Isle of Skye holiday cottages

The Isle of Skye lies near to the west coast of Scotland, between Gairloch and Ardmamurchan. It is an island of crofts and black houses, and Gaelic is still spoken frequently. Skye is dominated by the Cuillins, a massive range of mountains, popular with serious climbers. Skye is connected to the mainland by a bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh, which is at last free of the toll charges: you can also arrive by ferry (far more romantic to go 'over the sea to Skye') from Mallaig, Gairloch and Glenelg. Many people spending holidays on Skye come for the range of outdoor pursuits - walking, climbing, kayaking and wind-surfing: there are also more gentle activities such as pony-trekking if you want a more relaxing family holiday on Skye.

Renting a holiday cottage on Skye will give you the freedom to explore this fascinating island, and there are a good selection of cottages by the sea, selfcatering houses and modernised black houses available to rent. Take a cruise from Elgol, near Broadford, into Loch Coruisk - a memorable trip surrounded by the dramatic Cuillins. The Sleat Peninsula is a Macdonald stronghold. On the east coast is Isle Oronsay, beautiful woodlands, ruined castles and the famous Armadale Casle which houses the Museum of the Isles. If you go further on you will reach Aird of Sleat with glorious views accross the sound. Tiny settlements cluster round pretty coves and sandy beaches. Portree is the main town on Skye and is busy in the summer. Some of the colourful houses set around the pretty harbour are available for cottage holiday rental. North of Portree is The Old Man of Storr, the tallest of the amazing pinnacles and towers of basaltic rock - an incredible sight.

Dunvegan Castle is seat of the Macleods; a massive castle on a rock which is open to the public and set in glorious gardens. From the jetty below the castle you can take a boat trip to view the seals on the little islands. From Skye you can also go whale and dolphin watching - another memorable Scottish holiday experience.