Milovaig, Glendale and the Isle of Skye

The View from the Window

Even out the window you can experience some of the delights of Skye, Loch Pooltiel is immediately outside to the north, and to the west is the Minch, which sits between Skye and the Outer Isles. The flatter islands to the west are North Uist and Berneray, and the more mountainous island closer to North is the Isle of Harris. More or less due north sits the cliffs at Dunvegan head, which at around 320 meters are some of the highest in the UK - to get a sense of scale these are the same height as Europe's tallest building (The Shard in London) The waterfall straight ahead can either be non-existent, or in full spate, (or possibly even upside down). Looking east is Meanish pier, and just around the headland is a Skerry which is normally occupied by seals (except at high tide)

The loch has had many interesting visitors, and if you are lucky you could see whales, dolphins or Basking Sharks, Birdlife and Otters are fairly frequent, and Eagles, Buzzards, Hen Harriers are frequent visitors. You may also occasionally find deer paying a visit to the croft.

In the winter we have had the pleasure of some amazing aurora borealis, if you aren't lucky enough to see them you will find many pictures online just google -  glendale skye auroras

Shopping

There are two supermarkets on Skye, the nearest to Tinhouse is the Co-op in Portree, where you can get most essentials.

The small shop down the road in Glendale is really useful, and stocks almost anything you can imagine, it is also a post office, and its possible to withdraw money from various banks.

For fresh produce – and to support the island’s independent traders – we’d recommend:  fruit and veg from Macleods in Portree (it’s a wholesaler but welcomes everyone) or the greengrocer’s in Dunvegan (in blue wriggly tin shed) which also sells some local produce, bread and baked goods from Isle of Skye Bakery (which also has a coffee shop and gallery), meat from Portree Butchers (which can be found in a prefab on the car park next to Isle of Skye bakery) and fish from Just Hooked which is fresh, local and delicious.

There are numerous gift shops and galleries across the island and some very good art and craft galleries – a good starting point is art-skye.co.uk where you can download a number of art trail maps. Our favourites include Shilasdair (wool shop), Skye Skyns , Skye Weavers, Isle of Skye Bakery and Isle of Skye Soap Company.

The nearest petrol station is in Dunvegan, however it is not open 24 hours, don’t get caught out and keep your tank half full, the garage can run out of fuel at busy times of year. Dunvegan also has a couple of local shops, Fasgadh is open on Sundays.

Fresh crab and lobster can normally be sourced from our local fishermen, you will see them out in the loch in front of the house. We would recommend Norman Macpherson on 07879 980676. Preparing Lobster is best undertaken after watching one of the videos available on YouTube.

Eating Out

Some of our favourite places to eat and drink. Please note in the winter months not everywhere is open - best check in advance.

Fine Dining 

The world-renowned Three Chimneys is a must on many people’s itinerary, and only five miles along the road.

Our personal favourite is the Michelin starred Lochbay, this is run by husband and wife team Michael and Laurence. Michael most recently built up the Three Chimneys reputation, and can often be seen on various TV shows. You will not be disappointed.

Other restaurants of note, Scorrybreac serves lots of Skye and Scottish produce cooked in a modern European style by talented local chef Calum Munro. Kinloch Lodge is well worth a visit for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. Calum Montgomery at the Edinbane Lodge is also developing a fine reputation.

Booking well ahead is essential for all these restaurants.

Casual Dining

Locally, Cafe Lephin is just down in the village are building a really good reputation, and if you are feeling fit, are within walking distance. Opening times can vary - worth checking in advance.

One of our favourites is The Dunvegan, the fire menu produces wonderful food, and the deli can have some wonderful ingredients.

Also in Dunvegan, The Old School House is a locals favourite with a diverse menu.

Further afield is the Skye Pie cafe, the clue’s in the name, delicious pies in a cosy, quirky setting Skye Pie cafe is located north of Portree close to Staffin, worthwhile combining with a trip to the Quirang or the Old Man of Storr.

Birch, Arribas and The Granary are all great café’s in the capital and fish and chips from Stuart’s, enjoyed sat on the harbour wall, is a must. Antler’s Bar & Grill on the town square is a bustling pub-come dining room, as busy with locals as tourists. Isle of Skye Bakery is also worth a stop off for a snack.

It may be a surprise to hear that the The Isle of Skye Candle Company in Portree, can supply a very nice Pizza (also burgers etc).

A trip to the distillery at Talisker should be combined with lunch, a snack or a spot of food shopping at The Oyster Shed, where local scallops, prawns and, you guessed it, oysters, are simply served in polystyrene trays – against the most incredible back drop. 

Pubs and Pub Grub

In Portree, The Bosville Hotel bar is a sophisticated spot that offers plenty of Scottish gins – and of course whisky galore, while The Pier gives a more authentic experience, think fishing folk and colourful language, the seafood in the small dining next door is simply cooked and very good. The West Highland Bar at The Portree Hotel has regular entertainment at weekends

Next door (almost) to the Talisker Distillery in Carbost, The Old Inn is the island’s cosiest pub, serving good food, all day, and plenty of local beer. Weather and midge’s permitting there’s a lovely terrace overlooking Loch Harport.

The Edinbane Inn is popular with locals thanks to good food and ale, and not least it’s impromptu folk session where locals and visitors alike are welcome to bring an instrument and join in with the Gaelic folk music.

At the southern end of the island on the Sleat peninsula the Am Praban Bar at Hotel Eilean Iarmain is another cosy spot with good food and outdoor seating near the pier.

Please also read through our previous guests comments in the visitor book, this is an invaluable resource, recording the wide variety of options on the Island.

Activities

For a car free day, there’s plenty to do on foot. Amazing hill and coastal walks from the front door or enjoy a day exploring or fishing along the coast – mackerel are abundant in the summer months and you can fish for Pollock, which are most plentiful from January to April.

Beach combing is always great fun, please feel free to add any interesting finds, driftwood or old buoys to the Tinhouse collection.

Please visit our neighbour Andy Stables website, which is a fantastic resource for everything local - www.glendaleskye.co.uk

Further afield seek out more exceptional views with fairly gentle walking along the Quirrang, Trotternish Ridge and the glens of the Cuillin mountains, go it alone at low level or hire one of the island’s many guides to get up high in the hills.

The Coral Beach can be combined with a walk through Dunvegan Castle and its Gardens and maybe some homemade cake in the cafe afterwards.

Dont forget to take in the amazing Fairy Pools on the way to Glenbrittle Beach.

Skye is blessed with abundant wildlife, from dolphins, otters and Minke Whales swimming around its shores to Golden Eagles, Herons and Oystercatchers flying over its mountains and coast. Take a boat trip from Portee or Elgol, which offers spectacular views of Loch Coruisk, or hire a wilderness guide and track animals on foot.

Some of our friends are island guides and activity providers, please also check the following links which are regularly updated. https://www.isleofskye.com/activities/outdoor-activities & https://www.isleofskye.com/activities/boat-trips

Skye Adventure is more for the adrenalin junkies with gorge walking, climbing and hiking and coasteering

Pedal your way around the island – be warned, it is hilly – with a road or mountain bike hired from Skye Bike Shack.

See the island from a new perspective on one of these boat trips

Bella Jane

Misty Isle boat trips

Portree boat trips

Or from the air with Skye Scenic Flights

Taxis

Try Donda on 07584 191131 or Angus on 07483 149143

We hope you have a lovely holiday, please do not hesitate to ask us any questions while you are here

Alan and Gill