Broadford / Armadale (for ferry connections to/from Mallaig and trains to Fort William and Glasgow ) 164 - Ardaneaskkan / Lochcarron / Plockton / Kyle of Lochalsh: operates once a day per direction Mon-Fri (on schooldays); leaves Ardaneaskan in the morning and Kyle of Lochalsh in the afternoon. Fares rise by distance travelled, with a half-hour journey usually costing around £3. There is an £8.25 dayrider ticket (which will normally make sense if you are using more than two buses in one day) and a 7 day megarider ticket for £32.

Both types of tickets are only valid on Stagecoach Highlands buses on Skye and Lochalsh. Ask the bus driver for your best option. For an overview of ticket options for the general Stagecoach Highlands area check online . An area guide for Skye and Lochalsh lists all bus times, and is issued twice annually for winter and summer seasons. It can be downloaded in pdf format from Stagecoach Highlands by clicking on 'Timetables' and then scrolling down to 'Skye and Lochalsh' or picked up in paper form from buses and tourist information centres. It is strongly recommended to check times in advance, paying special attention to any timetable notes relating to days when the bus runs or does not. Although they are listed alongside local buses in journey planners and at bus stops, passengers should avoid taking Scottish Citylink coaches for journeys wholly within Skye or across the bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh since fares are substantially cheaper on local services. During winter time, MacLean Coaches (tel: +44 1599 566766), a private company, runs service 601 (Portree / Kyle / Armadale). Check before using this service.

Use Travelline Scotland to plan your journey and get timetables. By car[ edit ] Although substantial European and Scottish funding has been made available to improve and widen certain key routes (most recently the southern section of the Armadale to Broadford road), major roads are still quite narrow and can get congested in high season. However in low season driving in Skye is a delight with only the occasional sheep wandering onto the tarmac to concern you. On narrow single track rural roads pay attention to passing places and drive courteously, being ready to pull over to allow an oncoming vehicle to pass. Car hire is available in Portree and Kyle of Lochalsh, but can be expensive. When travelling to the island in the high season, call ahead for availability: By bicycle[ edit ] Many of the roads in Skye are well cyclable, although traffic can be a problem in late summer. If you're cycling , make sure you have good raingear; Skye is wet even by the drizzly standards of Scotland. The ferry from Mallaig accepts bicycles, and the ride from Armadale north to the bridge is pleasant.

By thumb[ edit ] Hitching is never one hundred percent safe, but residents of Skye are generally very open to giving rides in remoter areas (especially if you've missed the last bus of the day or it's raining). Castle Moil, Kyleakin Kilt Rock and Waterfall 57.50699 -6.17465 1 Old Man of Storr. One of the famous sights. Expect a 2-3 hour walk, from the carpark to the Old man and back down. 57.448528 -6.589778 2 Dunvegan Castle & Gardens , Dunvegan. Is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. Experience an extraordinary castle and Highland estate steeped in history and clan legend, delight in the beauty of its formal gardens, take an exhilarating boat trip to see the seal colony, enjoy a meal at the MacLeods Table Cafe or browse in one of its four shops. 57.0696 -5.8971 3 Clan Donald Centre , Armadale.

Set on a large estate and preserves the ancestral home of the MacDonalds at Armadale Castle. Facilities open to the visitor include the castle grounds (attractive gardens), several hiking trails, and a new museum, the Museum of the Isles, covering the history of the area (extending back as much as 1500 years). The grounds and museum are open during the summer 7 days, 9:30-5:30; the grounds are open for outdoor visits year-round, while hours at the museum during the fall are Wednesdays only, 11-3, and it is apparently closed during the winter months. Admission £4.90 for adults, £14.00 for families; admission covers both grounds and museum. There are other castles on the island that are in a state of disrepair, if not outright ruins, but still scenic: 57.27264 -5.72044 4 Castle Moil (Caisteal Maol) (near Kyleakin ). 57.13657 -5.97600 5 Dunscaith Castle.

on the wild west coast of the Trotternish Peninsula 57.68425 -6.34706 6 Duntulm Castle (north of Portree ; Duntulm Castle Hotel (see under "Sleep") is nearby). 57.448528 -6.589778 7 Dunvegan Castle . the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland 57.6108 -6.1724 8 Kilt Rock and Waterfall. 57.2073 -6.1696 9 Loch Coruisk. To many people the very finest loch in Scotland - surrounded by shapely peaks. Accessible by boat from the village of Elgol (see Do section) or by walks from Sligachan (long but not hard) or from Elgol via Camasunary (but this involves a 'bad step') 57.3346 -6.5806 10 MacLeod's Maidens. Skye's magnificent coast off the Dunvegan road is often forgotten in the allure of the Cuillin. The UK's highest cliffs are to be found here.

