EXPLORE 2020-2021 the isle of skye & lochalsh an t-eilean sgitheanach & loch aillse visitscotland.com Contents 2 Skye & Lochalsh at a glance 4 Amazing activities 6 Great outdoors The Cuillin Hills Hotel is set within fifteen acres of private grounds 8 Touching the past over looking Portree Harbour and the Cuillin Mountain range. 10 Arts, crafts and culture Located on the famous Isle of Skye, you can enjoy one of the finest 12 Natural larder 14 Year of Coasts most spectacular views from any hotel in Scotland. and Waters 2020 16 What’s on 18 Travel tips Welcome to… 20 Practical information 24 Places to visit the isle of 36 Leisure activities skye & lochalsh 41 Shopping Fàilte don at t-eilean 46 Food & drink sgitheanach & loch aillse 55 Tours 59 Transport 61 Events & festivals Are you ready for an island adventure unlike any other? The Isle of Skye and the area of Lochalsh (the part of mainland just to the east of Skye) is 61 Local services a dramatic landscape with miles of beautiful coastline, soaring mountain 62 Accommodation ranges, amazing wildlife and friendly people. Come and be enchanted 68 Regional map by fascinating tales of its turbulent history in the ancient castles, defensive duns and tiny crofthouses, and take in some of the special events happening this year. Cover: The view from Elgol, Inspire your creative spirit on the Skye & Isle of Skye Lochalsh Arts & Crafts Trail (SLACA), cross the beautiful Skye Bridge and don’t miss Above image: Kilt Rock, the chance to sample the best local Isle of Skye produce from land and sea in our many Credits: © VisitScotland. award-winning restaurants. Don’t forget to Kenny Lam, Richard Elliot, make the most of the great outdoors with a Skyak Adventures, Kirsty Duff, gentle walk – or maybe something more Isle of Raasay Distillery, Talisker thrilling such as rock climbing or sea kayaking. Distillery/Jakub Iwanicki, Come and see why the Highlands and Islands have Edinbane Pottery, Isle of Skye been named a top region in Lonely Planet’s Best in Leather Shop, The Oyster Shed/ Travel 2019. Make some new friends as you soak up the rich Gaelic music Jakub Iwanicki, Abellio Scotrail/ and culture and embrace the warm Scottish welcome of Skye & Lochalsh. Dennis Hardley, Sara Bain/ SEALL, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig 20HSK 01478 612003 Produced and published by APS Group Scotland (APS) in conjunction with VisitScotland (VS) and Highland News & Media (HNM). TRIPADVISORS Disclaimer APS / VS / HNM have produced and published this guide in good faith to reflect information submitted by the proprietors/managers of the businesses listed who have paid for and approved their entries to be included. Although APS / VS / HNM have taken reasonable steps to confirm the accuracy of information contained in this guide at the time of going to press, they cannot guarantee that the information published is and remains accurate. Accordingly, APS / VS / HNM recommend that all information is checked with the proprietor/manager of www.cuillinhills-hotel-skye.co.uk the business prior to visiting/booking to ensure that the accommodation, facilities, price and all other aspects of the business are satisfactory. APS / VS / HNM accept no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation contained in the guide and exclude all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the information contained in this guide. APS / VS / HNM accept no responsibility for the contents of any pages referenced by an external link and exclude all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the information contained in an external link. APS / VS / HNM also cannot accept any liability for loss caused by the bankruptcy, or liquidation, or insolvency, or cessation of trade of any company, firm or individual contained in this guide. Quality Assurance awards are correct as at January 2020. 2 the isle of skye & lochalsh OU KN highlights Y O D W I ? ' The Isle of Skye is best D Loch Achaidh experienced slowly. Stop na h-lnich on planning every last bucket- the Balmacara Estate is an important site list minute and allow for dragonflies and yourself breathing space, damselflies. that’s what #skyetime w w m is all about. Stay longer, see w o .v .c isitscotland less and experience more! ' If you are feeling romantic, why not spend an evening stargazing in Skye’s stellar Dark Sky? This is one of the best places in the UK to see the remarkable Northern Lights. ' The attractive village of Plockton curves around a sheltered east-facing shore on outer Loch Carron in Lochalsh. Catch a boat out to the loch to make friends with the resident seal colony. ' Visit the oldest continuously skye and lochalsh inhabited castle in