Activities
Should you wish to climb
Internationally renowned Mountains, or walk along deserted sandy beaches, watch
Otters play in the rivers and Eagles glide overhead, visit
ancient Castles or spot the Loch Ness Monster then it is all
possible at Blue Mountain Cottage.
The Cottage is central to the
picturesque villages of Plockton, Glenelg and Kyleakin and close to the
magnificent Eilean Donan Castle.
Contents
Distilleries Hill
Walking Exploring
the past Fishing
Sight seeing Local/Sumer events Links
Ben Nevis Distillery - Fort William
Operational since 1825, taps
into the waters that run off the mountain of the same name and originally
famous for its 'Dew of Ben Nevis' whisky. Mainly used these days for
blending, when you do find a single malt - it is, I am told, delicious. A
mountain of a malt in fact!
Dalwhinnie Distillery - Dalwhinnie
The only distillery found in
excess of 1000 feet above sea level, built 100 years ago amongst glorious
moorland. Dalwhinnie sits by the River Truim - which runs into the Spey,
but this is not a Speyside whisky. Quite unique, tastes of peat & heather.
A gentle Spirit with a warm heart.
Talisker Distillery - Carbost, Skye
Coastal location, dating back to
1831 but almost completely replaced in 1960 after a fire. Unparalleled views of
the Cullin Hills. Heavy peaty taste and strong - 45.8 per cent - perfect
for warming you up on cold outdoor days. One of the greatest whiskies in the
world, not so much a drink as an experience!
Stunning high mountains and
remote glens surround the area, notably;
Skye and Glen
Coe are close
The Five Sisters of
Kintail, the remote mountains of Knoydart and the Falls of
Glomach are some of the most popular natural attractions.
The Magnificent Five Sisters of
Kintail
The Saddle and the South
Glen Shiel Ridge are also close for accomplished hill walkers.
The ancient woodlands of Glen
Affric and Glen Strathfarrar offer gentle forest walks.
Over 26 Munro's (hills
over 3000ft) are within a short drive. The Cullins on Skye and Ben Nevis
are also within easy reach.
The Cullins are
worth a special mention as they are the most dramatic mountain range in the UK.
Also on Skye to the North stands the Old Man of Storr and the MacLeod
Tables, two enormous flat-topped hills that take their name from Skyes's
oldest inhabitants - the MacLeods of Dunvegan Castle.
Bernera Barracks -
Clan Donald Centre - Skye.
Dunvegan Castle - Skye. Museum of Island Life.
Eilean Donan Castle - Dornie. Ancestral seat of the MacKenzies of Kintail, dating
circa 1220. Virtually re-built at the beginning
of this Century. Only 5 miles away.
Glenelg Brochs - Glenelg. Built 100 b.c as lookout posts and as dwellings. These
remarkable buildings are in a good state of repair and well worth a visit.
Urquhart Castle - Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness. The remains of one of the largest
castles in Scotland built in 14th - 16th centuries,
dominates a rocky promontory on Loch Ness. Visitors centre & splendid views
of the loch.
Salmon and sea trout. Fishing available on River Croe, a spate river with late runs.
Day ticket available from National Trust for Scotland, Morvich
Farm House, Inverate, By Kyle.
Brown Trout. Fishing available on Loch Cluanie. Ticket's from Cluanie Hotel. The
hills that surround Blue Mountain Cottage are dotted with Hill Lochs that hold
Brown Trout which are rarely fished and can be reached by walking through
scenery virtually unchanged for Centuries.
Hill Loch
behind the Cottage
Sea fishing. Loch Long and Loch Duich from the shores on an incoming tide -
close to the Castle. Kyle of Lochalsh pier. Boat trips via prior arrangement.
Boat Trips - Skye. The Bella Jane at Elgol on the West Coast has
daily trips to Loch Coruisk from where you can view the Cullin
Mountains from the Sea. It lands at a bay only accessible by boat from
where you can take short excursions amidst the Cullins. An unforgettable
experience.
Kyleakin - Skye. Just over the Skye bridge, Kyleakin is a picturesque
sea fronted Village.
Loch Ness - Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness. Visit the Loch Ness visitor's
centre and see what has made it one of Scotland's most visited attractions or
just walk along the shores of this 20 mile long loch.
Otter sanctuary - Kylerhea. Skye. For an interesting journey you can catch the ferry
from Glenelg.
River Otter
Plockton - a small picturesque village with a palm lined seafront, made famous
by the TV series "Hamish Macbeth".
Underwater Observation Gallery -
Local/Summer events
Events such as Game fairs,
Highland games and Musical events can be obtained form the tourist information
kiosk either at Eilean Donan Castle or at Kyle of Lochalsh in the main car
park. They are also listed in the 'Visitor' paper, which is left at the Cottage.
You can also visit: http://www.albagames.co.uk/
Links
http://www.angelfire.com/ky/KyleAFC/todo.html
http://www.eileandonancastle.com/location.htm
http://www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/skye.htm
http://www.skyebrewery.demon.co.uk/