If you have a thirst for adventure..

Climb, fish, cycle, hike, swim, go up in a plane, ride a quad, Skye has it all…

One of the best things about Skye is the freedom for children and adults alike. Go fossil hunting on the beaches, try your hand at digging for clams, brave the cold in the crystal clear waters of the lochs and the sea, go otter and porpoise spotting or enjoy a picnic in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. And even when it rains, which we have to admit it does from time to time… where better to enjoy a bit of puddle jumping? Skye is what you make it and has a habit of ..well becoming a habit.

For those who prefer something more adventurous you’ll find a small section of activities you can choose from below –  all of which are in easy reach of the cottage.

A selection of outdoor activity providers are listed below:

• Wildlife tours and angling – Isle of Skye Wildlife Tours 
• Sea kayaking – Skyak  and Sea Kayak Plockton
• Outdoor activities – Raasay House and White Wave
• Field sports – Fearann Eilean Iarmain
• Cookery – Claire Macdonald’s Cookery Courses at Kinloch Lodge Hotel,
• Walks and wildlife  – The Highland Council Ranger Service,
• Sailing, foraging and outdoor activities, Minch Adventures

Boat trips

There are lots to choose from – you can go to see the seals at Plockton or Dunvegan, try the AquaExplore from Armadale or the Glass Bottom Boat from Kyle of Lochalsh. You can go searching for whales and porpoises from Portree and take one of the most scenic boat trips in the country to Loch Coruisk and admire the majesty of the Cuillin mountain range. For more of a thrill take a fast rib ride from Elgol to the small isles of Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna.

Caneoing and kayaking

For a more energetic option you can hire canoes and kayaks from numerous operators or choose to go on an accompanied day trip. www.skyakadventures.com is just a mile from the cottage and if you have your own there is plenty of space to store them outside and at high tide you will be able to launch them directly from the garden or from the slip at Broadford.

Sailing

The west coast of Scotland is recognised as one of the best places to sail in the world. You can book a yacht for a day or learn to sail with the RYA accredited centre in Plockton, one of the spectacular locations in the highlands. www.plocktonboathire.co.uk

Walking and hiking

There are hundreds of stunning walks on Skye and nearby. We give you our own recommendations in our guest information pack but you can also find information at www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye

If you’re looking for more of a challenge the start of the Cuillin is 12 miles away near the famous Sligachan Hotel. Mountain guides can be arranged in advance. www.skyeguides.co.uk

Quad biking and archery

A range of activities are available at Clan Donald, Armadale Castle, half an hour’s drive away on the Sleat peninsula.

Swimming

If you’re brave enough, or have a wetsuit, there are many safe areas for swimming including the magical Fairy Pools. But for a warmer or rainy day option there’s always the leisure centre at Kyle of Lochalsh – 8 miles away.

Fishing

Fishing Permits for wild salmon and trout fishing can be bought locally for a range of lochs. Deep seafishing can be pre-booked from Portree. One of the best places is off the pier at Armadale.

Cycling

Skye has lots of stunning single track roads which provide awe-inspiring cycling. For off-road options try Fox Hill at Kyleakin, the Marble Line in Broadford or the forestry track from Balmacara to Plockton – all within easy reach of the cottage.  You can also hire bikes at Armadale, Broadford and Portree.

Flying

Ashaig airstrip is just 1 mile down the road. Skye Seaplanes operate discovery flights over the island.

A winter warning

Although the outdoors is always freely available many operators shut down for some well-earned rest from  around November to March. If you’re planning on your holiday in winter it’s always worth checking with individual operators or asking us for advice so you’re not disappointed.

For information about a wide range of activities in Skye check out www.isleofskye.com