Steve Millar, accidental Skye resident, shares his local tips about things to do on the Isle of Skye plus some great photos including some of a rather scary climb he’s completed.
I live in Portree on the Isle of Skye with Blaze the Border Collie & Mouse the stray cat.
Hillwalking, climbing, photography and playing music.
We have lived on Skye for a few years now. It was rather unintentional as we had planned to only stop over for a few weeks to do some of The Cuillin…but we’re still here. Previously, we were in Braemar climbing in the Cairngorms.
Ashaig beach is one of Steve’s favourites
Our favourite beach sadly must be kept a closely guarded secret, as even at the height of tourist season, it is still undiscovered. However, another favourite is at Ashaig. You start the walk at the cemetery on the shoreline then walk 15 minutes along the coast towards the Skye Bridge and you will reach a small lagoon which is a magical location on a clear still day.
Ashaig beach with snow-covered mountains
View to Portree Bay from Ben Tianavaig
I guess our favourite walk, rather than climb, has to be Ben Tianavaig. The walk starts by parking in a layby at Camustianavaig, where if you’re lucky you may see the otters. After a fairly steep start lasting only 10 minutes, you are on a gradual ridge, with gentle slopes to your left and plunging cliffs on your right.
Curved cliff ridge which is the route to Tianavaig summit
Note :- If you have dogs, there are sheep here and it’s known for both sheep…and dogs to go over the cliffs. The path to the summit is well defined, and for most parts is a decent distance away from the cliff edge, but I would advise care on a very windy day.
Looking over to The Storr from Tianavaig summit
There is a sea eagle that often perches on the summit cairn here. If the day is clear, upon reaching the summit, there are grand views all the way down into Portree, so have a camera with a good zoom if you can. There is also cracking views over to The Storr and Raasay and The Cuillin. The return route can be either the same was as you walked, or you can drop down from the summit towards Raasay where there are some fine wee pinnacles you can climb before reaching the machair and following the coastline back to your start point.
November through to April when the island reverts back to a peaceful and tranquil place.
There are many ‘must see’ places, but we would recommend doing one or two places properly such as walking the Quiraing or doing the Fairy Pool walk, but from Sligachan, rather than do a whistlestop tour trying to cram everything in from a layby.
Blaze enjoys a spot of seal pup watching
Seeing the eagles ‘dancing’ during mating season and the seal pups.
Struan to Sligachan road for ‘That View’ of The Cuillin
Struan to Sligachan road for ‘That View’ of The Cuillin.
On the Inn Pin shoulder, halfway through the climb
For us, it had to be from a place that we never thought we would be able to climb, the Inn Pin on Sgurr Dearg. Terrifying for me, yet WOW…the feeling when you have achieved it…
Almost there… Inn Pin on Sgurr Dearg
Truth be told, at home. Stick on some rice, veg and stock. Then pop down to the beach, collect a bag full of mussels…Paella for dinner. Yum. Followed by a wee dram in one of the many dog friendly pubs we have here on Skye.
Thanks to Steve for these fantastic ideas of things to do on the Isle of Skye, although not even that view will entice me to climb Inn Pin even if I was fit enough! We don’t blame you for not sharing your favourite beach but Ashaig looks a fantastic alternative in that photo. Katie from Taigh Ailean kept her favourite Skye beach secret too when she shared her things to do on Skye.
You can follow Blaze on Twitter and also check out their blog, The Adventures and Misadventures of Blaze the Border Collie, where you can also get a copy of the Isle of Skye Mountain Rescue calendar, featuring Blaze in various iconic Scottish locations. Proceeds from sales of the calendar go to the Isle of Skye Mountain Rescue Team.
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