Adventure Awaits
Elgol and Isle of Skye Activities
The Isle of Skye is such a beautiful and enchanting island filled with wonderful places, people and, of course, wildlife. Whether you have come to walk, explore, photograph or just relax you can do so from the comfort of Mary’s Thatched Cottages. There are many things to see and do, some of which we will list here, but it is sometimes better to just go looking for that surprise around the next corner!
Elgol & Loch Coruisk
Down at the shore, there is a small harbour where the local fishing boats land their catches daily. There is also, arguably, the best view in Scotland across Loch Scavaig to the Cuillins which, depending on the weather, can look anything from mysterious and atmospheric to just plain stunning.
Boat trips on board the Misty Isle and Bella Jane run daily from the harbour into Loch Coruisk at the foot of the Cuillins, if weather permits. You will also find trips available to the small isles of Rum, Eigg, Canna and beyond.
The Elgol Shop at the village hall is a must-visit. You can also take a walk out to Prince Charlies Cave.
Our location in Elgol gives you access to some of the best hiking in the whole of Scotland, with the Cuillin range situated a short distance from the cottages.
For those looking for a longer hike – that most visitors miss – a walk from Elgol to Coruisk is spectacular. the walk takes you along the coast to the famous ‘Bad Step’, where you can test your nerve walking along a rock crevice above the water.
Dining In elgol
Locally for coffee and cakes try the shop in Elgol behind the village hall, Amy’s Place or Mrs Mack’s farm shop in Torrin. For something more substantial the recently opened Elgol Bistro is a 5-minute walk away and is already highly recommended.
Coruisk House – just next door – offers an incredible Michelin Guide restaurant serving local sourced produce and seafood landed at Elgol harbour. The also have a fantastic wine selection to complement your meal. The owners of Coruisk House Iain and Clare also own Mary’s Thatched Cottage – An Nead. If you are looking for a table at Coruisk House, advanced booking is essential.
Nearby Restaurants In Broadford
Back in Broadford and its outskirts, you will find the Red Skye Restaurant and The Coffee Bothy. Cafe Sia and Deli Gasta are also worth a visit.
Further afield there is the world-famous Three Chimneys Restaurant, not to mention the Kinloch Lodge and the Duisdale House Hotel and so many more to choose from.
We highly recommend planning your restaurant visits well in advance – and booking as soon as possible. Very few restaurants in Skye operate on a walk-in basis.
Skye's Popular Sites
The Old Man Of Storr
A large and spectacular pillar of rock known as the ‘Old Man’ dominates the landscape in the north east of Skye. Walking to the Old Man takes around 3hrs with time spent at the top of the climb enjoying the stunning views.
The path is well-defined, but steep in places. The walk involves climbing steep steps in places and the gravel path underfoot can be a little tricky on the way back down. This though, is a very safe walk suitable for most people.
Walking the Quiraing
If photography or even art is your thing then this is an essential walk as it passes through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland. Part of the Trotternish ridge, the Quiraing was formed by a massive landslip which created high cliffs, hidden plateaus and impressive pinnacles of rock. A clear day would be best and don’t forget your camera.
Sunrise is a special time to visit, as the light at this time is truly breathtaking. You’ll also benefit from having the place – (mostly) to yourself.
Picnic at the Coral Beach
This is a great family walk down to the Coral Beach in Claigan, situated just north of Dunvegan. Down at the beach, closer inspection reveals that the white sands are actually made of dried, calcified seaweed known as maerl. It makes the water look tropical blue when the sun comes out. A truly charming place, perfect for a family picnic and maybe even a swim if you are brave enough!
This is a great place to visit at sunset, on a nice evening there are few places in the world more perfect than here. You’ll also get to experience this stunning location in private at this time. Most visitors venture home or for dinner and miss this incredible spot at the end of the day.
Arriving to Skye in Style - The Glenelg Ferry
The fastest and most used way by road to Skye is using the road bridge. By far the most scenic is to take the ferry from Glenelg to Kylerhea. The Glenachulish has served on this route since 1982 and is the last remaining turntable ferry in operation in the world.
Isle of Skye in The Rain
There's still plenty to do
There’s nothing wrong with the weather on Skye, it’s the clothes you are wearing. No matter the weather Skye is beautiful and atmospheric.
Sometimes the perfect way to pass the day can be to sit in your cosy cottage next to the fire watching the weather come in! Even in the winter, there can still be some beautiful clear days where you can enjoy the island at its quieter time.
But if the rain keeps falling and you have little people to entertain then there is still plenty to do! Portree is just over 1 hours drive away from the cottages. Here, as well as many shops and places to eat, there is also a cinema and a cafe at the Isle of Skye Candles Visitor Centre.
There is a lovely swimming pool just off the island back over the bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh leisure centre. There is also a Chinese takeaway close to the swimming pool so that’s dinner sorted too! Further on through Kyle of Lochalsh a 1.25 hour drive from the cottages is one of Scotland’s most iconic castles Eilean Donan this makes a great day out exploring a piece of history.
On Skye, visit to Dunvegan Castle and Armadale Castle and Museum are good rainy-day options.
Lastly, although partially outside ACE Target Sports in Portree and Broadford offer good fun activities that allow you to stay dry. You can try axe throwing, archery, clay pigeon shooting and air rifles.
Skye Pilates
For those of you who want to look after your health and well being whilst on Skye why not look up Tracey Raymond, a Body Control Pilates Certified Teacher, who runs classes on Zoom on a Tuesday evening and a class at Breakish Village Hall on Thursday evenings. Guests are invited to attend these or if they prefer Tracey can offer 1-2-1 sessions. She can be contacted on wollabee@hotmail.com
