Shorefields guide to the isle of skye
From the Fairy Pools and the Old Man of Storr to world-class whisky at Talisker Distillery, Skye rewards those who explore. Shorefield puts you at the heart of it all — here’s our guide to making the most of every day.
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EXPLORE SKYE:
Explore the isle of skye, scotland
Your home on the Isle of Skye
Skye is not a destination you visit and leave unchanged. It is an island of contrasts that reveals itself slowly, through weather that shifts by the hour, light that paints the Cuillin in shades no camera truly captures, and a silence so deep it becomes its own kind of music. From Shorefield, our cottage on the shore at Portnalong, the island unfolds before you, section by section, secret by secret. This guide is written for our guests, not as an exhaustive list, but as a personal introduction to the places we love most.
Within 30 Mins
Within thirty minutes of Shorefield lies a quiet constellation of galleries, ancient ruins, and some of the finest seafood on the island.
Carbost & The Oyster Shed
10 Mins · Food & Coastal Village
The village of Carbost sits on Loch Harport with an effortless, lived-in character. Down at the water's edge, The Oyster Shed is exactly what it promises — a working shellfish operation with a small hatch from which you can buy the freshest west coast oysters, mussels, and langoustines. Eaten standing up with a glass of white wine and a view of the loch: Skye distilled to its very essence.
Cath Waters Gallery
Nearby · Art & Culture
Cath Waters is one of Skye's most admired artists, and her gallery is a rare pleasure: intimate, personal, and filled with paintings that capture the island's landscape with genuine emotional intelligence. If you are looking for something to bring home that truly represents Skye — not a souvenir, but a real piece of it — this is the place to find it.
Dun Beag Broch
25 Mins · History & Walking
One of the best-preserved Iron Age brochs in Scotland sits on a hillside above Struan with commanding views across Loch Bracadale. The circular drystone tower dates to around 200 BC, and its builders chose their site with the same eye for drama that defines Skye to this day. A short but rewarding walk from the roadside.
The Rugged North
Heading north towards Portree and the Trotternish peninsula brings you to some of Skye's best-known viewpoints and walking routes. This is the island at its most dramatic.
Portree Harbour
40 Mins · Town, Shops & Essentials
Skye's capital is a handsome harbour town with colourful Victorian seafront buildings, independent shops, galleries, and enough good restaurants to justify a leisurely afternoon. Stock up on provisions, browse the bookshop, and watch the fishing boats come in if the weather turns against you. The Royal Hotel overlooks the bay and has a bar worth stopping in.
Old Man of Storr
50 Mins · Iconic Walk · Must-See
The most recognisable silhouette in Scotland: a 50-metre basalt pinnacle rising from the Trotternish Ridge with far-reaching views over the Sound of Raasay. The circular walk to its base takes around two to three hours and passes through a landscape of extraordinary geological drama. Go early — it is deservedly popular.
The Quiraing
60 Mins · Walkers & Photographers
If the Storr is dramatic, the Quiraing is unearthly. A labyrinth of cliffs, hidden plateaus, and teetering rock formations at the northernmost end of the Trotternish Ridge. The circular walk is graded moderate — around four miles — and the plateau known as the Table rewards those who find it with a view that stops conversation entirely. Bring waterproofs regardless of the forecast.
Fairy Glen
60 Mins · Magical · Ideal for Families
Hidden in the hills near Uig, the Fairy Glen is a pocket-sized landscape of grassy knolls, mysterious mounds, and miniature rock formations that seems to exist at a different scale to the rest of Skye. It takes no more than an hour to explore, but children especially find it genuinely enchanting. Look for the small stone labyrinth at the centre of the main knoll.
West to the Edge
Travelling across the island opens up dramatic coastal viewpoints, crystal-clear pools, and one of Scotland's most historic castles. These are the day trips that define a Skye holiday.
The Fairy Pools
30 Mins · Walking & Photography
Perhaps the most-photographed place on Skye, and with good reason. A sequence of impossibly clear pools and small waterfalls cascade down from the Black Cuillin along the River Brittle, each one a different shade of aquamarine. The easy circular walk is around 2.5 miles. Visit early morning in summer, or any weekday in autumn, to experience them at their finest.
Neist Point
60 Mins · Drama & Wildlife
The westernmost point of Skye ends in a lighthouse and a view across the Minch to the Outer Hebrides. The walk out along the headland is exhilarating in any weather — the cliffs drop sharply on both sides — and the 1909 lighthouse operated until 1990. Keep your eyes on the sea below: basking sharks are regularly spotted from this headland in summer.
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
35 Mins · Heritage & History
The ancestral home of the MacLeod clan and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. For eight centuries the castle has stood above Loch Dunvegan, and its collections — clan portraits, silver, Bonnie Prince Charlie's waistcoat, and the ancient Fairy Flag — reward a slow afternoon. The formal walled garden and the boat trip to visit the local seal colony are both worth the extra time.
