Isle of Skye

1. Armadale Castle & Gardens

• What is Clan Donald?
  • Clan Donald is one of the largest clans in Scotland.
  • Until 1493, the MacDonalds, sons of Donald, were the Lords of the Isles.
• What happened to the MacDonalds' titles and land?
  • The MacDonalds were systematically stripped of their titles by the king.
  • Some of their land was confiscated, and many sold their estates to cover debts.
• Who purchased the MacDonalds of Sleat land?
  • In 1971, the MacDonalds of Sleat sold their land to the worldwide Clan Donald Lands Trust.
• What is Armadale Castle?
  • Armadale Castle is a romantic ruin situated on a 20,000-acre working estate, overlooking the Sound of Sleat.
• What can visitors see at Armadale Castle?
  • The castle estate features a restored garden that reflects its 18th-century glory.
  • The Museum of the Isles showcases 1,500 years of MacDonald history.

Armadale Castle & Gardens, Sleat, Isle of Skye, Scotland IV45 8RS, Phone: 014-71-84-43-05

2. Boreraig

• What is the walk to Boreraig like?
  • The walk to Boreraig is classified as long and easy.
  • It is a 10 km round trip, taking approximately 90 minutes each way.
• Where does the walk start?
  • The walk begins at the church of Kilchrist, located about 27 km from Portree.
• What historical sites can be seen along the route?
  • Along the way, hikers will pass through a village of ruined houses that were cleared in the 1850s for sheep grazing.
  • Further along, there are the remains of a railway platform, which was once the terminal point for a now disused marble quarry.
• What is the condition of the path?
  • The gravel path along the old railway track is well maintained.
  • The path becomes rockier as it heads uphill.
• What natural features are at the end of the walk?
  • At the coast, a waterfall drops into a clear pool on the beach, providing a stunning scenic view.

3. Brother’s Point

• Where is Rubha nam Brathairean located?
  • Rubha nam Brathairean is located off the Trotternish Loop in the north of the Isle of Skye, about 13 miles from Portree.
• How do visitors access the coastline?
  • Signs indicate the way to the coastline along a gravel and dirt road, which eventually turns into a grass track.
• What is the terrain like?
  • The beach is rocky, and the cliff near the highest point of the peninsula is steep and treacherous.
  • The terrain around Brother’s Point requires scrambling and can be slippery when wet.
• What significant discovery was made at Brother’s Point?
  • In 2018, researchers from Edinburgh discovered almost 50 dinosaur footprints in the tidal pools.
• Are dogs allowed at Brother’s Point?
  • Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.

4. Coral Beach

• What is the Coral Beach walk?
  • The Coral Beach walk is a two-mile trail classified as short and easy, making it suitable for a family outing and picnic in any weather.
• Where is Coral Beach located?
  • It is located 25 miles from Portree and 10 minutes from Dunvegan Castle, just north of a crofting community.
• What makes Coral Beach unique?
  • The beaches are composed of bleached white crushed coral, giving them a striking appearance.
  • Seaweed beneath the water’s surface creates a stunning aquamarine color in the sea.
• When is the best time to visit Coral Beach?
  • The contrast between the sea and sand is most vivid when the tide is halfway in or out.
• What other attractions can visitors explore nearby?
  • A walk to Coral Beach pairs well with a visit to Dunvegan Castle, making for a great day out.

5. Dunvegan Castle

• When was this Hebridean castle built?
  • The castle was built in five segments over ten building periods, from the 13th century to the mid-19th century.
• How was the castle’s design unified?
  • In 1850, the design was unified by adding defensive battlements and dummy pepper pots on all sections.
• Who owns the castle?
  • The castle has been in the McLeod family for 800 years.
• When was the castle opened to the public?
  • The castle was opened to the public in 1933.
• What can visitors see inside the castle?
  • Visitors can view several paintings and family heirlooms on display.
• What are the features of the castle gardens?
  • The 5 acres of formal gardens include:
  • Walled gardens
  • Vegetable gardens
  • Rose gardens
  • Water features
• What natural features are part of the estate?
  • The estate includes the Black Cuillin mountain range, providing breathtaking scenery.
• Is camping allowed on the estate?
  • Yes, camping is permitted on the estate.
• Are there accommodations available for visitors?
  • Several workers' cottages have been renovated and are available for hire.

Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye IV55 8WF, Phone: +44-0-14-70-52-12-06

6. Elgol

• Where is the best view of the Black Cuillin mountains?
  • The best view of the Black Cuillin mountains is from Elgol, a small harbor on the south coast of the Isle of Skye.
• How far is Elgol from Broadford?
  • The drive from Broadford to Elgol is 14 miles along a single-track road.
• What is the scenery like on the drive to Elgol?
  • The route passes through the rugged countryside of the Red Cuillins.
  • The road is shared with sheep and Scottish Highland Cattle, making for a scenic and traditional Highland experience.
• Who lives in the Elgol area?
  • The area is inhabited by crofters and fishermen, reflecting its rural and maritime heritage.
• Are there refreshment stops in Elgol?
  • Yes, visitors can stop at the Cuillin View coffee shop for refreshments.
• How can visitors access the Black Cuillin mountains from Elgol?
  • Access to the mountains is available by boat across sea Loch Scavaig or by a lengthy coastal hike.
• What other sights can be seen from Elgol?
  • The 'small isles' are visible out on Loch Scavaig, offering a picturesque seascape.

7. Fairy Glen

• What is Fairy Glen?
  • Fairy Glen is a mythical landscape known for its cone-shaped grassy knolls and mysterious atmosphere.
• What makes Fairy Glen unique?
  • The area features a cluster of grassy mounds, interspersed with hollows and stone spiral pathways believed to have been laid by ancient worshipers.
• How was the landscape of Fairy Glen formed?
  • The landscape was shaped by landslides, creating its unusual formations.
• Do visitors need to follow a specific path?
  • No, the paths are indistinct, and no specific route is necessary. Visitors are free to wander between the mounds.
• What is 'Castle Ewen'?
  • 'Castle Ewen' is a rocky tower and the highest point in Fairy Glen.
  • Reaching the top requires some scrambling, but it offers the best views of the area.
• How far is Fairy Glen from the nearest bus stop?
  • Fairy Glen is located 1.5 km from the Uig Hotel, which is the nearest bus stop.

8. Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls

• What is Kilt Rock?
  • Kilt Rock is a sea cliff located on the northeast coast of Trotternish, the northernmost peninsula on the Isle of Skye.
• Where is Kilt Rock located?
  • It is a stopping point between Portree and Staffin.
• What makes Kilt Rock unique?
  • The cliff has a sandstone base with basalt columns and dolerite sills that resemble a tartan pattern, giving it the name "Kilt Rock."
• What is Mealt Falls?
  • Mealt Falls is a waterfall that carries water from Mealt Loch and plunges 60 meters down the cliff face into the Sound of Raasay below.
• Is the viewpoint safe?
  • The viewpoint is fenced due to previous fatalities, ensuring visitor safety.
• What is special about the fence at Kilt Rock?
  • Holes drilled into the fence poles emit whistling sounds when the wind blows through them.
  • The sound varies with the wind and is said to resemble bagpipes.

9. Loch Coruisk

• What is Loch Coruisk?
  • Loch Coruisk, meaning 'cauldron of water', is a freshwater loch surrounded by the Black Cuillin mountains.
• How can visitors reach Loch Coruisk?
  • The loch is accessible by boat or by hiking from Elgol.
• How long does the hike to Loch Coruisk take?
  • The hike along the coast takes between 3 to 5 hours each way.
• What challenges does the hike present?
  • En route, hikers encounter the Elgol Bad Step, a treacherous overhang.
  • The trail is rough and rocky in some areas and boggy in others.
  • Wet feet are inevitable due to the terrain.
• Is it possible to complete a circuit of the loch?
  • A full circuit of the loch would require an overnight stay.
  • Crossing the river is difficult after heavy rains.
• What wildlife can be seen at Loch Coruisk?
  • Small colonies of seals inhabit the rocky outcrops in the loch.
  • It is also possible to spot otters in the area.