The Braes

Zoomable Map

• click here to see a map of Portree and the surrounding area.

Rail & Bus Travel

• although there are no railways on Skye itself, it is possible to travel as far as Kyle of Lochalsh by train from Inverness. From Kyle of Lochalsh, there are regular bus services to Portree. There are also regular bus services to Kyle and Portree from many parts of mainland Scotland. Click here to view information and links:-

  • Kyle of Lochalsh Railway - for information about the spectacular railway line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh.

  • Scotrail - for general rail travel information

  • Scottish Citylink - for Bus & Coach Travel linking Portree to most parts of the Scottish mainland.

  • Rapsons Coaches - running bus services throughout the Highlands as well as on Skye.

Ferry Information

• For those who prefer a traditional crossing by boat to Skye, there are two main routes which can be chosen for vehicular access, together with a new passenger ferry from Gairloch to Portree - click here for details and links:-

  • From Mallaig to Armadale via Caledonian MacBrayne. This company also provides ferry crossings to the Outer Hebrides islands of North Uist and Harris, via Uig on the west of Skye.

  • From Glenelg to Kylerhea via Skye Ferry. This ferry is approached via Cluanie, Glen Shiel and the spectacular Mam Ratagan. The ferry operates from Easter to October.

  • From Gairloch to Portree - 6° West. This is a new passenger ferry service operating daily from Gairloch to Portree. The service is scheduled to start in May/June 2004.

Airport Information

• Highlands & Islands Airports Limited - operating 10 airports throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

• Eastern Airways - now operating flights to Inverness direct from Birmingham and Manchester.

• British Airways - with flights available to Inverness Airport.

• Easyjet - the web's favourite airline.

Boat Trips

• Seaprobe Atlantis - trips from Kyle of Lochalsh by glass-bottom boat, to see the hidden mysteries of the deep!

• Bella Jane - trips from Elgol to Loch Coruisk and also to the islands of Rhum and Canna.

• 6° West. This is a new passenger ferry service operating daily from Gairloch to Portree. The service is scheduled to start in May/June 2004. It's called "6° West" because the mid-point of the crossing coincides with the 6° west line of longitude.

Bright Water Visitor Centre

• located in Kyleakin, just across the water from Kyle of Lochalsh. For information about the Eilean Ban Trust and Gavin Maxwell, and for Boat Trips.

ScotWays - the Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society

• promoting the interests of those who enjoy walking in Scotland. Safeguarding public access in Scotland since 1845.

Castles

• Eilean Donan Castle - the famous castle which used to feature in the "balloon" sequences on BBC television. You will pass this castle on your approach to Kyle of Lochalsh if travelling via Cluanie and Glen Shiel.
• Armadale Castle - in the south of Skye; home to West Highland Heavy Horses. The castle is open to visitors.
• Dunvegan Castle - the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod, still in use today. The castle is open to visitors all year round - opening times are shown on the website.
• Duntulm Castle - the ruins of Duntulm Castle stand right at the top of the Trotternish peninsula. This was a stronghold of the Clan MacDonald and was abandoned by the clan around 1730.

Skye Museum

• A collection of thatched croft houses depicting life on the Isle of Skye in times gone by.

Golf Club

• Isle of Skye Golf Club is located at Sconser, some 13 miles south of Portree. Visitors are always welcome.

Whisky Distillery & Whisky Information

• Talisker Distillery, the only distillery on Skye, produces the famous single malt, and is open to visitors.
• ScotchWhisky.Net - general information about uisge-beatha, the water of life.
• Malts.Com - information about Scotland's finest Single Malt Whiskies.

Scottish Real Ale

• there are now several Highland breweries catering for those who enjoy a pint of real ale. Click here for list:-

  • Isle of Skye Brewery
  • Black Isle Brewery
  • Orkney Brewery
  • Atlas Brewery, Kinlochleven
  • Isle of Arran Brewery
  • Bridge of Allan Brewery
  • Aviemore Brewery
  • Houston Brewery

Walking and Climbing

• ScotWays
  • the Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society - promoting the interests of those who enjoy walking in Scotland. Safeguarding public access in Scotland since 1845.
• The Mountaineering Council of Scotland
  • the representative body for climbers, walkers, mountaineers and cross-country skiers who enjoy Scottish mountains
• Great Glen Way
  • a new 73-mile walking route from Fort William to Inverness
• MountainVision
  • for mountaineering, walking, and climbing courses in the North West Highlands.

Riding & Pony Trekking

• Portree Riding Stables
• Skye Riding Centre
• West Highland Heavy Horses - based at Armadale Castle.
• Loch Long Pony Trails - on the mainland at Dornie, 12 miles from Skye Bridge

Diving

• www.divers-eye.co.uk
• www.dive-and-sea-the-hebrides.co.uk

Wildlife & Wild Places Conservation

• The John Muir Trust
• Balmacara Estate

Other Local Information

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