Things To Do
To whet your appetite, we have listed is a small selection of things to do during your stay on Skye. However in Taigh na Traon you will find a folder with our suggestions of what to do and where to eat out. There are also lots of leaflets, maps and other information to help you make the best of your stay.
Museum of Island Life
Don’t miss the Museum of Island Life further north in Kilmuir, near Flora MacDonald’s grave.
Restored thatched cottages provide a real insight into life in the early part of the last century, and when the peat fire is going you can really imagine climbing into the box beds. This is not to be missed!
There is an exhibition of fascinating old photographs and also crafting tools and utensils.
www.skyemuseum.co.uk
Duntulm Castle
Duntulm Castle ruins are worth a look. You can park near and walk over to the Castle but beware, as the ruins are not safe to climb on. There are plans to try and stabilise the castle against further deterioration.
The beach below is interesting at low tide with its flat areas of exposed rock, and rock pools, but can be slippery.
Staffin Beach
Staffin beach is lovely at low tide if you want a sandy beach.
When the tide is really low you can get round to the main Staffin beach, and Staffin Island can look really close.
For the best place, turn off at Stenscholl and drive down over a bridge to the parking area below the cliffs.
Look out for nesting fulmars on the cliffs.
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle and gardens are well worth a visit and you can see lots of seals from the seal boat trips, which depart from close to the castle. Dunvegan Castle is located 22 miles west of Portree. It is a picturesque place with wooded gardens. Parts of the castle are thought to date from the ninth century, but building work has been carried out in almost every century since the 1200s when the MacLeods moved in. It is said to be the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland today.
Inside there are family portraits galore with antique furniture, books, trophies and weapons.
Showcases containing all sorts of medals and relics display such intriguing items as a lock of Bonnie Prince Charlie's hair and a pincushion embroidered by Flora MacDonald.
Also on display is the famous Fairy Flag, of which precious little now remains. Legend has it that this sacred banner, believed to date from the 7th century, will bring success to the chief or his clan if unfurled in an emergency. However, the charm will only work on three occasions and it has already been used twice to secure MacLeod victories in battle.
The castle is open from end March to end October daily 10am - 5.30pm but is also open in the winter 11am - 4pm. There is a restaurant and souvenir shop located in the car park. Boat trips in the loch are run in a motor vessel from the castle jetty.
www.dunvegancastle.com
Armadale Castle Gardens & Museum of the Isles in Sleat
Down in the south end of the island, Armadale Castle Gardens and the Museum of the Isles in Sleat are well worth a visit. Although the main castle structure is now a ruin, the gardens are beautifully landscaped and you can learn about the history of the Gaels in the excellent audio-visual exhibition.
 Serpentarium
The Skye Serpentarium was opened in 1991 by Catherine and Alex Shearer as an exhibition and educational centre. Since opening, they have been featured on BBC, Scottish & Grampian television and have won several awards.
With over 50 animals young children love the Serpentarium at Broadford where you can handle the snakes and buy shed snakeskins as souvenirs as well as various gifts and “pocket money” toys.
There is also a café there.
www.skyeserpentarium.org.uk
 Aros
Aros restaurant and shop is definitely worth a visit, especially as it is one of the few places open on a Sunday and also handy for somewhere to go in wet weather. The auditorium is used for concerts and films, so see the West Highland Free Press for details of what’s on or look inside Aros itself. In the summer video cameras from a sea eagle nest and a heron’s nest transmit live pictures to the Sea Eagle exhibition and the RSPB has a stall there and one of their staff is on hand to provide information.
For a guide to "what's on" at Aros - see our news page click here.
 Talisker Distillery
Don’t forget a visit to the island's only Distillery - Talisker, located in the sleepy village of Carbost on the north west of the island. Take home a bottle and savour the intense but smooth peaty flavour at home to remind you of your self-catering holiday on the Island of Skye.
www.taliskerwhisky.com
Whitewave
Whitewave is an outdoor centre close by in Linicro that has proved extremely
popular with many of our guests. It provides a range of activities including
kayaking, archery, windsurfing, and guided walks. Whitewave caters for all ages
and for complete novices to experienced users. Kayaking takes place either on an inland loch or in Uig Bay, depending on weather and tides. The instructors are all qualified and wetsuits are provided. Definitely recommended and you would need to book in advance.
www.whiteact.demon.co.uk/Whitewave/index.htm
Toy Museum at Glendale
Everyone enjoys the Toy Museum at Glendale, which has recently reopened after a
serious fire. The resident owners will encourage you to play with the toys and
while passing on fascinating snippets of information about their collection.
There is plenty of interest for those with a more serious historical bent. Here
children can buy souvenirs, puzzles and some old-fashioned favourite toys. Well
worth the long drive to Glendale but you could make a day of it doing the
Glendale tourist route, and perhaps visit Skye Silver at Colbost for some very attractive silver jewellery and there are other tourist attractions to visit in Glendale. There is a cafe in Glendale and the beach is pleasant to explore
www.toy-museum.co.uk
Boat Trips
There are a number of operators providing boat trips and we can recommend the Bella Jane trips (Scotland's first and only 5 Star boat trip) to one of Scotland's most isolated and breathtaking lochs - Loch Coruisk.
