Things to do in North Skye

The Local Area

Grealin is situated in a very rural but accessible spot on the Trotternish Peninsula, one of the most impressive and picturesque parts of Skye. The tour round the peninsula is a must for anyone visiting Skye. 

The east side of Trotternish, where the cottage is located, contains some of Scotland's best-known beauty spots, the Old Man of Storr and the Quirang. (See under 'photo gallery'). Much of the ridge is now designated as one of the rare Scottish National Scenic Areas.

This coast of Trotternish is very impressive, with well-known spots such as the Lealt Falls (1 mile from the cottage), the Brothers' Point (1.5 miles), the Mealt Falls viewpoint, with its view of the Kilt Rock.

There are many other places to visit on Trotternish, including Duntulm Castle (the spectacularly situated one-time base of the MacDonald clan), the Folk Museum, the Staffin Museum, and an excavated Souterrain (earth house). There are full details of all of these in the cottage.

No. 1 Grealin's position is totally unspoilt, on the edge of the moors, with complete peace, seclusion and privacy. There is no traffic disturbance. The cottage stands apart in its own enclosed garden, with trees to the rear, and is located in an elevated position back from the sea, facing the mainland. There are unusually extensive views of the moors, sea, islands, and mountains of the mainland. Cars may be parked beside the house.

Portree, 14 miles distant, has a full range of everyday shops, bars and restaurants, and gives access to all other areas in Skye. Main food shopping is best done at  the Co-op, on the Dunvegan road.

Staffin, with general store, petrol, diesel, cafe/restaurant (closed in winter) is 5 miles.  .

Activities based on Grealin, with little, or no, car usage

There is outstanding walking of all grades in the hills or along the coast. (Pamphlets in the cottage describe some of these). There are many interesting moorland and sea birds in the area, including golden eagles. (There is a bird-list in the house). Fishing is available in local lochs and rivers. There is a sandy beach at Staffin (4 miles). On a fine day in summer, the Grealin garden may tempt you to sit out with your coffee; (a non-activity!). Rock-climbers will know of the many routes and possibilities on Carn Liath (Trotternish Ridge), or on the numerous sea cliffs.

Eating out

An brilliant restaurant, less than a mile away, is the Glenview (at the end of our approach road), which has been awarded  'outstanding restaurant in the Highlands and Islands 2012'.  Make sure you book. Closed in winter. 
In Staffin, 'Columba 1400' has a good standard of food, with excellent views. A bit south of Staffin is the Ellishadder Art Cafe, and a bit further on is the 'Small and Cosy Teahouse' at Digg, both places where you will get an excellent tea.   You might try the bar of the Flodigarry Hotel, (beyond Staffin along rthe coast road - a neo-Gothic hotel with good views).
In Portree, our own favourite is the Coolin Hills Hotel, which has good reasonably-priced food and an exceptional view of the Cuillins. There are  many other places in Portree; we can recommend Cafe Arriba, (on the way down to the quayside).