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.
Snowdrops Days
For two days during February the castle gardens are open for visitors to enjoy these delicate white flowers that herald the return of the better weather. We were also pleased to see other hardy plants that were starting to emerge after their winter rest.
Dunvegan can be reached heading north west from Sligachan or west from Portree. You will see plenty of signs for Dunvegan across the island. Once you reach the village follow the brown road signs for the Castle and Gardens. The car park is opposite the castle entrance on the right hand side of the road.
The castle has a large car park with disabled parking spaces situated near the gift shop and restaurant. You have to cross the road to reach the castle and gardens but the majority of the traffic on this road is people also visiting the castle.
Dunvegan Castle Gardens
The pathways around the gardens are compacted gravel and remember this is the great outdoors so watch for potholes, tree roots and other obstacles. Some parts of the gardens are not accessible to everyone due to steps or the gradient of some slopes but there is plenty for everyone to see. We successfully navigated our way around the Water Garden, the Round Garden and the Walled Garden with my Rollator.
The Water Garden is home to two beautiful waterfalls and dainty bridges crossing the burn. Inside the Walled Garden there is a Lily pond, greenhouse, deep plant filled borders, gazebo and the Dunvegan Pebble. A 2.7 tonne smooth piece of Carrara Marble that was installed in 2019. The sign said interact with the pebble so Melanie gave it’s cool exterior a quick stroke!
On these snowdrop days, in the garden’s poly tunnels you will find surplus plants and bulbs which can be purchased for a donation to charity. It was not easy to access these but I managed with the help of Melanie and a sturdy tree. However I was rewarded with a selection of black, white and red tulip bulbs that will really brighten my little garden later in the year.
The castle was not yet open to the public but there is plenty of information about accessibility on their website if you are hoping to visit once it opens for the season.
Restaurant and Gift Shop
After a lovely stroll around the gardens we returned to the car park. The gift shop was not open but the restaurant was, serving refreshments, again for a donation to charity. Access to the restaurant is up the ramp to the right hand side of the Gift Shop. Melanie had a latte and I had a green tea, and we both had a piece of tray bake.
When open for the season the restaurant offers a selection of soups, salads, pasta, baked potatoes, toasties, specials, and home-made scones and cakes. Many items include fresh produce from the castle’s Walled Garden whenever possible, with gluten free options often available.
Across the car park from the restaurant is a toilet block with disabled toilets inside. They are a short distance from the restaurant but have a good ramp to access them.
Without realising we had walked just under one mile around the gardens and I was tired. Make sure you have plenty of energy for your visit as there is a lot to see at Dunvegan Castle and Gardens.
2 Replies to “Snowdrop day at Dunvegan Castle”