Revealing how accessible Skye is For All
The walk to Hugh’s Castle or Caisteal Uisdein in Gaelic is a hidden gem on Skye. On the Trotternish Peninsula just south of Uig. This walk is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the terrain near the castle . However it is an easy 3 mile walk with little undulation and fairly good underfoot after rain. Good for gaining a bit of fitness or simply enjoying your surroundings. Off the beaten track and a beautiful spot to find yourself exploring.
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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”
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”After a few days of bad weather here on Skye the forecast broke so we headed out for a walk. To avoid any puddles underfoot we set off for a walk at Kingsburgh Forest Trust. Situated adjacent to the A87 between Portree and Uig.
An Crubh, meaning The Hub was built by the local community as a meeting point. It offers a cafe, a shop selling local produce, groceries, essentials and gifts, and a Post Office. Sitting beside the main road through the Sleat Peninsula (A851) at Camus Cross, it is very accessible by car.
