Revealing how accessible Skye is For All
According to a stone erected on St Columba’s Isle, it is the ancient burial ground and site of the Cathedral Church of the Bishop of the Isles from 1079 to 1498. Similarly ancient is the mortuary chapel of the Nicolson’s Aisle. Here according to tradition 28 chiefs of that clan are buried. Hidden away on the banks of the River Snizort it is a peaceful place, often missed by those whizzing along the main road between Dunvegan and Portree.
Tucked away down a single track road at the North end of the Isle of Skye the Fairy Glen can be missed by a passer-by. A quick check of Instagram photos and it would seem the whole world knows where it is, however there is no local signage! We managed a wonderful visit during Lockdown and found ourselves in the lucky position of being the only folks in the glen apart from maybe the Fairies!
Torrin Pools are a bit of a hidden gem on Skye. A Fairy Pools in miniature and without the crowds. Not a very accessible spot for less able folks but definitely an interesting wee walk for anyone else. Sarah gave it a bash with her two sticks and my help and we made it a short way from the car over uneven ground.
Cill Chriosd or Christ’s Church as it translates into English stands elevated above the B8083 Broadford-Torrin-Elgol road in south Skye. Now in ruins this former Parish Church is on a sight known for Christian worship since the 7th Century. Access is not wheelchair friendly as the church stands atop a small hill and there are steps and rough ground in the graveyard. However with a bit of help from me and her trusty sticks Sarah managed a steady potter around to see the sights. The view from the road is also very good.
Lealt Waterfalls are located on the A885, 13 miles north of Portree. In 2018 the Staffin Community Trust heavily invested in the Lealt Falls area, adding new car parking and a viewing platform. This has been a welcome addition to the Trotternish Peninsula and also makes the view of Lealt Falls very accessible.
Kilt Rock and Mealt Waterfall is located on the A855 at Ellishadder, 15 miles north of Portree and 2 miles south of Staffin. There is a narrow access road to a car park where you need to park considerately. The car park is not marked out and gets very busy in summer so a bit of care is needed. There is no rush, the cliffs and waterfalls have been there for millennia and aren’t leaving in a hurry!
Spring is coming to Skye so we went to the snowdrop day at Dunvegan Castle . It may be later than elsewhere in the country but after a stormy winter it is very welcome. The yearly snowdrop days at Dunvegan Castle are a chance to celebrate these first signs of life. As well as a chance to raise funds for local charities.
Sarah only asked me if I had an ACE Target Sports leaflet she could give to her friend. The next thing we know we are up at ACE Base booking an Air Rifle session with the owner Matt. Now I have shot a few times but Sarah hadn’t so we decided to give it a go.
The Aros Centre is now the Isle of Skye Candle Company Visitor Centre. Same building, same place but all new interior and offering.
The Aros Centre on the edge of Portree is home to so many different things for the local community and visitors to Skye. Primarily a tourist will see it as a visitors centre, with gifts, books and a cafe. For Skye it serves as a community hub, cinema, theatre and meeting place. Here we will explore what the Aros Centre Portree has to offer in terms of accessibility for the disabled.
Continue reading “Aros Centre Portree”Armadale Castle and Gardens is located on the Sleat peninsula in the south of Skye. Sleat is known as the garden of Skye and the beautiful drive down to Armadale illustrates why. The Castle and Gardens are a stones throw from the Mallaig to Armadale ferry if you arrive over the sea. From Broadford it is about a 20 minute drive in a car on the A851.
