Exploring Sleat in 2023

Sleat Peninsula

Stonechat Bothy is in Drumfearn, a quiet crofting township on the Sleat peninsula. We are happy to recommend our favourite walks, scenic drives, local activities and places to eat. Stonechat Bothy guests will find a ‘Welcome Folder’ with lots of information and a book for our guests to leave their recommendations and tips for future Bothy guests. Have a read of our blog post 'Off the beaten track' which includes a few of our favourite local places to explore. We recommend avoiding the most popular tourist spots on the island during the peak months. It is easy to find a quiet spot elsewhere to fully enjoy the beauty and peace Skye can offer.

Landscape

Sleat is often referred to as the Garden of Skye due to its relative fertility and good tree cover. There are many miles of coastline to explore with views across the Sound of Sleat to Knoydart, Morar and Lochaber. The drive to the Aird of Sleat at the tip of the peninsula offers stunning views across to Eigg, and the loop road which encompasses Tokavaig is worth driving for impressive views of the Small Isles and the imposing Black Cuillin. Walking, wildlife and photography opportunities abound here. We recommend using the website Walk Highlands to find all the information you need to choose the right walk for you.

 

Activities

We highly recommend a boat trip in the summer months and have had great experiences with Bella Jane Boat Trips.  We love the trips on their ribs, AquaXplore.The West Highland Free Press our local, weekly newspaper is a good source of information as to what is happening locally during your stay. Have a look at the SEALL website as well to find out about local events. ​​​​​​Torabhaig Distillery here in Sleat have lovely tours of this beautiful new distillery.  Book in advance to avoid disappointment.  The views are incredible and there is a wee café too. ​​​​​​Skye Bridge Studios in Kyle of Lochalsh have events and screenings too so have a look on their website to see what’s on during your stay. Our local walk at Leitir Fura across the main road is worth a visit to see the cleared village and the views and wildlife are also very special.   ​​​​​​A.C.E Target Sports by Portree is a really fun day out and they now have Jacks, which is closer to us here in Broadford if you fancy some axe throwing fun!

Shopping

For general food shopping we have excellent Co-op supermarkets with long opening hours in Broadford, Kyle of Lochalsh, Mallaig and Portree which means you will pass a store whichever way you approach or leave Stonechat Bothy. There are so many wonderful independent shops throughout Skye and Lochalsh. We enjoy a potter around the shops at Armadale including Ragamuffin and Bay Pottery. Perfect for finding gifts for loved ones and supporting our local retailers. you can also find artist studios located throughout Sleat. The Pottery at Sasaig, ​​​​​​Lenz Ceramics is one of our favourites. Armadale stores, near the Calmac Ferry, has a very good selection of fresh veg, fruit and bread with minimal packaging and also a refill section. Don't miss the delightful ​​​​​​Búth na h-Abhainn in Broadford for a wide range of gifts, books and cards including cards featuring beautiful artwork and packed full of seeds from local business ​​​​​​Scribe and Grow, and Skye Natural Skincare products too (pictured here). ​​​​​​The Selkie Collective in Broadford run regular, varied and beautiful events for women, and also have a zero waste shop in Broadford. Be sure to pop in when you pass to stock up on snacks and ingredients. They also have lots of ideas for gifts, and sustainable, often locally-made toiletries.

​​​​​​Home in the Highlands in Balmacara Square is a hidden gem worth popping into too. Keep an eye out for local craft fairs and markets. There are usually signs on the road for anything exciting happening in the area.

Eating out

Skye has several world-class restaurants and one is just a stone’s throw from Drumfearn, the wonderful ​​​​​​Kinloch Lodge. We also recommend heading to the restaurant and bar in the ​​​​​​Eilean Iarmain at Isleornsay, with excellent food, drink, and atmosphere, all with a roaring open fire. The views are incredible and there is a little whisky shop and a gorgeous art gallery to discover too. ​​​​​​An Crùbh, our community hub at Duisdale is only 5 minutes away and has an excellent café, shop and Post Office. As with everywhere on Skye check opening times before you go (especially in the quieter months). We are also big fans of ​​​​​​Hebridean Inn in Broadford and the Self healthy food truck in the car park which is open in the warmer months. We love their lunches at the moment and can't recommend this food highly enough. There are many cafes in Broadford so you won't be short of places to eat out. ​​​​​​The Coffee Bothy is one of our favourites! ​​​​​​ Lean to Coffee at Ashaig is another favourite of ours for delicious coffee, hot drinks and baked treats. If you are travelling between Wildlife Croft Skye and the Skye Bridge you should definitely make a stop in here
For Fish and Chips our favourite is ​​​​​​The Fishermans Kitchen in Kyle of Lochalsh.

Amy's Place (pictured) is a gorgeous tearoom in Torrin, with a fantastic view of the Cuillins, and a huge selection of cakes made by Alison!

If you would like to have photographic memories of your time on Skye we highly recommend ​Penny Hardie. Penny recently photographed us on the croft, a gift from our friends, and we were amazed by the photos! I haven't slept in over a year and thought I would not enjoy the experience or seeing the photos, but Penny was so great. It was really chilled. Without brushing our hair or washing our faces Penny made us look so good! I want her to come back again. I'll love these photos forever. Lynne Kennedy is another incredible local photographer, take a look at her website, https://lynnekennedy.co.uk/

Ancestry and History

The Clan Donald Centre in Sleat is home to the the ruined Armadale Castle, and here visitors can explore the Museum of the Isles (closed in 2022) and enjoy 40 acres of gardens and walks. Dunscaith Castle, a 14th century ruin at Tokavaig, is also close by in South Skye and only a short walk from the road. Knock Castle is another ruin you can take a short walk to by the new distillery at Torabhaig. Skye and Lochalsh has a wealth of historical sites to explore including the famous Eilean Donan Castle (pictured) and Dunvegan Castle.

Amenities

There are Post Offices at An Crubh, Armadale Stores and Broadford (Buth na h-Abhainn). Fuel is available at Armadale, from the community run petrol station. Fuel is also available 24 hours at the Co-op in Broadford just a 15 minute drive away. ATMs can be found at Co-op in Broadford, Kyle of Lochalsh and Portree.