Revealing how accessible Skye is For All
The Hebridean Alpaca Company is located in Dunvegan, North West Skye. On the same road as Dunvegan Castle so maybe two stop are in order while you are in this part of the island. The shop is very accessible for all and full of fabulous knitwear, soft furnishings, gifts, wools and more.
Continue reading “The Hebridean Alpaca Company”The good summer weather has bypassed Skye in recent weeks so our walk was taken under leaden skies and occasional sunshine. We found a lovely farm track which crosses open land and forest between Skeabost Cemetery and the Struan road and which proved to be very accessible in so many ways. Here is how we coped on the Skeabost Cemetery Track.
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.
Located at the end of Glen Brittle, the beach is one of the most beautiful on Skye especially when the tide is out. Glen Brittle beach lies in the shadow of the Black Cuillins which never fail to impress. With compact, endless sand it is a good walking surface to enjoy. Not a spot to bring a wheelchair but definitely accessible for everyone else.
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.
Columba 1400 is located just off the A855 on the right hand side as you enter Staffin from Portree. Purpose built in 2000 it offers residential courses for disadvantaged young people. Columba 1400 also acts as a bit of a community hub as they have a restaurant, gift shop, library, and sports pitch that are open to the public.
Looking across Portree Harbour from the village there is a pristine piece of green land. Usually adorned with a flagpole which sadly broke in a early winter storm of 2020. This area is home to the Nicolson Clan Memorial. The walk from the village centre (Somerled Square) to the memorial is approximately 2.5km or 1.5 miles . Walking halfway on the footpath and halfway on the pathless Scorrybreac Road. Sarah found it quite tricky in places which we will describe at length below.
Amy’s Place, formerly The Blue Shed Cafe at Torrin, is run by Mark and Alison not Amy. The Tea Room is named after their daughter, Amy, who suffered from Lupus and epilepsy and sadly died in December 2018 aged only 23. In honour of her Mark and Alison have painted the cafe purple and decorated it with butterflies. Inside they tell Amy’s story in their menus and have a collecting tin for Lupus UK. There is a bookcase of second hand books available for a donation to Lupus UK.
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.
The Ord Coral beaches are a hidden gem on the Sleat Peninsula of Skye. You can truly appreciate the coral beaches at low tide so check the tide times before you go. The lower the tide the more exploring you can do. It is a short walk of approximately 3km or 1.8 miles but you can explore further if you wish. Not suitable for wheelchair users but a gentle walk for folks who don’t want to over exert themselves.
