Skye and its smaller neighbours that make up the Inner Hebrides are known for their wild, beautiful landscapes of deep lochs and jagged mountains, which provide a challenge for the most experienced climbers. The islands have a harsh history, with Norse invasions, fierce clan feuds and the forcible eviction of much of the population during the Highland Clearances of the last century.

Skye Bridge is now toll-free. At last !
Photos of Skye

Armadale

Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum, built in the 19th century, houses museum telling story of MacDonald clan. Forty acres of woodland gardens, guided walks, nature trails. Armadale is a ferry link from Mallaig on mainland.

Broadford

Red granite Beinn na Caillich dominates this crofting village on bay. Bonnie Prince Charlie took refuge with the MacKinnons after his 1746 defeat at Culloden. He left them his secret recipe for what is now called Drambuie. The Dunollie Hotel sits on the old harbour wall in Broadford with magnificent views across the sea to Loch Kishorn and the Applecross Hills. Old Torran. Broadford.

Canna

Fertile island, 5 miles long, with small but thriving farming and fishing community. Little accommodation on island but campers can stay with permission from the National Trust for Scotland. Deep-water harbour attracts many yachtsmen.

Crusader's Grave

Tomb found in a graveyard on a small island in the Skeabost river. Notable for unusual effigy of a warrior in armour.

Cuillin Hills

Semicircular range of bare, black, volcanic peaks, many over 3,000ft high. These peaks are for experienced climbers only and provide some of Britain's best and toughest climbing. Cuillin Webcam pictures of conditions in the Cuillins of Skye. Cuillin Guides. Waterpipe Gully.

Dun Fiadhairt

Iron Age broch, or fort, 2000 years old. Walls 12ft thick enclose an area 31ft in diameter. Guard-rooms within walls on each side of the entrance.

Dun Hallin

Iron Age fort 12ft high with walls lift thick surrounded by outer wall. Two wall chambers and a stair lobby remain.

Dunscaith Castle

One of oldest fortified headlands of the Hebrides, a home of MacDonald clan until the late 16th century. Well preserved.

Dun Suladale Broch

Iron Age dwellings of this type, dry-stone towers with thick walls, are only found in Scotland. This examples walls are 12ft thick and enclose an area 42ft across.

Duntulm Castle

Ruin of 17th century castle perched on cliff which falls sharply on three sides. Built by MacDonalds on site of Celtic fort. Duntulm Castle.

Dunvegan Castle

Castle on Loch Dunvegan has been stronghold of Clan MacLeod since 1200. Packed with pictures, books and various relics of 20 MacLeod generations. Dunvegan.

Elgol

Fishing hamlet below Cuillin mountains on southern peninsula of Straithaird. Soay, Canna and Rhum islands visible from here. Elgol and Torrin Historical Society. Elgol Primary School. Photo 1. Photo 2. Accommodation in and around Elgol on the Isle of Skye. The Cuillins from Elgol. Elgol Coastline.

Kilmuir

Seven thatched cottages hold museum of 19th century Skye crofting life. Graveyard's Celtic cross marks the burial place of heroine Flora MacDonald, who helped the fugitive Bonnie Prince Charlie during his flight from the English in 1746. Whitewave Outdoor Centre.

Kinloch Castle

Early 20th century mansion, on Rhum, built for Sir George Bullough. Many original fittings remain. Entire island was Bullough family's private estate from 1888 to 1957.

Knock Castle

One of many MacDonald clan strongholds in the 16th and 17th centuries, castle was successfully defended from a 15th-century attack by Clan MacLeod.

Kyleakin

Seafront village and ferry port on strait that separates island from mainland. Castle Moil, MacKinnon stronghold from the 13th century, set on bluff. The White Heather is a small, family run hotel in Kyleakin. Old Cattle Ferry. The Old King's Arms Hotel. Old Ferry. Castle Moil. Old Kyleakin.

Kyle House

House's 3 acre garden warmed by mild Golf Stream throughout winter. Set by Loch Alsh, site gives views of the Cuillins and Island of Raasay. Kyle House.

Loch Bracadale

Sea loch where Hakon of Norway's fleet sheltered after defeat at 13th century Battle of Largs. Dun Beag, one of Skye's best preserved brochs, is nearby.

