Isle of Skye sights

Are you staying in Portree? There's really not a lot between Armadale and Portree; at least compared to the beautiful scenery you will see beyond that. There's Armadale Castle, of course. You could stop and explore that before you leave. I will admit that when I drove from Armadale to Portree, I just wanted to get to my bed and breakfast in Portree so that I could start exploring the rest of the island.

It's a nice road; two lanes rather than single track, but it can take a while to get to Portree, especially if you get behind one of the slow camper vans. I wouldn't take too much time stopping there unless you really just want to explore. In that case, then I would just look for interesting places as you're driving along

Yes I am staying in Portree - sorry I should have said that!

Yes I am staying in Portree - sorry I should have said that! OOps I did say that

Hi, Sue,

How much time do you have between the time you leave Portree and the time you arrive in Armadale for your ferry? What time does the ferry depart for Mallaig?

Mike (Auchterless)

Have you even had confirmation that your ferry is running, and your booking is safe?

That route is on a single vessel, small ship timetable until 13 May, so not all bookings can even be honoured.

At the moment CalMac are working through bookings in date order, starting with next week which is on it's 3rd amended timetable in a week. So May is way down the priority list.

I would definitely heed isn31c's advice about the ferry situation. In fact in an abundance of caution, I would personally cancel the booking with calmac and make alternative plans now rather than have to make a change of plan later. Another wonderful route off the island is to take the Kylerhea to Glenelg ferry. It's a very short ferry crossing that you don't book in advance, but pay on board by card. The drive to the ferry is beautiful. While waiting the 15 minutes or so between crossings you might spot seals, otters and maybe even dolphins or whales. On the other side you could make a small detour to see the ancient brochs (stone towers) at Glenelg before continuing on the hill road back to the A87 from where you'd continue your journey south towards Glencoe. If I'm not in a hurry this is my preferred route off the island.

Sorry, Sue, I should have seen that, but that said, I would listen to both isn31c and Skyegirl. They know the ferry situation, and Skyegirl definitely knows the island.

Any advice they give you, think about using. The CalMac ferries are just a nightmare right now, and I tend to forget about that. You also might want to review this thread that Skyegirl posted today about traffic conditions and the tourist season: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/scotland/start-of-the-tourist-season-in-skye-and-already-traffic-chaos

Thanks skyegirl. That sounds great. Sue

As said, it does depend on how much time you have.There is plenty to do and see if you enjoy the great outdoors and a bit of walking - even a short walk down Glen Sligachan, depending on your timescale, is rewarding.Walking boots or at least trail shoes required.

If you had an early start and a later ferry then a drive down the Elgol road gives fab scenery.The boat trip from there to Loch Coruisk is fantastic but one to think about when you have a full day on Skye.Even if you only go drive as far as Amy’s Place, it’s a cute cafe with all home baking and stunning views.

The road down to Armadale beyond `Broadford also offers a walk near beautiful Kinloch Lodge - see the link below.You don’t need to do the full loop either.We’ve seen otters here.Also there are often otters (if wildlife is an interest) in Broadford bay.

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/kinlochforest.shtml

Am Praban bar, part of the pretty Isle Ornsay/Eilean Iarmain hotel does great lunch food if that works.It’s also in a delightfully scenic location with a small Art Gallery there too.

An Crubh Cafe is well worth a stop for lunch or coffee and cake with a beautiful view to the mainland mountains.

https://ancrubh.com/cafe/

There is a Photo /Art Gallery at Armadale pier as well as a small gift shop which does some very nice things.I never seem to have time these days to visit either, but if they are of interest, might be worth allowing some time for.The views from Sleat (that southern part of Skye’s coast) to the mainland mountains are just glorious.

Thank you scotlnd mac. This is just what I was looking for. I'm planning ahead so I don't have a definite ferry time yet I wanted to know if I should allow time for some sightseeing in this direction before I leave Skye. Sounds like I should take some time in this area. I really appreciate your help! sue

You’re welcome Sue - hope you have a great trip.We stayed in Girdwood on our Alaska trip 2 years ago - loved it!