Food on Skye
The island's dining scene ranges from Michelin-starred refinement to harbourside seafood shacks. These are the restaurants, cafes, and bars we recommend to our guests.
The Old Inn, Carbost
10 mins · Local
The Three Chimneys at Talisker
10 mins · Local
Café Cuil
15 mins · Local
Old School Restaurant, Dunvegan
35 mins · Casual
The Three Chimneys, Colbost
45 mins · Iconic
Sea Breezes, Portree
40 mins · Seafood
Cuillin Hills Hotel, Portree
40 mins · Hotel
Edinbane Lodge
50 mins · Fine Dining
Uig Hotel
55 mins · Hotel
The Galley Café, Uig
55 mins · Casual
Kinloch Lodge
60 mins · Fine Dining
Raasay House Hotel
Island · Ferry
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5 Star Rated by our guests
The best way to know if a place is right for you is to hear from those who’ve already been. Here’s what our guests say about their time at Shorefield.
The cottage is large and well equipped and was immaculate when we arrived. In fact we could smell a fresh coat of paint so it’s well looked after! It’s located in a quiet part of the island so was very tranquil during the day and the stars really come out on clear nights due to the lack of light pollution....Read More
Perfect cottage for exploring the Isle of Skye! Very clean and functional. Sea view! It’s lovely!
Beautiful cottage, which we used as a base for a few days visiting the Isle of Skye. The cottage has two bedrooms with double beds and a third bedroom with two single beds. There are two bathrooms, one of which is in the master bedroom.
A spacious living room and a kitchen with all the necessary utensils.
Stunning...Read MoreIdeal location as a base for exploring Skye. Handy for the remote and scenic Talisker Bay as well as the drive down via the Fairy Pools to Glen Brittle. The cottage was immaculate, warm, comfortable and well equipped. Ample outside space to relax and take in the wonderful views. The host was responsive to any questions. We would stay again.
Fantastic single-storey bungalow style holiday home. The location is just stunning, and peaceful and quiet. Still handy for what passes for main roads on Skye though 🙂 so you’ve got the shops and facilities not too far away. For beautiful views and calming peace, this is the place. The accomodation is well apointed and all the usual amenities are present,...Read More
Incredible modern and well equipped large cottage. Well positioned for amazing views a relaxing peaceful stay. The garden is very large and enclosed and on a couple of levels and very well kept. The interior is well equipped and modern appliances and impeccable decor and warm on a cold day. You couldn’t buy a view that this place has.
Just back from our 5th stay at shorefield cottage. What an amazing place. Fantastic views from the lounge over Lock Harport. Dog friendly with a goood size garden. Comfiest bed I’ve ever slept in. Wanted to take it home. 3 good size bedrooms one with en suite and a family bathroom. Equipt with all you need for a fabulous holiday....Read More
The cottage is large and well equipped and was immaculate when we arrived. In fact we could smell a fresh coat of paint so it’s well looked after! It’s located in a quiet part of the island so was very tranquil during the day and the stars really come out on clear nights due to the lack of light pollution....Read More
Perfect cottage for exploring the Isle of Skye! Very clean and functional. Sea view! It’s lovely!
Beautiful cottage, which we used as a base for a few days visiting the Isle of Skye. The cottage has two bedrooms with double beds and a third bedroom with two single beds. There are two bathrooms, one of which is in the master bedroom.
A spacious living room and a kitchen with all the necessary utensils.
Stunning...Read MoreIdeal location as a base for exploring Skye. Handy for the remote and scenic Talisker Bay as well as the drive down via the Fairy Pools to Glen Brittle. The cottage was immaculate, warm, comfortable and well equipped. Ample outside space to relax and take in the wonderful views. The host was responsive to any questions. We would stay again.
Fantastic single-storey bungalow style holiday home. The location is just stunning, and peaceful and quiet. Still handy for what passes for main roads on Skye though 🙂 so you’ve got the shops and facilities not too far away. For beautiful views and calming peace, this is the place. The accomodation is well apointed and all the usual amenities are present,...Read More
Incredible modern and well equipped large cottage. Well positioned for amazing views a relaxing peaceful stay. The garden is very large and enclosed and on a couple of levels and very well kept. The interior is well equipped and modern appliances and impeccable decor and warm on a cold day. You couldn’t buy a view that this place has.
Just back from our 5th stay at shorefield cottage. What an amazing place. Fantastic views from the lounge over Lock Harport. Dog friendly with a goood size garden. Comfiest bed I’ve ever slept in. Wanted to take it home. 3 good size bedrooms one with en suite and a family bathroom. Equipt with all you need for a fabulous holiday....Read More
Contact us
Get in touch to find out how we can help you. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 1 business day.
Shorefield
8 Portnalong
Isle of Skye
IV47 8SL07786 990147
catherine900@btinternet.com