Isle of Skye Accommodation

The Red Hills in Central Skye

Skye's most famous mountains - the Cuillin mountain range

Talisker whisky distillery in Carbost

The Visitor Centre and exhibition prior to a whisky tour

Central Skye Broadford Cuillin Mountains Talisker Whisky Distillery

Central Skye is full of spectacular mountain views of the Red Hills and the world famous Cuillins. For serious hillwalkers it's like heaven on earth with no end to challenging Munros to climb or the great Cuillin traverse. For rock climbers the mountains are excellent for climbing and scrmabling. When you're wet and tired you can always relax with a dram of Talisker made on the island at Carbost.

It's a fantastic place to explore and you're best spending a few days on the island to be sure of some clear weather so you can take in the fantastic views. Boat trips on Loch Coruisk are also popular especially for seeing the seal colony that lives there. You can take a boat into the foot of the hills and then walk one of the many hillwalks from there.

Broadford East Skye Tourist Information

Broadford is the second largest settlement on the Isle of Skye. As such it has a good choice of holiday accommodation and several sightseeing and wet weather options. Broadford is the first main village after you get onto the island and has a rnage of bed and breakfasts, hotels, hostels, as well as a petrol station, bank and supermarket. Broadford also has a Tourist Information Centre at the Car Park, Broadford, Isle of Skye IV49 9AB. Tel: 01471 822 361.

On the main road as you're heading west from Broadford you'll find Skye Serpentarium in an old mill. It houses a range of snakes, lizards and reptiles most of which have been rescued. You can even handle a snake - something the kids love to even if you don't. Skye Serpentarium Reptile World, The Old Mill, Harrapool, Broadford, IV49 9AQ. Tel: 01471 822209. Email: nik@snakebite.com

If you prefer your animals to be a little more cute and cuddly the International Otter Survival Centre is based in Broadford. The Centre studies otters in their natural environment and their work is aimed at protecting them in their natural environment. They also have a wildlife hospital and rescue centre for rehabilitating injured otters. Check their website out for more information on surveys for otters, the otter webcam and how you can do some otter detecting yourself or on courses or holidays they organise. International Otter Survival Fund Visitor Centre, 7 Black Park, Broadford, Isle of Skye IV49 9DE. Tel/Fax: 01471 822 487. Email: info@otter.org

Cuillin Mountains Skye

Broadford is an excellent base for exploring the Cuillin mountains that lie as a backdrop to the village. In fact these are the granite Red Hills along Glen Sligachan, sometimes called the Red Cuillins. The true Cuillins are the Black Cuillins made up of igneous rocks excellent for mountaineering.

Together these mountain ranges have some of the most challenging climbs in Britain. They have an allure all of their own for many walkers and climbers. The range includes thirty peaks and twelve Munros. The traverse of the entire range takes a minimum of 16 hours starting at Gars-bheinn and finishing at Sgurr nan Gillean.

This is really terrain for experienced walkers and climbers only as the weather can be changeable and because the rocks are slightly magnetic it can play havoc with compasses. There are various local guides who can take groups or individuals into the Cuillins for various walks. They also offer skills courses in rock-climbing and scrambling or short breaks to tackle particularly difficult Munro summits. Check the links right for more information.

If you're just wanting some good views of the mountains the road through Glen Brittle is stunning as is the road to Elgol that takes you right through the Red Hills.

Talisker Whisky Distillery

Talisker is the most famous whisky distillery on Skye. It is over on the west of the island at Carbost. The malts it produces are sweet, full-bodied single malt with a faintly peaty taste. The distillery was founded in 1830 by two brothers and was so successful that it had its own pier, tramway, cottages and even its own currency!

The distillery has a very well equipped Visitor Centre where you can book yourself onto a distillery tour. The reception area has displays and interpretation posters all about Talisker, its history and its whisky distilling process. Before departing on your tour you also get a generous dram of the 10 year old malt for tasting. There is also a shop on site where you can use the discount voucher you receive when paying the entrance fee for the tour.

November to March: Mon-Fri: Tours by appointment only, last Tour: 3.30pm. Easter to October: Mon-Sat: 9.30am-5pm, last Tour: 4.30pm. Jul-Aug: Sundays 12.30-5pm, last Tour: 4.00pm.

Talisker Distillery, Carbost, Isle of Skye. Tel: 01478 614308. Fax: 01478 614302. Email: georgette.crawford@diageo.com

Boat Trips Broadford and Loch Coruisk

Boat trips are available from Broadford Pier or on the stunning Loch Coruisk in the heart of the Cuillins. Check out the operator's websites listed below for more information:

From Broadford pier: Family Pride II's Glassbottom Boat Trip, Broadford, Isle of Skye, Highland IV42 8QE. Tel: 01471 822 037. Email: sales@glassbottomboat.co.uk

Misty Isle Boat Trips, Sealladh na Mara, Elgol, Isle Of Skye IV49 9BL. Tel: 01471 866 288. Email: contact@mistyisleboattrips.co.uk

Bella Jane Boat Trips, Elgol, Isle of Skye IV49 9BJ. Tel: 0800 731 3089 or 01471 866244.

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