The
Skye Bridge tolls have gone from the 21st December 2004. Crossing the
Skye Bridge used to cost drivers £5-£6 each way, but we
are more than happy to let you know that they have now been removed.
Touring the Northwest Highlands from our hotel is now as easy and economical
as being based on the mainland - so you really do get the best of both
Skye and the Lochalsh/Wester Ross areas while staying with us! Please
don't forget what the mainland has to offer: picturesque villages like
Plockton and Lochcarron, Eilean Donan Castle, Glenelg Brochs, Inverewe
& Attadale Gardens, Loch Maree and the fantastic views from Applecross
Pass to mention just a few - it would be easy to just go on and on!
The
routes listed below are merely suggestions and can be altered
to suit your personal preferences or totally ignored, but wherever you
choose to go we would recommend you fill up with fuel and light snacks
in Kyle or Broadford before heading off for the day - and always have
a map with you, (We suggest buying The Official Tourist Map 24 by
Estate
Publications). These journeys are designed to take full advantage
of particularly long summer days, where it is still light at 10pm and
often later!
We
highly recommend spending some time over on the mainland while you are
here - you would be missing out on another truly beautiful and unspoilt
area of the Highlands - which is why we’ve included day trips
on both sides of the Bridge.
Day
Trips... Lochalsh and Wester Ross
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Heather-Bridge-Kyle-Eilean Donan Castle-Shiel Bridge-Glenelg-Skye Ferry-Kylerhea
Otter Reserve-White Heather
A
‘must do’ day trip - visit Glenelg Candles and the 2000
year old brochs still standing tall near Glenelg village. The road from
Shiel Bridge takes you over the Mam Ratagan Pass - not for the feint
hearted, but there is a car park at the top with plenty of space for
a picnic and with a truly magnificent view you couldn’t ask for
a better reward!
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Maxwell)-Arnisdale-Foot Ferry-Barrisdale Bay-Foot Ferry-Arnisdale-Glenelg-Skye
Ferry-Kylerhea-White Heather.
If
you want to avoid other tourists then this is the one for you! There
are no roads to Barrisdale (on the north side of the Knoydart Peninsula)
- only the foot ferry! If you love the feeling of wilderness and isolation,
where your picnic is in total peace and tranquility then do this! The
foot ferry does need prior arrangement, which we are happy to sort out
for you!
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The
Bealach-Na-Ba or Pass of the Cattle, is most definitely not a road for
the nervous driver! The plaque in the car park and view point at the
top of the Pass explain that you are now standing 2053 ft above sea
level - the views of Skye and Raasay from across the water can be breathtaking
- worth every single hair pin you have just negotiated! The rest of
the journey is equally memorable, but remember to turn round at Shieldaig
to come back down the A896 to Lochcarron, unless you want to extend
your day trip considerably!
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Heather-Bridge-Kyle-Auchtertyre-Strathcarron-Achnasheen-(follow signs
for A835)-Ullapool (or Achiltibuie)-Achnasheen-Strathcarron-Auchtertyre-Kyle-Bridge-White
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When
you reach Ullapool decide whether you want to stay in the town itself
or be more adventurous by travelling 10 miles further up the A835 and
taking the single track road west to Achiltibuie where they are proud
to present the “Garden
of the Future” in their Hydroponicum, with guided tours every
hour. You will also have time to include a Summer Isles Cruise from
Achiltibuie (or from Ullapool if you stay down there), with
time to spend on one or two of these beautiful islets depending on the
cruise you choose. These uninhabited islets and their waterways are
home to sea bird colonies, dolphins, porpoises and much more. (for
Cruises from Achiltibuie contact Ian MacLeod
on 01854 622200 or we
can arrange it for you).
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Maree-Gairloch-Poolewe-Gairloch-Kinlochewe-Achnasheen-Strathcarron-Auchtertyre-Kyle-Bridge-White
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Visit
the stunning Inverewe Gardens near Poolewe, but first decide whether
to investigate parts of Loch Maree on the way there or on the way back.
Indeed, Loch Maree could be a day trip in its own right, as could the
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve just past Kinlochewe.
Day
Trips... on Skye and the Western Isles
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Once at
Glenbrittle, you have all the time in the world to soak up the incredible
scenery. Do not forget your camera or binoculars! Grab food and any
outdoor equipment you need in Broadford as you pass through.
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After visiting
Armadale and Armadale Castle, take the scenic route back - you will
not regret it! Fantastic views over to the Small Isles and the Cuillin
Range, with sandy beaches you will probably have to yourself!
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Jane Boat trip (or AquaXplore
cruises to the Small Isles-Elgol-Broadford-White Heather
We have
had fantastic reports from guests who have been on the cruises from
Elgol - a choice of unforgettable day trips by all accounts!
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Castle-Dunvegan-Portree-White Heather
Why not
treat yourself to a gourmet lunch at the world famous Three Chimneys
(you will have to reserve well in advance of your holiday. Contact
the restaurant on 01470 511 258). After visiting the Croft Museum
why not pop along to Skye Silver. This should still leave plenty time
to spend the afternoon at Dunvegan Castle.
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Museum of Island Life-Uig-Portree-Broadford-White Heather
This really
is the ‘must do’ museum if you want to find out what island
life was like 100 years ago - a fascinating bunch of thatched cottages
containing artefacts, personal stories and loads of original photos
and documents. Behind the museum you can find the Flora MacDonald Memorial.
On the outward journey take time to enjoy the many natural wonders like
the Old Man O’ Storr, Lealt Falls, Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls (all
before reaching Staffin) or the Quiraing (just after Staffin)
to name just the more famous ones! On the way back, why not have your
evening meal in Broadford - see our page on 'food'!
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It takes
only a 15 minute crossing (Sconser Car & Passenger Ferry)
to reach Raasay and it’s well worth the excursion. You do not
really need your car on Raasay and be warned there is no filling station
on the island. Raasay is a nature conservancy area and the walking is
great. There is a fairly easy 5 mile trek to the top of Dun Caan (1456
ft) or take it a bit easier by sticking to the woodland walks around
Inverarish and the coast.
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Heather - Uig Ferry Terminal - Cruise* - Uig Ferry Terminal - White
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*Day Cruise & Coach Tour to Uist/Harris or Harris/Lewis
*non-landing Cruises to Uist/Harris with High tea or Evening meal with
Ceilidh
If you
are wanting to keep your base on Skye, then these are the perfect way
to flavour the Western Isles, returning to the White Heather for a well
earned night’s rest! It only takes an hour or so to get to Uig
from Kyleakin by car, although in the height of summer leave a little
more time due to increased traffic around Portree. Most of the cruises
have you back in Uig by about 5.30pm. Why not grab an evening meal in
Portree on the way back.
There
are plenty of other places worthy of mention here, but we just don’t
have the space to do so and if we did you would not know where to even
start!