The 'Maidens' are very striking sea stacks and give a target for a walk. See Walkhighlands for a description of the hike. Do[ edit ] Learn Scottish Gaelic at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye's famous Gaelic college. Attend one of their short courses or do a full degree. Visit Sabhal Mor Ostaig . Go walking in the Cuillin, Skye's most famous group of mountains, or enjoy the coastal treks elsewhere on the island. Visit Walkhighlands (Isle of Skye walks) , a free and independent guide to walks on the island. Walk/climb the Quiraing. For the less adventurous, there are boat tours of the Cullins during the summer months leaving from the remote village of Elgol . The views are stunning and you'll get to see some seals too: Buy[ edit ] Most of the larger villages on Skye have some kind of small shop, but don't expect a broad range or supermarket prices. Woolen goods are a noted product of Skye. Look for them at the gift shop at the Clan Donald Centre (above) or in Portree or Armadale.

Skye Silver , Colbost, Dunvegan, IV55 8ZT, ☎ +44 1470 511 263 . Go to the Skye Silver shop in the north. 57.4177 -6.2078 1 Co-Operative , Woodpark Road, Portree, IV51 9HQ (on the A87 out of Skye towards Uig), ☎ +44 1478 612483 . Daily 07:00-22:00. Portree's only large supermarket is - luckily - one of this large chain with a wide range, including excellent organic, fairtrade and ethically sourced produce. 57.41287 -6.19240 2 Co-op , Bank Street, Portree, IV51 9DA, ☎ +44 1478 612855 . Daily 07:00-23:00. Centrally located small supermarket; more convenient than the main Co-Operative.

Drink[ edit ] Breweries and distillery[ edit ] 57.28983 -6.17501 1 Cuillin Brewery , Sligachan, ☎ +44 1478 650204 . Easily found adjacent to the Sligachan Hotel & Restaurant, at the junction of the A87 Broadford - Portree Road and the A863 to Dunvegan. Micro-brewery that also offers tours. Officially started brewing in 2004. 57.58670 -6.37772 2 Isle of Skye Brewing Company , The Pier, Uig, ☎ +44 1470 542477 . Brewery tours and a shop open from Easter to mid-October. The breweries most popular bottled beers Black Cuillin (a dark porter), Red Cuillin (an amber) and Hebridean Gold (a golden ale) are available in most pubs throughout the island.

57.30247 -6.35649 3 Talisker Distillery , Carbost, ☎ +44 1478 614308 , e-mail: talisker@diageo.com . Nov-Mar: Mon-Fri; Apr, May, Oct: Mon-Sat; Jun-Sept: daily. On the shores of Loch Harport in Carbost, on the west coast of Skye (and not in the village of Talisker itself) Talisker is Skye's only distillery. Producing a hefty, aromatic and distinctly peaty whisky that is similar to those from Islay. Tours of the distillery are offered at intervals throughout the day by friendly and informative guides. Reservations recommended, especially during the summer. The standard tour takes about 45min. Standard tour: £7 (includes a discount in the shop). Note that Isle of Skye is a blended whisky produced near Edinburgh, with no extant connection to the island. Pubs[ edit ] Basement Bar , Dunvegan (Beneath the Dunvegan Hotel), ☎ +44 1470 521497 .

A spacious pub with several pool tables and views across the water to Macleod's Tables, usually quite spectacular at sunset. Note also the more refined surroundings of the lounge bar in the hotel upstairs. 57.30182 -6.35296 4 The Old Inn , Carbost, ☎ +44 1478 640205 . Note the words of caution with regard to the menu above, but this is a friendly and cosy pub that - while busy with tourists during the summer - is a charming local during the winter with a stunning view along Loch Harport from the patio. 57.41145 -6.19161 1 Pier Hotel , Quay Street, Portree, IV51 9DE (Portree Harbour), ☎ +44 1478 612094 . A haven from the tourist crowds, the tiny bar of the Pier Hotel is predominantly frequented by locals. Visitors should expect to be part of the conversation the moment they enter the bar.

