Below is just a selection of things to explore while on Skye. There are many more things to do and see. A good source of information would be the Tourist Office in Dunvegan or the bigger office in Portree

Beaches

There are two beaches close by: Orbost beach and the Coral beaches. Orbost beach is located on the Orbost Estate, a mere 10 minute drive from Skinidin. At Orbost Estate, park your car at the farm barn and continue on the foothpath past Orbost house. A 15 minute walk will bring you to a very secluded bay with fine, black sand. A perfect spot for a sunbath or a swim on a warm day.

The Coral beaches are opposite Skinidin and can be seen from the garden of Eilean Mor as a bright white strip on the opposite shores (look towards the north-east). Drive to Dunvegan Castel and continue the road until you reach a T-junction with a car park to your left. Park your car and continue by foot. After a 30 minute walk you will see the Coral beaches.

Both beaches are very child friendly although Orbost beach is probably the eastiest for very little children.

Eating out

There's a broad choice of restaurants, hotels and pubs serving food on Skye, some of them in the direct vicinity of the cottages. Below is just a small selection of them. Besides the ones listed below, you can also enjoy your dinner at "The Old School Restaurant" in Dunvegan.

If you're looking for a cosy pub, visit the Stein Inn in Waternish, the oldest pub on Skye. Enjoy your wee dram there next to the open fire. Or you might fancy the dining experience at The Three Chimney's (timely booking is required), one of Scotland's top restaurants, a mere 5 minute walk from Eilean Mor cottage. Loch Bay Seafood Restaurant serves local seafood, located next to the Stein Inn. Book in advance to prevent disappointment.

The Three Chimney's
The Loch Bay Seafood Restaurant
The Stein Inn

History

Everywhere you look on Skye you'll see remnants of days gone by. Castles, ruins of croft houses dating back to the days of the Highland clearances, brochs and memorials of bloody clan battles - they paint a colorful and rich history.

Immerse yourself for example in the history of the clan MacLeod by visiting Dunvegan Castle, one of Scotland's oldest inhabited castles. You will find the castle just outside the village, on the road to the Coral Beaches.

Dunvegan Castle⁽¹⁾
The Glendale Toy Museum
Armadale Castle Gardens & Museum of the Isles
Skye Museum of Island Life

⁽¹⁾ Besides the Castle and the Castle Gardens, there's a shop and a restaurant. Close to the castle - driving from Dunvegan - on your left hand side you will find a pier where regular trips are on offer to the seal colonies of Loch Dunvegan.

Local produce

Skye offers a broad range of high quality local produce. If you're into beers, you might want to try some of the local beers from the Skye Brewery. The brewery is located in Uig, on the Trotternish peninsula. Beers from the brewery are sold in local supermarkets, restaurants and pubs.

Isle of Skye Baking Company
Skye Brewery

For some reason the famous Talisker distillery does not have its own website. However if you do a search for "Talisker" at Google it will come up with some relevant information on the distillery. The distillery is a 15 to 20 minute drive from Dunvegan and has a tour schedule during the season. Give them a call so you can plan your tour at your convenience.

Out & About

Bella Jane Boat Trips
Misty Isle Boat Trips
MV Stardust Boat Trips & Fish Trips
Isle of Skye Golf Club

One of the things you should plan while on Skye, is a boat trip to Loch Coruisk. The trip will take you to one of the most stunning places on Earth, right in the middle of the Cuillin mountains.

Walks

There are loads of websites dedicated to walks on Skye. If you fancy walks close by the cottages you can visit the Coral Beaches (easy), MacLeod's Tables (you need to be reasonably fit and good weather to appreciate the magnificent views from the top), Neist Point (steep but over well laid out foot paths) or Orbost (easy).

If you're into serious walking you might want to buy some books on walks on Skye, like the Rambler's Guide and purchase some of the detailed maps from Ordnance Survey.

Fishing

When you're into fishing, Skye is a treat. During the summer months you can catch Pollock or Mackerel at Neist Point. But Skye offers far more. Check out the links to get an idea of the possibilities.

The hidden Lochs and Rivers of Skye and Lochalsh
Fishing in the Highlands of Scotland

Bird watching

You can take bird watching to any level. For example from the conservatory in Eilean Mor cottage, with your binoculars and a cup of tea witness the birds at the loch shore. Or more "into it" by choosing one of the great spots like Neist Point or the cliffs at Waterstein: eagles (including the massive white tailed eagles), buzzards, herons, gannets and many more. Even in the gardens of Eilean Mor cottage and Katie's cottage you will find an host finches, tits and robins.

For more information on any of the activities mentioned above or on Skye in general, you can also visit the official island website.