Ferienunterkünfte in Skye

Hidden secret gardens, 'baby' Giant Sequioa, Rogues, Vikings and possibly even a monster are the things you'll hear about and see during our walk around the Craigmonie Woodland and Balmacaan Estate. Meeting at my house we'll head towards the old estate and wind our way through a mix of oak and native Scots pine woodland on the path up to the viewpoint. Along the way you'll hear the history of the area from visits by Robert the Bruce, the legend of a Norse Prince who lent his name to a couple of landmarks and a Bard that got into a spot of bother with the local clan chief. The viewpoint itself will give spectacular views over Drumnadrochit and Loch Ness where you can pause and soak up the scenery. We'll stop here for a while to have a dram of malt whisky and toast the scenery before meandering back home under the crag and through Hazel woods. Other things to note: The path is mostly good quality singletrack and forest path and there is a fair amount of ascent involved so a reasonable amount of fitness is required.

We will meet on the Croft, beside the workshop. Your tour will begin by introducing you to our animals, sheep, Highland cows, donkeys and of course our black rock chickens who delight in meeting our guests too. You will receive a warm Highland welcome and will gain insight into the daily routines of crofting and the life of our sheep and how we produce ethical wool. We will then enter my workshop where you will gain a brief history of fleece preparation, hand spinning, the reasons and history behind our uniquely hand knitted designs including our famous bespoke fisherman’s Gansey. You will have an opportunity to see our products and understand about Croft sustainability here on the Isle of Skye. A humerous story telling experience for everyone. Other things to note Bring waterproof clothing as the weather can change quickly.

We the start day meeting at the Ben Nevis Inn. Here we will meet and greet, discussing the kit and weather for the day. The journey starts, with a gentle introduction to the Pony Track, built in 1883, with plenty of history about the area along the way. Ascending steadily, we reach half way up approximately 2 hours into the journey, with a good opportunity to feed, and refill water bottles at the Red Burn. Now we start to ascend the famous Zig Zags, gaining height rapidly, along with the extending views across Ardnamurchan to the Great Glen. The plateau will be reached, followed by a steady walk to the summit, arriving in about 4 hours from the start. There is plenty to see on the summit whilst we eat (Weather allowing). The ruins of the Weather Observatory (1883-1904), The old "Hotel", and the iron frame that held Clement Wragge's observation instruments which pre dates the Observatory. If the weather allows, we can see the rest of Scotland...Mountains in every direction. We will descend the same path back to The Ben Nevis Inn, returning at approximately 5pm. We will take a series of photographs to document your day, which will become available to you as part of our service.

The Old Man of Storr. One of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks; a natural wonder formed during the last Ice Age, a sight of special scientific interest and an area of landslip unequalled anywhere. Meeting at the car park, which overlooks the Sound of Rasaay we begin our day by taking a less frequented southern approach. Avoiding the crowds our route wends it’s way through an awe inspiring maze of rocks, fallen blocks, hummocks and pinnacles to the base of the Old Man. There, in the secret sanctuary, we pause to rest and enjoy the views. Fortified with hot tea and Scottish shortbread we carry on beyond Needle Rock to a col, then up past deeply cut gullies to the Storr's summit plateau. A fantastic viewpoint, where few people go. From there it is clear just how large the Storr is and we have a choice of 3 equally remarkable decent routes. We end our adventure once again by the car park and with our backs to the Storr we can see over the Isle of Rasaay to the mountains of Torridon far away on the mainland. Other things to note Guests should be reasonable fit and able to undertake a moderate hike of 6k with 580m ascent. Please bring sturdy footwear and waterproofs.

**Bookings are subject to Covid 19 restrictions which are now slowly beginning to relax** Isle of Skyes only Commerical smokehouse A tour of the uniquely designed smokehouse is inspired to look like a traditional Scottish building called a cleit. A peat roof and stonewalled buildings from the bygone years. (Search on google St. Kilda and Cleit). Learn how the local alder wood is prepared by hand using an axe and used to fire the smokehouse and to create the smoke. I will talk about the various techniques of hot and cold smoking, wet and dry curing. Smell the secret 6 spice mix blend used in the current recipe to cure the salmon. Can you guess any of the spices? Finally the best bit tasting, Sample 4 different canapes. A twist on a Cullen Skink, Smoked salmon mousse on beetroot and blini, two additional tasting spoons. Topics covered Isle of Skye, the only commercial smokehouse Wild salmon vs farmed salmon Wood selection, why alder? Dry and wet curing Kitchen equipment Smokehouse design, cleits The smoking processes such as hot and cold techniques, temperatures ect My products can be bought locally at: Aros Centre (Portree) The Top Shop (Broadford) An Crubh ( Sleat) Beths Deli (Balmacara) Plockton Shores Heb Shack (Uig) Pottery by by Lenz Ceramics https://www.lenz-ceramics