Things to do
You could spend a lifetime exploring Skye, and every season has something to offer.
​
In the house you'll find some suggestions of days out to suit different weather conditions and different interests, as well as books with some great walks on Skye and the Isle of Raasay. But below is an outline of some great days out to whet your appetite or help you plan ahead.
​
Please note: the popular tourist spots such as Neist Point, The Old Man of Storr, The Quiraing, Kilt Falls, the Fairy Pools, the Fairy Glen and Coral Beach are all wonderful, but can get very busy in peak season, so consider visiting them early or late in the day, when they're likely to be at their best.
A Day at Dunvegan
In the morning, pick up fresh scones from Dunvegan Bakery (opens at 10am), then pop along to Jann's Cakes and choose from an exquisite range of cakes and boutique chocolates.
Visit Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. Lunch at the castle, or take a picnic and head for Coral Beach, looking out for seals en route. Spend the afternoon exploring Coral Beach.
In the evening, dine at the Old School Restaurant (be sure to book ahead).
Art & Culture Tour
A particularly rewarding day out if the weather isn't ideal. You can use the Art Skye website (or pick up a leaflet in the house) to plan your visit to one or more of the wonderful and varied galleries and shops on the island, which is an artists' mecca. Within easy reach of An Caladh are Skyescape Photography (opposite), Skye Silver, Edinbane Pottery and Skye Makers Gallery, but don't let that stop you exploring further afield!
Skye offers year-round events and lots of folk music. If this is of interest, you can find out what's on at the Isle of Skye website. Skye Music Shop in Portree is also excellent for buying Scottish music.
2 Peninsula Walks
Drive over the pass from Struan to Portree, keeping an eye out for eagles, then head for the Braes and park up in Gedintailor. Stroll around the An Aird peninsula in the Sound of Raasay, with its nesting cormorants and natural bridge, and enjoy the fabulous views.
​
Lunch at Sligachan Hotel, then head back to the West coast for a stroll from Ullinish to the tidal island of Oronsay (check tide times in advance). Alternatively, walk down from the house to Harlosh point.
​
Both walks are featured in the Isle of Skye Coast & Country Walks book in the house.
A Taste of Talisker
A trip to Skye isn't complete without visiting the home of one of Scotland's best whiskies. Book a tour of the Talisker distillery in the morning, which concludes with a bracing dram of the 'water of life' (its Gaelic translation), lunch up the road at the Oyster Shed or in the pub, then walk it all off with a stroll along Talisker Beach - an isolated spot that's well worth the drive.
Exploring Trotternish
A particularly good day for families: explore the Fairy Glen, visit the Museum of Highland Life, look for dinosaur footprints at Staffin Beach, and maybe take a late afternoon wildlife cruise from Portree. There are also some superb walks, including the Quiraing and from Duntelm Castle out to the northwest point of Trotternish.
Loch Coruisk
For a truly dramatic taste of Skye, book a boat from Elgol (season and weather dependent) which will land you a short walk from this spectacular lake, nestled in the embrace of the Black Cuillin.
Further Afield
A magnificent drive takes you north up the west coast of the mainland, via Strathcarron, Shieldaig and Gairloch, to the stunning Inverewe Gardens at Poolewe, which includes a café where you can lunch.
​
Return along the quicker road via Achnasheen and Balnacra, then head for the picturesque village of Plockton and feast on the famous Plockton Prawns at the hotel.
