South Skye has it all!
Many visitors arriving on Skye head straight to the bustling town of Portree for restaurants, shops and proximity to the ‘top’ attractions of Skye.
The traveller who enjoys an altogether more ‘off-the-beaten-track’ experience can find exactly that here in South Skye.
South Skye is known as The Garden of Skye. You don’t have to spend long here to understand why. With trees in abundance and splashes of colour all year round you might be inclined to forget you’re visiting the Hebrides.
What’s more, the main road heading to the southern tip of Skye skirts along the Sound of Sleat, a stretch of water that separates Skye from mainland Scotland. Epic sea and mountain views confront you at every turn.
There are no shortage of restaurants in the South of Skye, including the famous Kinloch Lodge, a traditional hunting lodge owned by many generations of the MacDonald family. The shopping experience is unique and local, with island art, handcrafted jewellery, whisky, quality clothing and eclectic gift boutiques to be found.
However, it’s when heading out on your own adventures that you’ll really feel away from the crowds – with no trouble parking, no queues and often the beach or hillside entirely to yourselves.
Top Ten Tips from the locals…
Here are our Top Ten Tips for visiting the South of Skye this summer:
1.Enjoy the view over lunch or a pint at the Eilean Iarmain Hotel in Isleornsay
2.Walk or cycle the Leitr Fura track to the old crofting settlement
3.Book in with Skye MTB Adventures on a guided hike or bike to an off-grid location
4.Drive the Ord Loop, stopping at Ord Beach and Dun Scaith castle ruins
5.Go mackerel fishing or crabbing at Armadale Pier (keep an eye out for dolphins and seals)
6.Walk to Sandy Bay at Point of Sleat – at certain times of year Basking Sharks can be seen
7.Visit Armadale Castle and explore the gardens and The Museum of the Isles
8.Head out to sea on a guided adventure with South Skye Sea Kayaks
9.Enjoy a leisurely brunch, lunch or evening meal at Kinloch Lodge Hotel
10.Visit Skye’s newest distillery Torabhaig, then take a stroll on the beach below
Whether you’re staying with us on Eilean Sionnach or with one of our friends and neighbours, we hope you have a fabulous, ‘away from it all’ experience.
Before you go!
Did you know, we’re running a series called ‘Explore local’ on our Instagram page @eilean_sionnach?
If you’re not following us yet, head over now and give us a follow to get more unique tips from the locals in the coming months.
Adventure awaits!