Loch Coruisk

Remote sea loch at foot of the Cuillins, accessible by boat or difficult hike. Name translates as 'cauldron of water'. Explore Loch Coruisk.

Loch Harport

Malt-drying kilns of Talisker distillery, Skye's only malt whisky producer, sit beside sea loch. Looking up Loch Harport towards the majestic Cuillins. Taigh Ailean Hotel. The Little Gallery is situated on the west coast of Scotland's beautiful Isle of Skye at Portnalong, overlooking Loch Harport.

Loch Mealt

Water from loch flows 50 yards before spilling over a sharp cliff to the sea 600ft below. Nearby is Kilt Rock, a formation with shape and strata resembling a kilt.

Loch Sligachan

Sligachan Hotel famous as climbing centre for the Cuillins since Victorian times. In Glen Sligachan is Bloody Stone, site of last clan battle between MacDonalds and MacLeods in 1601. Sligachan. Sligachan Hotel. Marsco. Sligachan Croft. Glen Sligachan. Glen Sligachan and Marsco. Sgurr nan Gillean. Marsco Winter Storm.

Old Skye Crofter's House

Local croft has been converted to Old Skye Crofter's House folk museum, displaying tools and illustrating crofting life. Skye Spinner.

Portree

Neat whitewashed houses and small hotels line harbour of town, capital of Skye. Royal Hotel is on site of inn where Bonnie Prince Charlie bade farewell to Flora MacDonald in 1746 before exile in France. Highland Games held here in summer. Portree House and Cottages. Ard Chuain is only a short walk or a minute's drive to Portree Village Centre. Portree Weather Forecast. The Aros Centre, Restaurant, shop, historical exhibition and Sea Eagle viewing centre. Portree Riding Stables. Skye Scene Highland Ceilidh, Traditional music event in Portree. The Pier Hotel, Portree

Isle of Skye. The old Portree pier. Old Portree Hotel. Old Fishing Fleet. The Royal Hotel. The Tongadale Hotel.

Quiraing

Gaelic name means 'pillared stronghold', describing an extraordinary glacier-created cluster of pinnacles and peaks.

Raasay

Isle of Raasay, 13 miles long, lies between Skye and the mainland. Brochel Castle was home to MacLeod of Raasay, whose 1745 support of the Jacobite cause brought severe retribution upon island after defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Rum

Island with peaks rising to 2,659ft. Now a Scottish Natural Heritage reserve, abundant with red deer. The sea eagle has been successfully reintroduced to island, previously extinct in Britain. Centre for botanical research.

Staffin

Rocky coast with crofting and fishing village around Staffin Bay. Reached by narrow road crossing Stenscholl river. Skyelight Candles. Tigh Cilmartin, Staffin, Isle of Skye. Gravir Guest House, Marrishadder, Staffin, Isle of Skye. The Old Mission House, Staffin. Staffin Cruises. Staffin Campsite. Skye Wave. Staffin Rocks. Seaweed at Staffin Island. Staffin Island.

The Storr

Area of rock cliffs and columns to the south of Trotternish peninsula. Area's highlight is Old Man of Storr, black basalt column 16Oft tall and 40ft in diameter, surrounded by lesser pinnacles.

Strollamus

Coastal crofting settlement, centre for sea angling and pony trekking. Sheltered from northerly winds by Scalpay Island.

Trotternish Peninsula

An area of land some 20 miles long and 8 miles wide, which is famous for its spectacular geological features. Walking in Trotternish. The Birds of Trotternish. Plant Life of Trotternish. Trotternish Ridge.

Trumpan

Ruined church is site of 1579 fight between MacLeods and MacDonalds. The invading MacDonalds killed all but one of many MacLeods worshipping in the church. The sole survivor raised the alarm and the rest of the clan arrived and killed the MacDonalds before they could escape.

Uig

Ancient looking tower overlooking bay is 19th century folly, built by a Captain Fraser. Car ferry to North Uist and Harris. Uig Pottery. Uig Hotel. Braigh Uige. The Isle of Skye Brewing Company. Old Uig. Loch Snizort. Uig Bay.

Ullinish Point

Headland gives views of twin flat-topped hills called MacLeod's Tables. At low tide, point is connected to sheep inhabited islet of Oronsay by sand bar. Ullinish Lodge Hotel.