Outdoor
Skye is a perfect location for climbers and walkers of all abilities – from mountains (the Cuillin Range) and hills (Trotternish) to more gentle walks directly from Knott Cottage including an interesting stroll along our mussel strewn foreshore.
Fishing can be enjoyed from the headland of our bay, the River Skeabost, various inland lochs and numerous other sites around Skye. Inland lochs include the Storr Lochs where boats for fishing are available for hire. Fishing trips are also available from Portree and other piers around the island.
Horse Riding and Trekking is on offer within walking distance from Knott Cottage at the Isle of Skye Riding Centre.
There is a local Golf course situated at the Skeabost House Hotel.
Sea Kayaking, Canoeing, Windsurfing and Archery (with tuition when needed) are all available at Whitewave Outdoor Centre. If you have your own kayak it is possible to launch from the shore at Knott.
Mountain Biking trails on Skye were recently cited by MBR magazine as the best single-track trails in Britain. The backdrop of incredible scenery makes this one of the best and most challenging places to mountain bike in Scotland.
Due to the lack of light pollution, Skye’s night skies are acclaimed as some of the darkest and with 9 recognised “Dark Sky Discovery” sites makes it an excellent place to view the mesmerising inky canopy above. Often you can view this natural wonder from the door of your Apartment or Studio at Knott. We receive an email from Aurora Watch UK to let us know when there is a red or amber alert regarding the Aurora Borealis.
Boat trips can be taken from several points including Portree, Dunvegan Castle and Staffin.
Paleontology and Geology – The Isle of Skye is an excellent natural laboratory for observing geological matters and fossils. Skye (particularly the Trotternish peninsula) is one of the richest locations for dinosaurs and fossils in the UK. The Staffin Museum (near the famous Kilt Rock) is where some of the dinosaur finds can be viewed.
Skye is full of history. Dunvegan Castle with its glorious gardens is situated 12 miles to the west of Knott. The Castle, home to the chieftain of the Clan Macleod, is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland and the most visited destination on the Isle of Skye.
Step back in time and get an insight into island life 100 years ago at Skye Museum of Island Life at Kilmuir. Why not follow in the footsteps of Boswell and Johnson who undertook their “Hebridean Tour” in the 18th Century.
A quarter of a mile east of the Skye Museum of Island Life is one of Scotland’s most fascinating – and most beautifully located – graveyards. One gravestone at Kilmuir towers above all the others. This is the tall cross marking the last resting place of Flora MacDonald, the “Preserver of Prince Charles Edward Stuart” (Bonnie Prince Charlie) complete with an epitaph written by the notable author Samuel Johnson.
St Columba’s Isle at the head of the River Snizort has the remains of a chapel dedicated to St Columba – the best known of the saints associated with Skye. It also has the traditional burial place of the chiefs of the Clan Nicolson.
Indoors
The Isle of Skye Candle Centre in Portree houses a theatre/cinema with a varied programme of concerts including traditional and modern Scottish music, plays and films. There is also a family friendly restaurant and the shop selling Skye Candles.
A wide variety of local Arts and Crafts can be viewed and purchased in numerous workshops, studios, galleries and shops throughout Skye. To help you plan your visit, download the Art Skye booklet.
Skyeworks Gallery in Portree promotes local art and craft. It also has a select range of art and craft items for sale. It is situated in the same building as the Isle of Skye Baking Company which offer artisan bread and bakery goods and a good cafe.
Take a tour around Talisker Distillery on the shores of Loch Harport. Sample Skye’s own single malt whisky.
Or if gin is your favourite tipple, then the Isle of Skye Distillers Gin School is just the experience for you – booking essential!
Skyeskyns is a family business established in 1983, Skyeskyns’ tanning process has been created to reflect the remoteness of its Highland location and surrounding crofting community. Today, visitors are transported back in time to witness how real sheepskins are made using time honoured methods of leather making – one of the oldest crafts known to man. Here you can enjoy a free guided tour of the workshop where you will see all the traditional techniques used by the Tanner. There is also a shop and a Yurt where you can have a cup of tea or coffee.
Wild swimming is popular on Skye, but if you fancy something a little warmer there is a Public Swimming Pool attached to the High School in Portree.
Skye is alive with regular music, dance and theatrical performances – in the summer months there are so many events that it’s best to keep an eye on the What’s on Skye website so you don’t miss out.
Food and Drink
There is a wide choice of Restaurants and Cafes to suit all budgets, many featuring fresh Isle of Skye produce. Among the local choices are Edinbane Inn and The Lodge Hotel in Edinbane, the Granary and Café Arriba in Portree, the Old School Restaurant in Dunvegan and the Stein Inn and Lochbay Seafood Restaurant, both in Stein.
As you travel around the area, you will see signs in some unexpected places for small tearooms some with galleries, all with their own character. Some of our favourites are The Red Roof in Glendale and Ellishadder Art Cafe, near Staffin.