Isle
of Skye, Scotland -
Virtual Tour of North-West Skye
Dunvegan,
Struan and surrounding area
We now head west from Portree on the
single-track road which cuts across the middle of the
 island.
This is known locally as "the hill road" for very obvious
reasons. Descending towards the west coast we are blessed with a
stunning view of the islands of Loch Bracadale in the foreground and
those of the Outer Hebrides in the far distance.
We join the main road and turn northwards
through the village of Struan which has shops, a restaurant and a
filling station. Just beyond Struan we can stop and explore the
broch of Dun Beag which is not as well-preserved as some but,
because of its commanding position, gives a real sense of the
strategic importance of many of these ancient forts.
North of Struan the views westward are of Loch
Bracadale with the twin flat-topped hills of
 Healabhal
Mhor and Healabhal Bheag which are more commonly known as
MacLeod"s Tables, for we are now in the heart of MacLeod
country. Detours by Harlosh, Vatten, and Roag reveal a score of
little bays and inlets for us to discover. The Ullinish Lodge Hotel provides an excellent base for anyone wishing to
spend a bit more time exploring these shores.
The little road to the north and west of
MacLeod"s Tables leads to a network of townships and
 villages,
some of which could claim to be the most remote and beautiful in
Skye. From Colbost to Glendale there are several shops, galleries,
and museums making the network of roads in this area well-worth
exploring. Colbost is home to
the award winning Three Chimneys
Restaurant with Rooms.
When we find our way to
Waterstein and Neist Point we are well rewarded by the stunning sea
cliffs with their teeming bird life and the views across to the
Outer Isles.
 Back
on the main road we make our way through the village of Dunvegan,
the main village in north-west Skye. Here are all the usual shops,
garages, B&Bs, and guest houses. A mile
north of the village brings us into the woodland surrounding
Dunvegan
Castle, the home of the MacLeod clan and a mecca for visitors
from all over the world. A boat can take us from the castle grounds
out onto Loch Dunvegan to watch the seals sunning themselves on the
rocks. If we take the trouble to drive on up the road to Claigan we
can walk along the track to the magical coral beaches on the eastern
shore of the loch.
Heading east from Dunvegan on the main road we
come to the Fairy Bridge and take the turning north onto the
Waternish peninsula. The historic village of Stein with its Inn
dating from 1648; the ruined church of Trumpan with its violent
history; and the beautiful bay of Ardmore make the detour well
worthwhile.
Back at the Fairy Bridge we continue eastward and
take a left turn along the single track road which takes us to
Greshornish and the peace and quiet of the Greshornish
House. Back on the main road we continue down the
hill to Edinbane, where we can look in at the Edinbane Pottery and
see the potters at work. The road takes us on around by
Lynedale, Treaslane, and Bernisdale where we find the Spoons Bed & Breakfast to Skeabost where, on an island in the middle of the Snizort river, we discover an ancient ecclesiastical site which is a fascinating link back to the time of
the Celtic church, the original vehicle for Christianity in this
part of Scotland.
From Skeabost we take the main road as far as
the "other" Carbost and turn off to the right on the
single-track road which winds its way through the townships of
Peiness and Woodend before leading us back down into Portree.
Hotels and Restaurants:
|
