Sleat (pronounced ‘Slate’) is known as The Garden of Skye. It’s sheltered position means that there are more trees than many other places on the island, and it offers a peaceful haven from some of the more crowded areas on Skye during the summer months.
Lots of information about Sleat and its attractions can be found on the Visit Sleat website which has lots of useful links about this corner of Skye.
Many people leave the ferry at Mallaig and drive through this quiet area without stopping to see many of its attractions, but it has plenty to offer!
Turning left from the ferry takes you to the point of the peninsula with stunning views of the mainland and the Isle of Rhum. Turn right and your first sight will be the castle and gardens at Armadale.
Newly opened is the distillery at Torabhaig on Knock Bay, over looking the ruins of Knock Castle. This is well worth a visit, with a tour, cafe and a chance to taste what will be the new single malt on the island.
A diversion from the main road will take you round the ‘Ord loop’ for spectacular scenery of the north coast of the peninsula, Dunscaith Castle and the chance to see white tailed sea eagles soaring above you.
Back on the main road you pass Isle Ornsay where you can lunch or dine at Eilean Iarman or check out our community centre cafe and shop at An Crubh.
For a real treat why not stop at world famous Kinloch Lodge for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. Award winning food in a cosy homelike setting and open all year round, it’s one of our favourite places.
All along Sleat there are galleries and craft shops to enjoy. Check out http://www.seall.co.uk/ for an amazing programme of cultural events all year round from music and plays to comedians and dance.
All of this is just minutes from Taigh na Cùil. It’s a perfect, quiet base for the whole of the Isle of Skye.