The Skye Guide is an independent and personal view of the Isle of Skye. The things that are included in the guide are here because I like them - and because I think you might too. If something is not included, it may be because I would not recommend it to you, but it may be simply that I have not experienced it.
I am happy with that ambiguity...
Featured Articles
Portree - Bealach Cumhang
In Portree with an hour or two to spare for some exercise? There's no path here, but a good stretch of the legs with a rewarding view.
Get to NG496448 at the bend in the public road in Torvaig. From there, go through the gate and follow the farm track north and you will come to a memorial (marked on the OS 1:25,000 map) to the Nicolsons of Scorrybreac.
Northwest Skye - Claigan Coral Beach
Skye is famous for many things, but great beaches are not high on the list. You'll find better ones on Harris, or Tiree, or Uist, or Berneray, or Iona. But there are a few wee gems on Skye, and the Coral Beach at Claigan is one of them. Its combination of accessibility and white sand make it a very attractive option on a warm sunny day.
Trotternish - Rubha Hunish
This is an outstanding hike to the furthest north point of Skye. From the end of the point I have seen dolphins, whales and a basking shark, all at close range. The route is around 6 kilometres return, with fairly easy going for most of the way. A steep section down an inland cliff looks more daunting than it is, but it will test those with no head for heights. Begin from the small car park just off the main road between Duntulm and Kilmaluag, at NG422742. A path runs pretty much due north from here, keeping to the high ground.
Loch Bay by Michael Smith, Stein
Loch Bay Restaurant
Michael Smith is now the undisputed star of Skye's thriving culinary scene. He was Chef Director of the Three Chimneys when it earned its Michelin Star in 2015. Now he is doing amazing things in his own Loch Bay Restaurant in Stein, on the Waternish Peninsula. He achieved a Michelin Star here in the 2018 guide, and very well deserved it is.
The restaurant is small, welcoming and comfortable. It offers two menus - a five course seafood degustation (see below), or a fixed price three course meal. The latter gives a choice of three starters (seafood, vegetarian or meat), three main courses (ditto) and a third couse of either cheese, a pudding or a selection of small desserts.
Described as "Contemporary Scottish with classic French influences", the food is, as you should expect from a renowned chef, the sort of stuff that makes you say "Mmmm" quietly with every forkfull. Great ingredients, perfect cooking and beautiful but unfussy presentation. There's nothing at all pretentious about what you get at Loch Bay. And everything is wonderful.
Did you know?
The pier in Portree was designed and built in the 19th century by the famous engineer, Thomas Telford.