Scenery and  wildlife

From Lochview Cottage, westerly views across the loch to the unusual flat-topped MacLeod's Tables are ever changing, from the quiet stillness of an evening sunset to the dramatic seascape of an autumn storm. Searing shafts of light break through the fast moving clouds and mists, to settle on the white cottages on the opposite shore.

Across the loch, Idrigill Point with its cliffs, caves and unusual rock stacks, adds to the varied scenery. Never more than five miles from the sea when on Skye, there are superb coastal walks and forest paths with an abundance of wildlife to discover.

To the south-east, the often snow capped mountains of the famous Cuillin ridge dominate, with flame coloured sunrises.  Close by is the white sandy cove of Camus Ban and   the coral beaches beyond Dunvegan  make a lovely evening walk.

View from lounge & bedroom

      Sandy cove at Camus Ban

From centrally based Dunvegan, there are many spectacular sights - Neist Point Lighthouse on the far northwest corner, the Quiraing, Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock waterfall to the north. the Red and Black Cuillin mountains cutting through the middle of the island, Loch Coruisk accessible only by sea or long walk and the Point of Sleat at the tip of the island.

There is an abundance of wildlife - watch out for buzzards, eagles, gannets and eider ducks, otters, seals, whales and porpoises. Wild flowers grow in profusion, celandine, primrose, bluebells, asphodel and wild flag iris to name but a few.

There are deer in the woods, sheep on the hill and Highland cattle grazing in the fields around the Isle of Skye. Dunvegan Castle is a good place to see all three and the castle boat trip is especially worthwhile - the seals laze on the rocks and are so used to the locally manned boats that you can almost reach out and touch them. Take the camera!