Isle of Skye in June, general advice + B&B recommendations chaps?

[Highbinder]

Hey guys,

I'm planning a wee 3 day get away with the missus in June and I'm very excited to get up to Skye which is somewhere neither of us have been. I've got the typical list of things I think we should see namely,

The fairy pools is no1 as its' been on her bucket list for ages
The Quiraing, if the weather permits as it looks super photogenic
Neist Point
Loch Poolteil
Milovaig Pier, heard that its a good spot for the summer 'midnight sunset'
Dunvegan Castle

Would like to know a couple of things from anyone thats been there.

- Most importantly, a good B&B! Budget is about £100 a night (can push it a little if its worth it), the missus isn't from the UK so would like to give her an authentic taste so good views, an open fireplace and good grub is priority over room luxury, accessibility, etc.

- Best places to spot some wildlife? Would like to get to see some otters at the least, hopefully some deer too

- Some easy walks that I can take her with. She's not so much the outdoors type but if the weather is good I really want to do a wee loop around The Quiraing at the least. How is the walking, challenging or easy going? We're both pretty fit (actually she's fitter but don't tell her) but she won't have proper walking footwear or waterproofs if it fouls up.

- I'll be driving from Glasgow, anything of particular interest worth detouring / stopping for? Figured we'd take a pause at Fort William and I can point her to Ben Nevis. Any quiet scenic stopping points on one of the many lochs up to Skye?


ANY help would be greatly appreciated! Trip planning always stresses me out, especially when I get on to tourist websites, so it'd be awesome to get some first person feedback from anyone that's been.

Cheers,
Stu

 

[Dogoak]

Never stayed but had a few pints and a meal once at the Sligachan Hotel. The meal as good and the staff very friendly. I have seen otters around Loch Sligachan.
If your driving I'd recommend going over via the small Kylerhea Ferry, near Glenelg, nice pub the Glenelg Inn by the way. Good chance to see seals via the ferry and a cracking drive on to the Isle.
Remember it is Scotland, looks like you're going to have to get her some decent footwear and waterproofs

 

[Highbinder]

Cheers Dogoak. Didn't consider the ferry, take it this is the one you're talking about - http://www.skyeferry.co.uk/ - not been to Malaig either so sounds good!

 

[Toddy]

Buy Beaton's Midge Jackets. http://www.midgejacket.co.uk/jackets.html
If it's windy at all, you'll maybe not need them, but if it's not and you want to enjoy the early morning and evenings, then something anti midge is a necessity at that time of year

The nicest route up from Glasgow is to try to avoid the A9. It's scenic enough for your passenger, but it can be an exercise in frustration for the driver.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A9_road_(Scotland)

http://www.isleofskye.com/skye-guide/travel-tips is worth a read.

I'd break up the journey to be honest if I were taking someone to see the country.
Follow the tourist routes; they're kind of thought out for folks and they're generally worth doing if you're not in any great hurry.
http://www.visitscotland.com/travel/around-scotland/national-tourist-routes

In no particular order….
Kyle of Lochalse, Ailean Donan Castle at Dornie (http://www.eileandonancastle.com), Glengarry, Loch Tay (go to the Scottish Crannog Centre http://www.crannog.co.uk and Ben Lawers and the falls at Killin) the Brochs at Glenelg, Loch Ness (there's a boat trip up the loch to Urquhart castle http://www.jacobite.co.uk) Ballachullish and Glencoe (http://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/glencoe-visitor-centre-p2474810
If you want to climb a hill, and only one hill, then try Ben A'an in the Trossachs….it'll only take about an hour and a bit to climb if you're able at all, and the views can be stunning there's work being done on the hill paths and carpark this Summer though, so have a good google for information if you do want to try it.
There's a funicular railway up Cairngorm with a restaurant at the top though.
http://www.cairngormmountain.org/funicularrailway/

Glenfinnan in Lochaber is beautiful, http://www.nts.org.uk/property/glenfinnan-monument

The West Highland line train journey is a quiet pleasure if you fancy the train,
http://www.seat61.com/WestHighlandLine.htm#.VQSug0uudNM
and there's a Summer steam train link from Loch Ness to Mallaig too.

All in all, that's a heck of a ramble I've posted, but it'd be a beautiful trip if the weather's at all kind

Loads of folks on the forum live in those areas too; hopefully they'll see the thread and chip in

atb,
Mary

 

[Dogoak]

Cheers Dogoak. Didn't consider the ferry, take it this is the one you're talking about - http://www.skyeferry.co.uk/ - not been to Malaig either so sounds good!

That's the one.

 

[peaks]

- Taking the ferry from Mallaig to Ardvasar is worth doing...........

- Boat trip into the base of the Cuillins - http://mistyisleboattrips.co.uk/
- Sea Eagle spotting boat trips from Portree
Both excellent - amazing views and you get a real sense of the landscape


- Waternish is worth a visit - the Stein Inn is brilliant + does accommodation
http://www.steininn.co.uk/

The craft + yarn shop is worth a visit if its raining - designer hand made woolens
http://www.theskyeshilasdairshop.co.uk/

Midges can be serious problem - so be prepared

 

[Highbinder]

Thanks Mary and peaks

Aye the A9 I'm familiar with. Used to live in Wick and have done many many trips up and down it. Sure the A82 will be similar in terms of traffic. I'm not a speedy driver so typically I don't get bothered unless I get stuck behind a caravan or other very slow convoy type traffic. Quite busy roads and I'd rather take it easy than chance an accident unlike a lot of other drivers on it it seems!

Yes midges! I suspect some concoction of DEET along with long sleeves and trews will have to do

The Crannog didn't ring a bell till I saw the photo I remember going there when I was wee.

And aye Glencoe should be on the list at the least! What a place...

I'm a wool guy so crafts+yarn sounds up my street if not hers hahhah. Any chance to get another wooly jumper

Planning a separate side trip into the Cairngorms and the funicular is on the list as is 'dog petting' at the dog sled place. She has pals flying in and we intend to do Edinburgh and then out to the Cairngorms all together.

 

[rik_uk3]

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/SmartDeals-g186585-Isle_of_Skye_The_Hebrides_Scotland-Hotel-Deals.html

 

[Gilliemac]

Culzean Castle in Ayrshire on your way up will cover most of your wishes for animals and views, and the coast road up to Glasgow is well worth it. Also you can freewheel UP the Electric Brae just after leaving Culzean.