Sleep[ edit ] On Rubha nam Brathairean (Brothers Point) looking back to the rest of the Isle of Skye Skye's busiest tourist season is from Easter until the end of September, when accommodation usually requires reservations and when some prices rise. Some places close during the winter. Camping is very popular with visitors to Skye, and there are numerous camp sites dotted around the island, some in extremely picturesque settings. Self-catering cottages are available at various locations over the island. Budget[ edit ] 57.24451 -5.91328 2 Broadford Backpackers Hostel , High Road, Broadford, IV49 9AA, ☎ +44 1471 820333 . A cheap and cosy hostel conveniently located near close to the main bus stops for Broadford. Has a kitchen and dining room as well as a separate lounge area with free internet access. 57.41258 -6.19530 3 Portree Independent Hostel , Portree, IV51 9BT, ☎ +44 1478 613737 .

This hostel is where you're most likely to end up staying if on a budget in Portree. Formerly the town's post office, the unmissable bright yellow building is just off the town's main square (where all local and long distance buses stop). Small lounge, drying room and large well equipped kitchen / dining room. £12.50 - £14 per person per night. Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Halls of Residence (near Armadale in Sleat), ☎ +44 1471 888000 . Stay at Skye's famous Gaelic College, Sabhal Mor Ostaig. Bed and breakfast; individual en-suite rooms and good breakfast. Book the penthouse in the tower for the most spectacular views. Evening meals available too (check serving times). Scottish Youth Hostels Association have three hostels on Skye. They are a cheap alternative to expensive hotels or B&B's. They are very busy during the summer and some can be closed or only available to groups during the winter. Call ahead or check online for details.

They are: 57.24660 -5.90947 4 Broadford Youth Hostel , Broadford, IV49 9AA, ☎ +44 1471 822442 . Perhaps Skye's least attractive hostel, but conveniently located in this practical town, an ideal base for exploring. Glenbrittle Youth Hostel , Glenbrittle, Carbost, IV47 8TA, ☎ +44 1478 640278 . The remotest of Skye's hostels, some distance from the nearest bus, but accessible on foot, bicycle or by car. 57.41241 -6.19583 5 Portree Youth Hostel (Formerly: Bayfield Backpackers), Portree, IV51 9EW, ☎ +44 1478 612231 . A basic hostel just minutes from Portree's main square. The hostel is small but features a modern kitchen and dining area. Uig Hostel, ☎ +44 1478 542746 .

Convenient not only for the north of Skye but also ferries to the Outer Hebredes. The daily Glasgow - Uig bus stops near-by. Dunvegan Hotel Bunkhouse , Dunvegan, IV55 8WA, ☎ +44 1470 521497 . Two small rooms with bunks adjacent to the Dunvegan Hotel (see below). Linen provided, small bathroom but no kitchen facilities. £12.50 per person per night. The Old Inn , Carbost, IV47 8SR, ☎ +44 1478 640205 . Five multiple occupancy bunk rooms in this excellent hostel, recently built overlooking Loch Harport in the small town that is also home to the Talisker Distillery. Large kitchen / lounge upstairs with balcony and views up and down the loch. Adjacent to the Old Inn for food and drinks. £14 / £16 en suite. Bed & breakfast accommodation (£37 / £42) and self catering family chalet (£110 per night) also available.

Flora Macdonald Hostel , 3 Kilmore, Sleat, IV44 8RG, ☎ +44 1471 844272 . Located a couple of miles from the pier at Armadale (with a free pick-up from the ferry available with advance notice) this modest hostel has a number of self catering rooms in its main building and newer lodge. Tranquil setting but with no local amenities accessible on foot, so bring supplies. £15 per person per night. 57.66610 -6.25345 6 Dun Flodigarry Hostel , Flodigarry, IV51 9HZ (5 km north of Staffin), ☎ +44 1470 552212 , e-mail: info@flodigarry-hostel.scot . Offers 6/8 bed dorms, camping, and twin or double bed ensuites. 19£.

