Within
Kyleakin itself you have immediate access to a couple of particularly
endearing local creatures: the otter and heron. If you take a walk around
the Obbe (the harbour inlet that runs round the back of the village
- pictured at the top of the page) you will find heron round every
corner, especially during the warmer months - indeed we seem to have
resident heron in the harbour infront of the hotel at the moment! The
otters on the other hand, are not going to make it quite that easy for
you, but during March to June especially, they are often spotted both
on and about the pier and pontoon in the late evening and early morning.
During the winter months, when the area is even more quiet, you can
often watch them during the day at low tide, fishing in the harbour
infront of the hotel!
Of course,
we can’t talk about Kyleakin without mentioning Castle Moil -
an ancient MacKinnon stronghold - with its own Viking history and ‘saucy’
norse traditions! With talk of clandestine meetings between clan chiefs
and tolls being levied on unsuspecting ships, the castle plaque makes
interesting reading, and if asked, the present day locals are more than
happy to spin you a legendary tale or two! To see Kyleakin in days gone
by visit Am
Baile.
Finding
a friendly ‘local’ is not difficult, whether you pop in
to Cameron's (the local post office/convenience store which seems to
sell everything!) or enjoy a meal or drink in the King Haakon Restaurant/Castle
Moil Bar, The Taste of India, Saucy Mary’s Pub or the King’s
Arms Bar/Restaurant, you are sure to receive a warm welcome. For more
information on these places and several other excellent places to eat,
just go to the page on “Food”!
