Tigh Cilmartin - sleeps 6

Links to the below activities can be seen on our website.

Location
Tigh Cilmartin is situated in the crofting hamlet of Staffin - an ideal location for exploring the Trotternish Peninsula and its famous geological sights, such as the Quirang, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr.

Staffin is only 15 miles from Portree and 16 miles from the ferry port of Uig - gateway to the Outer Hebrides.

Other things to do and see

Walking
The Isle of Skye really is a walkers paradise. There is a huge variety of walks to suit everyone, most of which are signposted and have well worn footpaths. The Isle of Skye has an area of approx 650 sq miles with peaks reaching up to 4,400ft (1300m), yet you are never further than 5 miles from the sea.

We list many of these walks in our information pack but for a list of all of the walks available and to help you plan your trip, have a look at Isle of Skye Walks - www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye, which offers detailed information on each individual walk.

Cycling
Whether it's Mountain Biking, Racing or Touring, there are tracks and roads for all. There are many off-road tracks that are great for mountain biking, but for those who prefer to cycle on tarmac, it’s fantastic! Besides there being hardly any traffic, the roads in Skye are smooth and like roller coasters.

There are 3 options available for Cyclists:
(1) Bring your own bike - there is space for 6 bikes (at a squeeze) to be stored in the Utility Room (which is lockable) at Tigh Cilmartin.

(2) Bicycle hire is available in Portree and also repairs, spares and accessories.

(3) Guided cycle tours on the Isle of Skye: Bring your own bike or rent one
Full day and half day tours are available - you can be collected from Tigh Cilmartin and taken on a route most suited to your needs or ability.

There are plenty of day trips you can do from the house, the best being a complete circle of the Trotternish Peninsula:

From Staffin to Uig, to Portree and back to Staffin. It’s only 42 miles but it feels like 80 and will take even the fittest at least 4 hours, but most up to 7 hours. There are lots of natural breaks in this ride to stock up on food & drink and there are hundreds of photo opportunities. There are of course many shorter versions of the same ride.

Photography
The Isle of Skye offers fantastic photo opportunities, from dramatic landscapes, to plummeting sea cliffs, breathtaking ocean views and unbelievable fiery sunsets. The climate in Skye is very changeable and therefore the daylight dramatically different throughout the day, changing every few minutes so you'll never get the same picture twice. The coastline on the Trotternish peninsula in Staffin, where the house is located, offers endless photo opportunities and is particularly beautiful early in the morning. If you are lucky, you may catch a sighting of a Golden Eagle or a Short Eared Owl, whilst sightings of Red Deer, Sea Eagles, Orca Whales, Minke Whales, Basking Sharks, Seals, Puffins, and Dolphins, although are less common, are also a possibility.

There is a photography shop in Portree should you need any supplies.

Fishing
A daily permit is required to fish anywhere on the Isle of Skye. This can be obtained at a cost of approximately £15.00 per day

Boat Trips
A boat trip off the Isle of Skye is a wonderful way to appreciate the spectacular views - you may even be lucky enough to see Whales, Seals, Dolphins, Basking Sharks and numerous sea-birds.

Reservations are recommended.

Day trips/excursions to the Outer Hebrides
The stunning islands of North Uist, Harris and Lewis are easily accessible from the ferry port of Uig with Caledonian MacBrayne ferries. Reservations are recommended.

Places to visit
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan
Isle of Skye
Tel: 01470 521 206
www.dunvegancastle.com
The castle is said to be the oldest inhabited castle in Northern Scotland, having been occupied by the Chiefs of MacLeod continuously, for over seven centuries and still today remaining the Ancestral home of the present Chief, John MacLeod of MacLeod, the 29th of the line, and his family.

Talisker Whisky Distillery, Visitor Centre & Shop
Carbost
Isle of Skye
Tel: 01478 614 308
The only distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport and boasting dramatic views of the Cuillins.