Broadford

Eight miles west of Kyleakin is Broadford (An t-Ath Leathann), Skye's second largest village, which basically consists of a mile-long main street strung out along a wide bay,which offers ample scope for interesting coastal walks that will  take you close to the fabulous wildlife of Broadford. This bustling village lying in the shadow of the Red Cuillin Mountain has a fair share of tourist attractions. The main street has many interesting shops to explore including  the Skye Jewellery Showroom which crafts local jewellery.  Do not miss out the exciting cruise  aboard a Glass Bottom Boat around Skye or to the Mainland; take a stroll down the memory lane by exploring  Dunscaith Castle, or Caisteal Maol which conjures images of the rich past.

Broadford may be low on charm but it's high on tourist facilities, with plenty of accommodation and places to eat, a tourist office, garage, supermarket and bank (with ATM). There are also a few interesting, and unusual, things to do when it rains, which is always a bonus.

Phone code: +44 (0)1471

Useful Info

Bank of Scotland with ATM by the shops opposite the road to the new pier. Next to the Esso station is a Co-op supermarket, and there's a laundrette in the petrol station shop (open 24 hrs).

Kyleakin

LOCAL COMMUNITY WEBSITE: www.kyleakin.com

The opening of the Skye Bridge (crosses Loch Alsh), linking the island with the village of Kyle on the mainland (Lochalsh), has turned the former ferry terminal of Kyleakin (Caol Acain) into a much more peaceful and laid back little harbour village. The village remains an active fishing harbour and attracts many yachts during the summer season. The reduction of road traffic makes it a quiet place to stay, and in addition to the many B&Bs and 3 Hotels, the village is now also a favourite with backpackers, who have 4 hostels to choose from!

The village provides tourists with a friendly and relaxed base for touring both the island and the mainland, being as it is, right next to the Skye Bridge! You will discover the Bright Water Centre at the end of the pier, where you can find out about Gavin Maxwell and the local flora, fauna & marine life. The centre also offers walking tours of Eilean Ban, which is the island underneath the Skye Bridge where Gavin Maxwell spent some time while writing his famous Trilogy (Ring of Brightwater). Visitors can also take a walk round to Castle Moil, which was originally Norse until claimed by the MacKinnon Clan, before becoming the ruin it is today! The views from the village are fantastic, in many directions - views both up and down Loch Alsh, with mountains on every side! Don't forget to keep a look out for the local wildlife - otters, seals, heron, oyster catchers, shags & cormorants to name just a few! During the summer it has even been known for dolphins to pass by the end of the pier - although this is more of a rare treat!

Phone code: +44 (0)1599

Kylerhea

About four miles out of Kyleakin a road turns left off the A87 and heads southeast to Kylerhea (pronounced Kile-ray). The bridge may be the most convenient route to Skye, but the best way to cross is on the small car and passenger ferry that makes the 10-minute crossing to Kylerhea from Glenelg. Near Kylerhea is theForestry Commission Otter Haven. An hour-long nature trail takes you to an observation hide where you can look out for these elusive creatures. Info - Daily 0900 till 1 hr before dusk. Free. Tel. 01320-366322.

From Broadford to Portree

The road north to Portree runs between the fringes of the Red Cuillins and the coast, giving good views across to the Isle of Scalpay. The road then turns west along the shores of Loch Ainort to the turn-off for the Luib Folk Museum, another of Peter MacAskill's island museums and now sadly derelict.

The road runs north to Sconser, departure point for the ferry to Raasay , then runs around Loch Sligachan and heads north to Portree. On the opposite side of the loch from Sconser are the crofting communities known as The Braes, who successfully opposed their landlords' eviction notices and brought the crofters' cause to the public's attention.