North West Skye Tourist Information

Waternish and Dunvegan Tourist Information

The north eastern part of the Isle of Skye are made up of the Waternish Peninsula and the Duirnish Peninsula. These are less explored than much of Skye apart from Dunvegan Castle which is a real honeypot attraction.

The Waternish Peninsula is lower lying than much of Skye extending right out into the Minch. On a clear day you get some great views over to the Western Isles. Fairy Bridge is the junction on the B886 where a MacLeod Chief married to a fairy was forced to say farewell when she decided to go home to her mother. The Peninsula is home to a wide variety of arts and crafts people many of whom are open for visits from the public.

Dive and Sea The Hebrides is also based here and offer courses on diving or take small groups out into The Minch to explore the underwater wildlife. Gordon MacKay & Aileen Robertson, Shorepark, Lochbay, Waternish, Isle of Skye IV55 8GD. Tel: 01470 592219. Mobile: 07980-106263 or 07778 761313. Email: diveskye@dive-and-sea-the-hebrides.co.uk

Just south of Waternish is Dunvegan which has a Tourist Information Office at 2 Lochside Dunvegan, Isle of Skye IV55 8WB. Tel: 01470 521581. Fax: 01470 521582. There is also a range of B&B accommodation and hotels. There area couple of seafood restaurants and pubs nearby.

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Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

Dunvegan Castle has been the seat of the McLeods for 800 years. It has stayed in the family for all that time and almost continuously occupied by the family with the exception of the time during the potato famine.

The castle sits atop a rock which at one time was surrounded by sea. Today it's surrounded by well tended gardens that attract visitors from all over the world. The gardens were first laid out in the 18th century and is one of the few areas on Skye where you'll find woodland walks.

You can also visit the castle itself which is open all year round: mid March-end October 10am-5pm. November-mid March 11am-4pm. There is a restaurant and shop on the site and weddings can be arranged here.

From the jetty outside the castle regular boat trips depart for seal spotting trips round Loch Dunvegan or longer trips out to the islands Mingay, Isay and Clett. Enquiries: MacLeod Estate Office, Tel: 01470 521206. Fax: 01470 521205.

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Duirnish Peninsula Tourist Information Family Attractions

The Duirnish Peninsula good as a walking destination. It's most recognisable landmarks are the MacLeod's Tables, two basalt outcrops Healbhal Bheag and Healbhal Mhor.

There is something of a Tourist Route outlined by the Glendale link right. The area has been known as Little England due to the amount of incomers who settled here looking for a better life. It's also been renowned for the Glendale Martyrs who stood up to the McLeods in 1882 to protest about the rent.

Colbost Folk Museum is a converted blackhouse complete with peat fire that shares stories of the old crofting life. There is usually a guide on hand. There's a minimal entrance fee, free for children.

For the kids there's the Toy Museum in Glendale that has a wide range of toys through the ages including crofters' puppets, trains, boats, dolls, teddies and Meccano sets. Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm.

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Dun Beag Broch

Just along the road A863 near Bracadale Dun Beag Broch is signposted. This stands on top of a hill and is the remains of a circular fortification that is believed would have housed families in around the 1st century BC. You can still clearly see the stairways that would have been inside the circular structure.

On a clear day you can take in some fantastic views over Loch Bracadale from the broch.

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