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Broadford and Surrounds

Otter Hide

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The otter hide at Kylerhea sits above the narrows between Skye and the mainland, where the tide runs hard and otters, seals and birds work the current.

It is a Forestry hide, timber and glass, at the end of a short walk through the woods from the car park on the old ferry road, and it is free and open all day. Bring binoculars and patience: an hour is the minimum, early morning or evening the best, and a rising tide brings the otters in close. The little Glenelg turntable ferry crosses the narrows below you in summer, which is the way to come or go if you have a car.

A short drive awayGlenelg InnA traditional Highland inn in Glenelg looking over the Sound of Sleat to Skye, with log fires, a cosy bar and local food.13 min by roadSee itPicnic tables in the Glenelg Inn's garden, the Sound of Sleat and the hills of Skye beyond.
Close by
  1. The Glenelg FerryThe Glenelg FerryThe last hand-turned turntable ferry in the world, carrying cars across Kyle Rhea from Glenelg to Skye in summer.Under a mile1 min by road
  2. Kyle Rhea seen through bare trees from the path to the otter hide, the mainland hills beyond.Kylerhea Otter HavenA forest hide above the narrows of Kyle Rhea, on an easy trail, for otters, seals, porpoises and sea eagles; free.1 mile9 min by road
  3. Shelves in the Shore Station shop with teddy bears in Skye Ferry jumpers, prints and small gifts.Shore Station Café1 mile9 min by road
  4. The roofless stone ranges of Bernera Barracks standing in rough grass with a hill behind.Bernera BarracksThe substantial ruins of redcoat barracks built near Glenelg after 1715 to guard the crossing to Skye, for up to 240 soldiers.4 miles12 min by road
  5. Drystone broch walls rise beside a wooded hillside under grey cloudsDun Telve and Dun Troddan7 miles23 min by road
Directions
The view through a ruined window of Caisteal Maol to the water and hills.AttractionsCaisteal Maol3.7 miles over the water
Picnic tables in the Glenelg Inn's garden, the Sound of Sleat and the hills of Skye beyond.RestaurantsGlenelg Inn3.7 miles
The blue hull of Seaprobe Atlantis at her mooring, GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TRIPS along her side.AttractionsSeaprobe Atlantis4.1 miles over the water
Group in yellow helmets and coloured jackets posing beneath a cascading waterfallAttractionsSkye Highland Adventures4.1 miles over the water
Kinloch Lodge, Isle of SkyeBroadford and SurroundsKinloch LodgePlace to stay · 6.1 miles
Kayaks crossing turquoise water towards a white sandy beach between rocky headlandsToursSea Kayak Plockton6.2 miles over the water
Stone-walled cottage interior with wood-burning stove, leather sofa and kitchen tableBroadford and SurroundsLusa BothyPlace to stay · 7.3 miles
Whitewashed stone cottage ruin with open doorway and log bench in gravel yardCafeLean to Coffee7.4 miles
The Misty Bottle, a white cottage with an orange roof, a red phone box and an old green van outside, Breakish.ShoppingThe Misty Bottle Shop8.3 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near Otter Hide, and when each is next free.

Stone-walled cottage interior with wood-burning stove, leather sofa and kitchen tableLusa Bothy
  • To stay
  • In Broadford and Surrounds
  • 6 miles from Otter Hide
Check datesKinloch Lodge, Isle of SkyeKinloch Lodge
  • To stay
  • In Broadford and Surrounds
  • 6 miles from Otter Hide
Check datesA dark timber-clad cabin with a corrugated metal roof sits on a gravel drive amid moorland scrub.Stonechat Bothy
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Broadford and Surrounds
  • 7 miles from Otter Hide
Free 2–5 NovEilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage
  • Sleeps 8
  • In Broadford and Surrounds
  • 8 miles from Otter Hide
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in Broadford and SurroundsAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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