Anyone been to Skye?

[Cathy]

Planning a trip for May. Accomodation booked.
Anything I shouldn't miss?

[AndrewP]

Hi Cathy,

For scenic walks -

(1) Elgol to Camusunary (Camas Fionnairigh) along the coastal path, returning across the hill, and by road to Elgol. Elgol is at the end of a 14-mile dead-end, leading off the A87 in Broadford (An Ath Leathann). The footpath is along rocky slopes above the coastline, eventually leading down to the sea. There are views to the Cuillins, and across to the islands of Soay, Rhum and Canna.

(2) Glen Sligachan - a long glen leading southish from the A87 at Sligachan. This route takes you down between the two main parts of the Cuillins (the Red Cuillins and the Black Cuillins). A walk down the glen is scenic in the shadow of some high mountains. Most of the Cuillins are mountaineering territory - more serious than most hillwalkers should attempt. Much of the glen is on peaty soil which can be very wet, so have good waterproof walking boots. This walk is there and back on the same route. The entire glen is about 8 miles to Camusunary, but you can always turn back sooner when you feel you have gone as far as you want, knowing that you have the same distance back to Sligachan.

A Google search for any of these place names will find many pictures of them.

If walking is not your thing, then there are the Talisker Distillery at Carbost and Dunvegan Castle (a stately home rather than a fortress); or a drive round the Trotternish Peninsula, the northernmost part of the island.

Also, don't forget the midge repellent.

All the best,

AndrewP

[Archiver]

I remember going up the Quirang (I have no idea if that is how it is spelt!) which is at the top of the island. If my memory serves me, it's flat on the top and I was told that they used to play shinty on it - though my leg may have been pulled, I'm not sure. Stunning views though.

[Cathy]

Thanks Andrew and Archiver. I'll get on to google now.

[SarahND]

Hi Cathy,
In addition to the walks, if you feel like a less strenuous afternoon, we really enjoyed the Skye Museum of Island Life in the north western part of Trotternish-- a reconstructed village with stone houses, the thatch held down by hanging stones all around the edges. It is very well done and there are some interesting books in the shop area that I wished I had bought...

We also went to get some yarn for a friend of ours at the Shilasdair Skye Yarn Company on Waternish and it was absolutely beautiful out there-- I recommend the drive, even if you're not interested in the yarn!

All the best,
Sarah

[Cathy]

Thanks Sarah,
not a great walker, but like a bit of yarn. Oh! and I love books.

[Miss Poohs]

Just what ever you do - don't forget the heavy duty midgie repellant, they are ferocious up there.

[trish1]

Probably should talk to Geoffrey Robertson - he was there last year recording his WDYTYA show for Oz TV We just saw the show last night - Skye looked very picturesque - not what his ancestors thought about it back in 1830s I gather.

Trish

[Rach]

How about a walk from Dunvegan Castle area to Coral beach? It isn't too far and if it is a bright sunny day you feel as though you are somewhere really exotic. We spent a lovely warm afternoon in April sunning ourselves there. As it says the first 'coral' beach you come to is nothing much and we were a bit disappointed as we thought that was the place we were heading for. However, the pretty one is a bit further on.
This is the website that explains how to get there as well as lots of other ideas.
http://www.britainexpress.com/scotland/ ... ernish.htm
Rae

[G.Love]

And this is a great place to eat:

http://www.skye-hotels.co.uk/threechimneys.html