(updated Apr 2015) 57.29245 -6.17533 7 Sligachan Campsite , ☎ +44 7786435294 . The campsite provides a good base for walking into the Cuillin. No bookings are taken. Open from March-October. (updated Sep 2016) Mid-range[ edit ] 57.27334 -5.72612 8 White Heather Hotel , The Harbour, Kyleakin, IV41 8PL, ☎ +44 1599 534577 . Small & friendly, family run hotel, B&B £37 pppn. Views onto Loch Alsh, Kyleakin harbour & Castle Moil. 57.17556 -5.79769 9 Kinloch Lodge , Sleat, IV43 8QY, ☎ +44 1471 833333 . Located at Sleat, cozy, seven room lodge for when you need to get away from it all.

Clan Donald Centre includes a limited number of cottages; see link above under "See". Splurge[ edit ] 57.28988 -6.17505 11 Sligachan Hotel , Sligachan, IV47 8SW, ☎ +44 1478 650204 . Is a famous gathering place for climbers and walkers. Pricey (£90 and up for twin room with breakfast, at least during peak season), but you can't beat the location. There is also a bunkhouse . Duntulm Castle Hotel , ☎ +44 1470 552213 . Is near the ruins of Castle Duntulm north of Portree. A 19th-century shooting lodge in an attractive setting. Go next[ edit ] Small Isles — The four Small Isles of Eigg , Rum , Muck and Canna are accessible by Calmac ferry from Mallaig on the mainland, although note that during the winter service is limited and that throughout the year the daily timetable changes, so overnight trips are often necessary.

A great deal of beautiful and historic country is on the Scottish "mainland" side of the Skye Bridge, beyond Kyle of Lochalsh . Eilean Donan Castle (very picturesque and well maintained) is near the tiny village of Dornie not far beyond Kyle of Lochalsh and is well worth a visit. Outer Hebrides — notably Harris (via Uig ); the Calmac ferries connect from Skye to points in the Outer Hebrides. Pitlochry — a fantastic village on your way back to Edinburgh. This region travel guide to Skye is a usable article. It gives a good overview of the region, its sights, and how to get in, as well as links to the main destinations, whose articles are similarly well developed. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page . Isle of Skye Hotel | Accommodation on the West Coast of Scotland. Hotels The Isle of Skye has a great range of Hotels to suit many budgets, from a basic 2 star to 5 star Luxury. Most Hotels offer a range of meals and comfortable room to impress.

Stay in a Hotel to enjoy a spot of the Highlife, but get out during the day to explore our rugged Island. Questions about Hotel Accommodation on Skye What time of year is best to visit the Isle of Skye? Skye is a great place to visit year round. The coldest months are December to February and the main summer season is from April to October. Mid-summer (June to August) the Island gets very busy with visitors. When should I book my visit to Skye? We can only recommend to book as early as possible, especially if you plan to visit Skye midsummer as accommodation will be is short supply from June to August. Where on the Island of Skye is best to stay? The are many great Hotels all over the Island, choosing a location will depend on many factors such as if you plan to drive or will be relying on public transport. A guideline if you want a quiet holiday then choose a Hotel that is in one of the quieter corners of the island such as: Carbost , Edinbane , Sleat , Raasay or Flodigarry .

For those that would like to be a bit closer to shops, restaurants and pubs then choosing somewhere near the larger villages of Portree , Uig , Broadford , Dunvegan or Kyleakin . Browse All Skye Hotels to find a Hotel that suits you needs for your stay on Skye. How are hotels graded? Hotel owners can apply to have their business graded by the Scottish Tourist Board . This is a rating out of 5 stars. To get 5 Stars the business must be ‘exceptional’, if a business has a rating of 3 or more you can be sure it will be very comfortable. This rating is not compulsory; there are many great unrated businesses to choose from. The AA also offers a grading system with similar Star ratings. How do I book hotel accommodation on IsleofSkye.com? We don’t take bookings. Simply follow the 'More Information' link of the chosen listing to view the listed business’s private website, and then contact them directly to check availability and book. Skye Zone The Isle of Skye is a large Island, to help you find some where to stay each accommodation type has been categorised by the different areas around the Island.

Question: What is the main town of the Isle of Skye?
Answer: Portree