Areas of Skye
Skye’s Gaelic name, An t-Eilean Sgitheanach, is said by some to refer to the winged shape of its outline. The island curves outwards and upwards from the mainland, unfurling across the map in a series of giant peninsulas – which themselves provide broad dividing lines for the area chapters in this guide. Happy exploring.
BROADFORD & SURROUNDS
If you’re arriving onto Skye over the road bridge, this is the area you’ll reach first, a relatively low-lying region of wooded roadsides, scattered settlements and open land. The village of Broadford is the most obvious hub, but there are myriad treats to be uncovered nearby – both on Skye itself and on the closest parts of the mainland.
PORTREE & CENTRAL SKYE
The island ‘capital’ of Portree is in reality little more than a village, although you’ll encounter plenty in the way of craft shops, watering holes, places to eat and pockets of history. The region around it, meanwhile – stretching not just up and down the shoreline but across to Skye’s west coast – has much to shout about.
TROTTERNISH
They call Skye ‘the Highlands in miniature’, but there’s nothing under- sized about the savagely handsome Trotternish peninsula. Stretching more than 30km north of Portree into the wild waves of The Minch – and belted by a road around its perimeter – it plays home to some of the most iconic sights on the island. For first-time visitors, this is often Skye’s go-to area.
WATERNISH, DUNVEGAN & DUIRINISH
Dripping with filmic scenery and ringed by a swooping, swerving coastline, this swathe of Skye is where the sheer scale of the island really becomes apparent. Dunvegan itself is a historic village dotted with interesting corners, while the seemingly boundless peninsulas of Waternish and Duirinish hold some stunning attractions, both natural and manmade.
MINGINISH & THE CUILLIN HILLS
Stretching down Skye’s western coastline, the island’s biggest, boldest mountain scenery is found here on the Minginish Peninsula, largely thanks to the presence of the mighty Cuillin Hills. Split between the jaggedly dramatic Black Cuillin and the more rounded Red Cuillin – and collectively attracting legions of serious outdoor aficionados – they overlook a region of glorious coastlines, lochs and headlands.
SLEAT
Pronounced ‘slate’ rather than ‘sleet’, Skye’s southernmost peninsula gets described as ‘the garden of Skye’, and its expanse of bracken-covered moors and fulsome greenery give it a different character to much of the island. Its attractions are plentiful, however, with handsome coastal scenery, superb historical attractions and some excellent walks and outdoor activities.
LOCHALSH
Often travelled through, but rarely explored fully, Lochalsh is a stunning area of soaring mountains, beautiful lochs, fascinating history and rugged beauty. With picturesque loch-side villages and ancient clan castles to discover alongside dramatic, sweeping landscapes full of wildlife and folklore, there’s something for every visitor to enjoy in this corner of Scotland.
RAASAY
A 25-minute ferry journey from Sconser brings you to the lovely island of Raasay, home to around 160 people and a long, languid coastline. Come calling for history, wildlife, scenery and bags of authentic charm. The vehicle-friendly sailings are regular, which is just as well – visitors often find themselves staying for longer than intended.
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Whitehill Farmhouse
Located on Colquhalzie Estate, this 19th Century farmhouse has been lovingly restored into a family home, having previously been home to the Shepherd who lived there for 40 years. We welcome friends and families of up to 8 people on a self-catered basis for at least 4 nights.
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