Getting 'over the sea to Skye' has never been easier, with the sweeping arc of the Skye bridge which is now, what's more, free of charge!
Where the ferry from the mainland used to dock, but now bypassed by that bridge and refreshingly quiet and peaceful as a result, is the little village of Kyleakin. There, on the road which runs along the water's edge to the harbour, is Duart Cottage, a trim, whitewashed, typical Highland house. It stands in about a quarter acre of garden (furniture) and inside, it has been beautifully restored to a very high standard. There is a modern kitchen, cosy sitting room with multi-fuel stove (and an extensive video library for wet days), a separate dining room, and upstairs, double, twin and (small) bunk bedrooms. The twin bedroom is accessed through a further sitting room where there is a double sofa bed for additional guests.
Duart is perfectly placed for maximum accessibility to this wonderful area. Kyleakin itself has a shop and hotel, while Kyle of Lochalsh (2m) across the Sound has a full range of shops, eating places, leisure centre etc. The picturesque village of Plockton on the mainland (where the series 'Hamish Macbeth' was filmed) has superb restaurants and is within a 15 minute drive. For a special meal out, Lady Claire MacDonald's Kinloch Lodge is 10 miles away on the Armadale Road.
Walkers and climbers will scarcely know which way to turn! On Skye itself, the Cuillins beckon, while over on the mainland, the mountains of Wester Ross and Torridon are almost as close. Kyleakin now has its own marina, so sailing enthusiasts are also well catered for. In the centre of the Sound is the Ring of Bright Water Visitor Centre on Eilean Ban, once the home of author and naturalist Gavin Maxwell and now a wildlife sanctuary with an emphasis on otters. There is another otter hide at Kylerhea, just down the coast, while further up the island you can hope to see sea eagles, dolphins and even, perhaps, a whale.
There is golf on Skye at Sconser (21m) and at Portree (33m), the 'capital' of the island.
Riding is also to be had there, or at Armadale (21m) to the south, where the ferry plies back and forth to Mallaig and where the Castle gardens are also worth a visit.
Heating by night storage heaters and multi-fuel stove, all electricity, coal for the stove, bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Up to two well-behaved pets are welcome by arrangement. Sorry, no smoking in the cottage. Wireless Broadband is available, subject to provider.
