KarenWoo

We did not do any strenuous hiking. We were traveling with another couple, and we are all in our 70's. We did walk close to a mile (I think) at the Fairy Pools. BTW, we thought the Fairy Pools were more impressive than the Fairy Glen. The Fairy Pools trail is relatively flat. In most places, we would take short walks. You don't have to walk all the way to enjoy the beauty of where you are. We walked a short distance at Old Man of Storr. It was easy at the beginning but then slowly becomes steeper.

We never made it to Neist Point lighthouse. We were very busy that day, and it got to be late so after visting Claigan Coral Beach, we headed back to our hotel. Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls was closed to the public when we were there because they were enlarging the carpark.

Lealt Falls and Gorge, which is near Kilt Rock, is worth stopping at. It is very green and lush with spectacular views. There are some viewpoints and some short trails (boardwalks, IIRC). So it's an easy and worthwhile stop.

Are you planning on stopping at the Talisker Whisky Distillery? I am not a whisky drinker but the tour and tasting was fun.

victoriainwanderland

Yes! I think it'll be nice to do - assuming we drive from Inverness, I suspect we may gain an extra afternoon in Skye on our day of arrival (we'd probably try stop by Eilean Donan and Plockton on the way in) I suspect Taliskers is exactly where we will wind up and leave the rest for other times.

Where did you stay? I have seen a few recommendations for Sligachan's Hotel as well as places in Portree.

KarenWoo

We stayed at the Viewfield House Hotel, a Victorian mansion built 200 years ago and owned by the same family. The grounds are beautiful, and you feel like you are on an oasis away from bustling Portree. The included breakfast is a hot breakfast along with a small buffet. Guests select what they want to eat the day before and give their requests to the staff. You can choose eggs cooked any way, different kinds of meat, salmon, kippers and bagels with cream cheese.
https://viewfieldhouse.com/rooms/

janisj

I'm not Karen but a bit of explanation re Sligachan vs. Portree. (I've stayed at both as well as other places). Portree is the only village of any size on the island so if you want to walk to cafes/pubs/etc it is really the only option. It is also most convenient for the Trotternish Peninsula to the north.

However, because of where it is, Sligachan is the single most convenient location on the entire island for touring in general. It sits at a crossroads in about the center of the island. It is one of the few places on the Isle serving food all day.

So if you plan on visiting different corners of Skye - the pick Sligachan. If you want more amenities and are mainly interested in the north end -- then stay in Portree.

Was posting the same time as KarenWoo.