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Scottish Island Holidays: Skye

Itinerary Skye-2: Week in Skye & Lochalsh from GBP 599 per person for 7nts

It pays to linger in certain parts of Scotland, to give yourself the chance to fully explore and experience the unique qualities of an area, its history, its ever-changing dramatic scenery and its people.

Day One - Lochalsh

Begin your holiday by the tranquil waters of Loch Duich, an area of drama, wilderness and spectacular Highland scenery. Life here is unhurried: start your day with a stroll to the shores of the loch, gazing at the still reflections and breathing in the pure air. There’s plenty to do, but no need to do it in a rush.

Your Lochalsh Hotel

Converted from a former shooting lodge, the hotel stands at the foot of the Five Sisters of Kintail, just off the road and right on the loch shore. As the only hotel (and public bar!) for six miles, this welcoming Highland hotel is an ideal and comfortable base. You can relax with the locals in the public bar, or retreat to the more discrete atmosphere of the residents’ lounge, in front of a crackling open fire. A good selection of home-cooked food - with local sourcing a particular focus- is served both in the bar or, accompanied by fine loch views, in the conservatory restaurant. Don’t miss the black pudding at breakfast – it’s Scotland’s finest.

Day Two-Guided Walk

This holiday includes a day's private guided walking. Choose an option to suit your proficiency. The adventurous could decide to bag a Munro (or more), including the Five Sisters of Kintail; or you could choose a gentler, coastal walk in southern Skye; or venture across to the remote Knoydart peninsula (transport costs a little extra for this). Not only will your guide take the strain out of navigation and route selection, he will teach you about the flora, fauna and history of the Highlands whilst ensuring your safety and comfort. Your guide is a former British Army officer and a trained mountain leader, so you are in very safe hands. By the end of the day, you’ll feel both tired and refreshed – and will have earned a good, long soak in the bath!

 

Day Three – Exploring Lochalsh and further afield

Time to explore on your own. You might choose to take the short and dramatic coastal road to Glenelg – with its Brochs and General Wade's Barracks, then continue on to Sandaig – with its associations with Gavin Maxwell (author of Ring of Bright Water). Eilean Donan Castle – Scotland's most photographed and arguably most romantic - is just 10 minutes’ drive from your hotel – so you can easily avoid the crowds by visiting early or late in the day. Or you could head north on a fantastic circular tour, taking in the highest road in Scotland - the Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle) to Applecross. This single-track road with hairpin bends is not for the faint-hearted, but the views on a clear day across to the Isle of Skye are breath-taking. Reward yourself with a seafood lunch at the inn in Applecross, before heading back through the remote and inspiring landscape of Wester Ross.

Day Four - Over the sea to Skye

A short journey from Lochalsh, past Eilean Donan Castle, will take you over the sea to Skye via the magnificent bridge. Alternatively, take the tiny car ferry at Glenelg - the oldest ferry crossing in Scotland, now run by the local community. Your first hotel is in the north of the large island.

Your North Skye Hotel

Standing high above the shore, your hotel enjoys dramatic views across sweeping Staffin Bay to the Torridon mountains beyond, whilst inland the setting is dominated by the rocky cliffs of the Quiraing. This really is a place of total relaxation and romance. After some time out exploring the wilds of Northern Skye, curl up in front of the fire with a book or a game of chess: time is of little importance here! Locally-landed Minch seafood and delicious Highland game are both specialities of the cosy restaurant, or you can enjoy a lighter menu in the bar. Rooms are available in the main house or in Flora MacDonald’s attractively renovated cottage in the garden grounds. The cottage rooms, with their pretty, rustic décor are named after Flora’s seven children, whom she raised here long before the hotel’s existence!

Exploring Skye

Evoking romantic images of Bonnie Prince Charlie, Flora MacDonald and the ancient warring clans, the magical Isle of Skye is a sprawling and utterly captivating island, offering myriad spectacular contrasts. The towering Cuillin Range dominates the landscape, its snow-capped peaks visible from most parts of the island to tempt serious walkers and climbers. However, there is plenty of gentler walking to be found elsewhere, from the eerie Old Man of Storr and the dramatic cliffs of the Quirang on the northerly Trotternish peninsula, to the sheltered Bracadale area on the west coast, with its stunning views of the western isles. The town of Portree, with its attractive painted harbour, is well worth a visit, as is historic Dunvegan Castle and Gardens up in the north-west. Closer to your hotel in the south of the island you’ll find Armadale Castle and the Museum of the Isles, plus more delightful walks out to the Point of Sleat, where the views of the small isles of Rum and Eigg are not to be missed. Skye is dotted with craft shops and galleries for a bit of souvenir-hunting too.

Day Six - Southern Skye

Today you turn to the south of the island with plenty of time to explore before reaching your final hotel.

Your South Skye Hotel

Sheltered by a gently curving bay, your charming whitewashed hotel sits right on the seashore, enjoying captivating views past the lighthouse of Isle Ornsay to the wilderness of Knoydart. This, the most southerly part of Skye, is an area of great natural beauty, often referred to as the "Garden of Skye" thanks to its abundant bird life and profusion of wild flowers. The hotel lies at the heart of a Gaelic-speaking community where the locals mix happily with hotel guests, often to the accompaniment of traditional music and Gaelic song in front of the roaring log fire. Candlelit meals in the wood-panelled dining room reflect the estate’s culinary riches, with wonderful shellfish and game featuring prominently on the menu. Langoustines are landed at the old stone pier, and oysters come from the hotel's own oyster beds. On the little harbour right beside the hotel is the headquarters of "The Gaelic Whiskies", where you can sample an excellent range of connoisseur brands before browsing in the nearby craft shop or art gallery.

Day Eight- Return home

You will leave Skye by the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, departing with a last, lingering look at the glorious mountain scenery surrounding you.

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged from March to October 2010.

The price is £599 per person for holidays in March, April and October 2009, £639 per person for holidays between May & September, based on 2 people sharing a room for seven nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
This holiday includes a day's private guided walking in Lochalsh, and a single ferry crossing for a car and two adult passengers between Armadale and Mallaig.

All our holidays include a touring map of Scotland, plus Robert’s Recommendations, including insider information on what to see and do in the area.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value.

All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.