Scotland, Dunvegan Castle on Skye, the stronghold of the chiefs at a glance of Clan MacLeod for over sealladh air an t-eilean sgitheanach 800 years. Portree, Isle of Skye & loch aillse ' If you fancy going sea kayaking or rock climbing, Whether you’re craning your neck in wonder at the magnificent sight of the Cuillin mountains or in the beautiful gardens and visit for some of the best viewpoints head to the Isle of Raasay. cooling your toes in the glistening waters off our coastline, in Skye & Lochalsh you can dive into the award-winning Museum of in the west Highlands. The north The island is also criss- crossed with waymarked our treasure trove of natural wonders. Roam the region to discover its colourful harbour villages, the Isles. In nearby Broadford, you side of the glen includes the Five paths, making it a hotspot for wealth of wildlife, majestic castles and fascinating landscapes. can browse through the range of Sisters of Kintail, while south of the whiskies at Praban Na Linne (Gaelic glen is the South Glen Shiel Ridge, walkers and mountain bikers. Whiskies) in Armadale, or visit the commonly known as the South from the pier of Suisnish and head The Cuillin and North West Portree, Trotternish and Isle Torabhaig Distillery in Teangue. Cluanie Ridge. to the unique flat-topped peak of Skye of Raasay Head down the winding road to Dun Caan, or try a dram from the Razor-ridged, fierce and moody, the Snuggled safely in its picturesque Elgol for picture postcard views Isle of Raasay Distillery. Cuillin mountains are a paradise natural harbour is Portree, the of the Cuillin mountains or hop for walkers and a spectacular main town on Skye with a superb South Skye in a boat from the village to Loch backdrop for everyone who visits range of shops and leisure facilities. Coruisk. Skye. The town of Dunvegan lies You don’t have to go too far north With its rolling woodland and pastures, the Sleat Peninsula is in the north west in a wild land of Portree to be in a fantasy Lochalsh known as the ‘garden of Skye’. of rocky promontories and long landscape. The extraordinary rock Discover a land where high peaks Wander around the 20,000 acre of sea lochs. Nearby you can visit pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr wash their toes in stunning sea Highland estate of Armadale Castle the Talisker Distillery, Skyeskyns, is part of the Trotternish Ridge lochs - Lochalsh and Kintail. & Gardens and take a moment to the Giant MacAskill Museum, and – 20 miles of jaw-dropping rock Scramble up the hills beyond seek out the ruins of Armadale Dunvegan Castle. formations. On Raasay, take a walk Glenelg, including Ben Sgritheall, Castle. Then stop to smell the roses VISITSCOTLAND.COM VISITSCOTLAND.COMThe Sligachan Bridge , Isle of Skye 4 the isle of skye & lochalsh amazing activities cur-seachadan longantach Sea-kayaking on Loch Brittle with spectacular views towards the Cuillin Ridge It’s thrilltime. Skye & Lochalsh is a sensational area to try out some exciting outdoor pursuits. Over BER BE 30 Munros are standing there waiting for you to conquer them. Bring a bike and enjoy the fresh air M S E A whilst soaking in the scenery. Or get your outdoor fix in a gentler style by fishing in the many lochs M F E Make sure you’re E ! and clear coastal waters. R fully prepared before attempting to climb See the coastline as few people of the Isle of Skye Golf Club – Red Why not spend a day in Kintail and any Scottish ever do by taking to the beautiful Cuillin hills, Ben Tianavaig and the Morvich and take a guided hill walk mountain www. mcofs.org.uk waters around the Isle of Skye in a Isle of Raasay are truly sensational. up the Five Sisters of Kintail? Look w w m sea kayak. Contact South Skye Sea out across the stunning mountain w co Pedal your way through the .vis nd. Kayak or Sea Kayak Plockton for an scenery along one of Scotland’s itscotla peaceful old roads, rough paths and unforgettable adventure. most famous ridges and learn beautiful forests of Skye & Lochalsh about mountain plants. While For adventure and excitement, – it promises an unforgettable day you won’t find a more dramatic head to Raasay House and for the family exploring a truly don’t miss… or inspiring location, remember Activities or try your hand at axe beautiful corner of Scotland. ' The Plockton Regatta – sudden changes in the weather throwing, archery or clay target an exciting fortnight of If you fancy a challenge hire an can take place, so make sure you shooting with A.C.E. Adventure. sailing around Plockton experienced guide to escort you go prepared. bay and Loch Carron in Tee off for a round to remember to the dozens of sensational Try a more unusual adrenaline July and August.