Stonechat Bothy is situated in Drumfearn, a crofting township on the Sleat peninsula in South Skye. We are happy to recommend our favourite walks and scenic drives, local activities and places to eat out to all of our guests. Stonechat Bothy contains a comprehensive ‘Welcome Folder’ with a section on the local area, lots of leaflets and a notebook where our guests leave their recommendations and tips for future Bothy guests. Have a read of our Summer 2017 blog post 'Off the beaten track' which includes a few of our favourite local places to explore.

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.

Sleat is home to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig – Scotland’s Gaelic College. A full entertainment and events programme is held here, many organised by Seall (Scots Trad Music Awards 2015 winner of Venue of the Year). You can check their website here for upcoming events to make sure you don’t miss out when you visit. Their website also features a calendar of local events happening in Sleat, which includes natural history talks and creative workshops, as well as music and entertainment. The Skye Festival Feis an Eilein runs throughout most of July and August. We've also detailed where you can enjoy traditional music in one of our recent blog posts here

For general food shopping we have excellent Co-op supermarkets with long opening hours in Broadford, Kyle of Lochalsh, Mallaig and Portree, which ensures you pass a store regardless of which way you approach us. The newly opened Community Hub near Isle Ornsay, An Crubh, has an excellent shop with everyday essentials, tasty treats and locally produced items. There are several lovely independent shops to enjoy around Armadale, including Ragamuffin and Bay Pottery. Perfect to find gifts for loved ones and support our local retailers. At Isle Ornsay there is Floraidh Skye selling knitwear, tweed, silk and local crafts, and you can find the wonderful Dearg at Sabhal Mor Ostaig. There are many local artist studios located throughout Sleat. Lenz Pottery in Teangue is one of our favourites. The Market Square (next to the Co-op) in Broadford is great for browsing second-hand books, antiques and vintage items.

Skye boasts world class restaurants and one is just a stone’s throw from Drumfearn - Lunches, evening meals and High Tea are available at Claire Macdonald’s Kinloch Lodge with renowned chef Marcello Tully. Winner of numerous awards, we are lucky to have this superb establishment at the end of our road.
The next place to eat is just a few minutes further down the road at the Duisdale House Hotel, itself an award winning, double rosette restaurant that offers lunches and five course fine-dining in the evening. The Duisdale has a sister restaurant at the Toravaig House Hotel near Teangue, just another 5 minutes down the road, again a double rosette and award winner.
For less formal dining head to the restaurant and bar in the Eilean Iarmain Hotel at Isleornsay, with excellent food, drink and atmosphere, all with a roaring open fire. Take the Gaelic Whisky challenge here and enjoy the gin from their own still.
The Shed is a tiny café at Armadale Pier with stunning views across the sound. Cafe 1925 in Ardvasar is excellent as is the food at the cafe in the Community Hub - An Crubh.
There are too many cafes and restaurants in Broadford to list – you will not be short of places to eat out; but do book ahead in the summer season!
We recently tried the Red Skye Restaurant in Breakish for the first time and highly recommend for reasonably priced delicious meals made with the best produce from Skye.
If you're walking to the Point of Sleat you can enjoy the Honesty Cafe pictured here.

The Clan Donald Centre in Sleat is home to the the ruined Armadale Castle, and here visitors can explore the Museum of the Isles 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.

There are Post Offices at An Crubh, Armadale and Broadford (The Top Shop). 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 and the Top Shop in Broadford.