The Isle of Skye

Skye is a large complex island, which has much to offer. It is famous for its Cuillin Mountains which dominate the scenery in the south of the island. The Black Cuillin, which forms an extensive jagged horseshoe ridge of black gabbro rock, is the remains of an ancient volcano. Some of its tops are accessible to the walker and give unparalleled views. There are also numerous fine tracks leading into the brooding loch at its centre, Loch Coruisk. Separated from the Black Cuillin by the mighty Glen Sligachan, the Red Cuillin has contrastingly rounded hills and are distinctively coloured by the granite of which they are composed.

Past volcanic activity has left its mark on the Skye landscape and nowhere is this seen better than on the northern Trotternish peninsula in the north of the island. Here erosion and landslips have sculpted the layers of lava into a series of cliffs and pinnacles and, where the land and sea meet, has produced a dramatic coastline. Off this eastern coastline can be found the fascinating islands of Raasay and Rona, rarely visited but real gems of islands.

There is also much human interest and the history of the people can be traced back to Stone Age times. More recent clan history is echoed in the remains of castles such as the seat of the MacLeod’s at Dunvegan. Skye crofters were at the front in the bitter battles of the 19th century in which they fought successfully to claim back ancestral land.

The Isle of Skye is superb for many types of outdoor activity. There is wonderful walking on its coastlines, through its deep glens and on some of the hills. Its coastlines are a paradise for sea-kayakers, with a trip to Loch Scavaig in the south being a highlight for many while a circumnavigation of some of Skye’s satellite islands, such as Rona and Raasay, is also very rewarding. Recently, our mountain bike guides have pioneered some fantastic rides through some of Skye’s glens – rides which MBR magazine called ‘The Best in Britain’.

Whatever your reason for visiting Skye, it is an island which leaves its mark on your memory, and calls you back again and again.

Mull, Jura, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles

These wonderful islands lie west of Oban and form the southern half of the Inner Hebrides. They are often visited, along with many other smaller islands, on our Sailing and Walking holidays in the Inner Hebrides.  The islands are known for their prolific wildlife (sea-birds are especially notable in early summer) and marine life - the waters around Mull are renowned for whale-watching. More information about these wonderful islands will be added here shortly.