The Fingal Centre is situated in the same building as the library and the school. The access is through the library. There are two sides to the centre, the wet side and the dry side. The wet side is of course the swimming pool, sauna and steam room. And the dry side contains the gym and sports halls and courts. This is where team games are played and classes are held. The doors are not automatic and quite stiff but the staff are very helpful.
Continue reading “The Fingal Centre”The Old Moll Road
The Old Moll Road is a single track road which bypasses the A87 between Sconser and the lower end of Druim na Cleochd. It was always a quiet road on Skye but during a storm in September 2018 a huge chunk of the road was washed away. The road is unlikely to be repaired so it has become a bit of a peaceful walking haven. The landslip is closer to the Druim na Cleochd end so our walk starts at Sconser.
Glen Varragill Forest Walk
This Glen Varragill Forest Walk follows an old logging track which runs parallel to the A87 Sligachan to Portree. Heading North towards Portree from Sligachan the track starts approximately 4km or 2.5 miles up Glen Varragill on your left. The logging track starts at the A87 and bends down to the River Varragill crossing a bridge. There are a couple of parking spots immediately on your left at the top of the track.
Glamaig Waterfalls
Firstly the walk to Glamaig Waterfalls is not suitable for wheelchair users or rollator users. However it is a rewarding gentle walk of just under 2 km or 1.25 miles in old money! It is on a good path and very easy going. The Glamaig waterfalls walk would be perfect for anyone who is a little unfit or is looking to regain some fitness by starting with some gentle walks. Depending on how fast you walk it will take from about 40 minutes to go there and back. Maybe a little longer if you need to. Even after rain the path is a good surface to walk on, and the waterfall is even more spectacular. Don’t get this walk confused with the Allt Dearg Waterfalls on the opposite side of Glen Sligachan, we’ll cover that another time!
Isle of Skye Baking Company
You can find the Isle of Skye Baking Company set back from the A87 Dunvegan Road on the way out of Portree. If you are heading out of Portree it is the turning just before the big Howden’s building. A real hidden gem. The building itself was formerly a Woollen Mill. There is no allocated disabled parking spaces but the car park is large, smooth and on a level with the front door.
Short walk by Storr Lochs
After a very cold snap and some snow on the ground we opted for a short walk by Storr Lochs. We were sheltered from the incoming weather by the Trotternish Ridge and more impressively the Old Man of Storr. This walk is on a tarmac surface so fully accessible for all abilities and wheelchair users if you are happy to cross a cattle grid.
The Isles Inn Portree
The Isles Inn Portree is one of the most central eating establishments in the village. It has a traditional Highland pub atmosphere. You can find it in the corner of Somerled Square near the disabled parking.
Accessible shopping in Portree
Public Toilets
The Green Portree
Ladies, Gents and Disabled toilets.
All level access from the street
Free to use.
RADAR key needed for access to the disabled toilet
MacIntyres Newsagent and Toy Shop
Wentworth Street, Portree
Accessibility – Large step up to the front door
Portable Wheelchair ramp available – ask inside
Knock on the window if you are alone & can’t get up the step, a member of staff will come to your assistance.
Boots the Chemist
Wentworth Street, Portree
Accessibility – level entrance
Push button automatic doors
One disabled parking space outside the store.
Co-op Supermarket
Bank Street, Portree
Accessibility – level access
Automatic doors
Very narrow and crowded aisles
Usually very busy, particularly in summer months. If you have transport you may be better taking a trip to the large Co-op supermarket on Woodpark Road.
Tourist Information Centre
Bayfield Road, Portree
Accessibility – level access
Automatic doors
Low level help desk
Two disabled parking spaces available in the car park in front of the centre.
Portree Knitwear
Wentworth Street, Portree
Accessibility – one small, very visible step outside.
Inside the Ladieswear is located upstairs, there is no lift.
Staff may be able to give assistance if necessary.
Floor space is tight but not totally crowded.
Many items are displayed at a low level.
Stewarts Knitwear
Wentworth Street, Portree
Accessibility – one small step in the front doorway
Level inside and all on the ground floor
Fairly spacious layout on the sales floor.
Inga’s Sweet Shop
Wentworth Street, Portree
Accessibility – level entrance from the street
Two doorways to navigate to get inside
Space is a little tight once you are inside as it is a little sweet treasure trove
Very helpful staff
Relish (Deli & sandwiches)
Wentworth Street – Portree
Accessibility – one small step to gain access to the shop
Plenty of floorspace once inside
Helpful staff behind the counter
There are a few tables and chairs inside where you can eat your lunch
Isle of Skye Ice Cream Company
Wentworth Street Portree
Accessibility – one small step to gain access to the shop
Plenty of floorspace once inside
Staff can help you with items you cannot reach
Tippecanoe (Gifts & Cards)
Wentworth Street, Portree
Accessibility – level entry from the street
Space is tight inside due to all the lovely items on sale
Staff very helpful in finding or handing you things you cannot reach
Alleycat (Gifts & Cards)
Bayfield Lane Portree
Accessibility – two steps to the entrance
Help was offered to help Sarah in and out of the shop and to also bring her rollator inside out of the rain
No access for wheelchairs inside the shop
Isle of Skye Gin Shop & School
Bayfield Lane Portree
Accessibility – one step to the entrance
Very helpful staff
Very spacious once inside
No access for wheelchairs due to the step
Jackson’s Wholefoods
Bank Street Portree
Accessibility – level from the street, though there is a raised area in part of the shop.
Enough space to move around in inside
Staff very willing to offer assistance
Cuillin Crafts
Bank Street Portree
Accessibility – level from the street
An external door leading to a shared entrance vestibule
Level and spacious sales floor
Helpful staff
Carmina Gadelica (Bookshop)
Bank Street Portree
Accessibility – level from the street
Shares the same from door and entrance vestibule as Cuillins Crafts
Many books are displayed on lower level table tops
Staff are happy to help with books on higher shelves
Òr (Homewares & Gallery)
The Green Portree
Accessibility – level entry from the street
Level sales floor once inside
Items displayed at all levels
Staff happy to help with harder to reach items
Enough floor space to get around, a little tight in the window area.
Crossroads Charity Shop
King’s House The Green Portree
Accessibility – ramp up to the front door
Typical Charity Shop that is packed to the rafters with donations.
Space is a little tight but staff are more than willing to help you out.
MacKenzies Bakery
Somerled Square Portree
Accessibility – one step up to the front door from the path
Inside Out & Skye Batiks
The Green Portree
Accessibilty – level entry from the street
Two different shops in one building with very similar layouts
Level floor once inside
Space to move around between clothing racks
Helpful staff in both stores
Fat Panda Chinese Takeaway
Bayfield Lane Portree
Accessibility – one step up from the street
Large waiting area inside with a low level counter
Queenie the receptionist is very very helpful
Deli Gasta Broadford
Deli Gasta is situated in the old watermill building in Broadford. This building once housed a Serpentarium but is now home to a lovely Cafe. And don’t worry, we saw no snakes on our visit. It is open all year round 9am – 5pm for snacks, breakfast, lunches and drinks.
Continue reading “Deli Gasta Broadford”Aros Centre Portree
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”