The Isle of Skye
Map of this area

Skye evokes the mystery and enchantment of a Hebridean isle reputed for its spectacular scenery and wealth of legends. An aura of mysticism remains which had its origins in Norse and Gaelic times when the isle was known variously as the cloud island, misty isle or winged isle. The enchantment derives in part from the isle's rapidly changing moods. It is hard not to be spellbound when a heavy mist is pierced by fingers of sunshine prior to rolling away. or when persistent rain clears to reveal a landscape of purest colours and streaming sunshine.

The island, 48 miles long and 3 to 25 miles in breadth, the largest of the Inner Hebrides group, is celebrated for its impressive mountains, the Cuillin Hills. Although treeless and bare, the scenery is an attractive combination of mountain and sea. Crofting, tourism, and forestry are the main occupations. Skye is one of the strongholds of Gaelic which is spoken by 58% of the island's population. Ostaig has a Gaelic College. Sabhal Mor Ostaig, a centre of Gaelic learning in the tradition of the Columban monks at lona.

The Cuillins
These dramatic, often harsh mountains figure largely in most views of Skye. The Black Culllins are a horseshoe-shaped range encircling the glacial trough of Loch Coruisk. Gabbro rocks form over 20 sharp peaks, all over 3,000ft with the highest point being Sgurr Alasdair (3,309ft-993m). This ridge, intersected by ravines and vertical gulleys, provides a real challenge for climbers. Facing these across Glen Sligachan are the conical summits of the Red Cuillins. The pink granite here has weathered to more rounded forms. The Cuillins are a favourite haunt for climbers, geologists and visitors; however treacherous weather, scree slopes and steep ascents and descents require skill and experience.

Dunvegan Castle
Famous as the seat of the MacLeods. this Hebridean fortress is set on a rocky platform commanding Loch Dunvegan. The visit reveals a fascinating story, a mixture of personalities, clan legends and mementoes. The castle enshrines several priceless heirlooms, notably the Fairy Flag. According to legend this was the parting gift to lain, the 4th Chief from his fairy wife with whom he had lived for 20 years. The Flag has the power of warding off disaster to the clan and has twice been invoked. Other prized possessions are the Dunvegan Cup and Horn of Sir Rory Mor the 15th Chief. Tradition requires that the heir, on coming of age, quaffs the horn filled with claret without falling downl Family portraits include canvases by Zoffany, Raeburn and Ramsay.

Colbost Folk Museum
The Black House shows a typical abode of the 19th Century, with the family quarters and byre under one roof. Behind is an interesting example of an illicit whisky still. Documents on display recall how an uprising of local crofters highlighted the problems of 19C crofting. The resultant Croft Act accorded among other things the much sought after security of tenure. A road forks to the right at Totaig, going in the direction of Dunvegan Head.

Monument
A cairn monument overlooking Loch Dunvegan marks the site of a piping school of the MacCrimmons. the hereditary pipers to the MacLeods. A piping centre was re-established nearby in 1976.

Glendale Water Mill
Beyond Glendale township, a typically scattered crofting community, there is a mill down in the bay. Over 200 years ago, crofters came with their grain and a supply of peat, some even from the Outer Hebrides, to mill their grain here. The kiln was used to reduce the moisture content prior to grinding.

Trotternish Peninsula
This 20-mile-long peninsula to the north of Portree is known for its unusual rock formations. A coastal road circles it with lovely seascapes over the Sound of Raasay and Loch Snizort.

Portree
Set around a bay sheltered by two headlands, the isle's capital is a popular yachting centre.

TheStorr
A ten-mile-long ridge rising to 3 000ft - 914m. the Storr is a succession of jagged rock shapes. Rising to 160ft- 49m on the northeastern flank is the rock pinnacle The Old Man of Storr.

Kilt Rock
Interesting cliff formations of basaltic columns.

Quiraing
Great ridge with its numerous rocky bastions is clearly visible. At the northern end towers the 100ft - 30m tall Needle.

Duntulm
The jagged tooth of an ancient MacDonald stronghold stands on its cliff-top site commanding the sea route to the Outer Hebrides.

Kilmuir
In the churchyard is a Celtic cross monument to Flora MacDonald (1722-90) commemorating her bravery when she organised Prince Charles Edward Stuart's escape from the Outer Hebrides dressed as her maid. The Prince was soon to arrive in France and lifelong exile, having spent months wandering the Highlands, a hunted fugitive with £30 000 on his head. A quarter of a century later Dr Johnson and Boswell visited Flora at her nearby home.

Skye Museum of Island Life
The museum groups a late-19th Century crofter house, a weaver's house, a smithy and a ceilidh house. The latter has an interesting display of photographs and documents including newspaper cuttings, which give an idea of crofting life in the late 19C.

Uig
Ferry port for Lewis and Uist.

Sleat Peninsula
The moorland of the north gives way to a much greener and more fertile area, especially on the west coast, known as the Garden of Skye.

Armadale Castle Centre and Museum of the Isles
The restored stable block serves as a visitor arrival point. One end of Armadale Castle houses a museum-cum-exhibition featuring the 'Sea Kingdom', the story of the Lords of the Isles and the Gaelic culture. The former grounds offer a selection of woodland walks, nature trails, the arboretum and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Sound of Sleat.

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