Trips depart from Elgol and are very popular and you would need to book in advance as these are very popular. Binoculars are provided on board as well as tea, coffee and home-made shortbread.
AquaXplore
AquaXplore run trips to Rum in a new custom-built, high-specification, offshore RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) designed for landing in remote locations. Rum is the site of Kinloch Castle, Britain's finest example of an Edwardian country house, the second place in Scotland to have its own electricity supply. An exotically furnished and centrally heated castle makes it an ideal destination even on a wet day. The guided tour of the castle takes about an hour. It is absolutely fascinating and we can definitely recommend it. However we personally have no experience of the RIB trip itself yet but it looks fun for the adventurous, and suitable clothing is provided. There are also other AquaXplore trips to Canna, Sanday and Loch Coruisk via the deserted basking shark station of Gavin Maxwell.
Sea-Probe Atlantis
The Sea-Probe Atlantis boat trips are also excellent and go from the jetty at the Kyle of Lochalsh. The glass-bottomed boat allows you to see underwater, and you visit the wreck of the Port Napier, kelp forests, and also a small island with seals. The times are dependent on the tides and you need to book. There is also another glass-bottomed boat called Family’s Pride, which operates from the pier at Broadford, and which explores Broadford Bay and its islands.
Brigadoon Boat Trips
The Brigadoon boat trips go from the pier at Portree and in two hours take you to see a fish farm, the cormorant caves, past a regular cliff top haunt of some sea eagles, and along to the bay of Camustianavaig, with views of the island of Raasay.
Staffin Bay Cruises
Staffin Bay Cruises operate a 30ft motor cruiser, which goes from the Staffin slipway and takes you to see Kilt Rock and seals at Holm Island.
You could also do a non-landing day-sail across the Minch on the ferry from Uig; details obtainable from the Caledonian and MacBrayne office in Uig. This can be an excellent day out if it is clear. There are usually a variety of seabirds to spot, including gannets, razorbills and shags.
Horse Rideing
The Portree Riding Centre is situated off the Struan road (the road that continues up past the Co-op) and this centre provides lessons and also some trekking. There is a café there too.
Fishing
Fishing is very popular here and fishing supplies can be obtained from Island Cycles in Portree. They also do cycle hire, cycle repairs, spares and accessories. There are some fishing information pages near the back of this booklet. Jans Sport also does fishing requisites.
Local Walks
There are some lovely walks you can do from the house, without taking your car.
In Scotland you have the right to walk anywhere, so you can go through gates and climb fences, but do remember if there are animals around do keep your dogs on the lead.
The fences and gates are for keeping stock in or out, not people, so please feel free to explore.
However – please do not enter fields with sheep or cattle in them at lambing time (mid April to May) - even if your dog is on a lead. Pregnant ewes can very easily take fright and may abort their lambs later. Be responsible and remember that sheep and cattle husbandry plays a major part in the livelihood of many crofters.
Walks starting from Taigh na Traon itself
• You can walk down the road, over the burn and up towards the Monkstadt ruins, then past the Monkstadt houses down to the sea, where you can explore the shore and rocks. An alternative route is to go over the burn, along a bit, then go through the gate on the left hand side of the road where the road bends round to the right. Go up the hill and over. You will have to go through gates or climb fences which ever way you go.
• Go up to the main road and turn right and walk along the main road until you see some sheep pens on the left with a track going up past them. If you follow this track it will take you right up the back hill where you will have lovely views of Linicro and across the Minch, and if you keep going through a gate at the top you can explore the wild moorland.
• If you go up to the main road and cross over you can walk across the fields on the other side of the road. If you go straight over the first small hill you will see ruins ahead and to the left. First you must cross some boggy land with a drain in the middle, but you can then explore the remains of the township of Greaulin. You can cut back to the main road to walk home.
• A simple walk is to just walk in either direction along the main road as far as you want, enjoying the views.
Other Walks in Kilmuir
• Idrigill Point.
Park at the Hairpin as you drive down the Uig road. Walk through the gate and follow the path along and upward, and you will get fantastic views of Linicro, to Borneskitaig, Uig Bay and into Greshornish as well. Wonderful on a clear day – take binoculars.
• Skudiburgh.
Park off the main road past the Council depot and take the turning to the right down a rough farm track towards Skudiburgh farm. You can go down to the beach and also climb the hill and explore the ancient Dun. This Dun can be seen from Taigh na Traon. A little way back from the beach is a spring.
• Camus Mor.
Park down at Camus Mor and walk northwest along the coast. Here the Cave of Gold (Uamh Oir) can be seen from the path but it is only accessible by boat. Along the shore you can see several fine stacks.
• Duntulm Beach.
Park at the castle and just explore. The ruins are not safe so do not climb on them. The beach has lots of rock pools at low tide, and further round you can watch the waves rushing up the inlets between the rocks.
• The Fairy Glen.
Not strictly in Kilmuir but close. Drive down through Uig and take the turning to the left just past the shop and Post Office. Continue past the scattered houses until you come to a large passing space on the left - just past a small lochan on the right. Park here and explore the landscape. You can climb easily up to the top of Castle Ewen, but the land up above is also interesting with reedy lochans and burns.
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