Easter 2007 – Portree.

This year Easter is a week earlier than last year (so in theory we should have even more snow!) with Easter Saturday on April 7th.

The small port of Portree is on the east coast of Skye about half way up the Isle. North leads onto the 23 mile long Trotternish peninsular, a road leads west to Dunvegan, (20miles) and to the rugged west coast and the needles of MacLeod’s Maidens whilst south (and west then south) soon leads to the Cuillin Hills in Glen Brittle (23 miles) or Sligachan (10miles).

The largest accommodation this year is much smaller than last year, housing only 12 people. So that we can eat together I have reserved the “Shinty Club of Portree” which has it’s own kitchen as well as a large room, though this is not available on the first Saturday as they are hosting a wedding reception.

I’ve reserved accommodation from Saturday 7^th April to Saturday 14^th April 2007. Please note that this IS the traditional Easter week (i.e. it is the week including Easter Sunday). 

Most of the houses are within 5-10 minutes walk of Portree centre (and also of the club. I think). The exception, AirdView is 7 miles down the road towards the Sligachan.  My guess at your intentions suggests we should fit these with some places to spare – there are 36 in what I’ve reserved.

Getting there: Inverness is the most convenient airport or use the train to Kyle of Lochalsh and then walk there across the bridge (its only 34 miles).

Mountains and other Walks

Do I need to mention the Black Cuillin? Probably not! With a little snow these can be come “quite challenging” especially around the centre section. I’m sure the razor-like main ridge over Sgurr a Ghreadaidh, if corniced, would be not a little tricky.  The main ridge has some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK, snow rarely lasts for long or builds to any depth and a few peaks are accessible without real difficulty.

The Red Cuillin offer objectives for the Corbett baggers (nobody is?) as well as some less technical hills in a magnificent situation. The Storr too offers some superb walking especially if you incorporate the very special scenery of the Quirang.

Off Idrigill Point are Skye's finest sea stacks – MacLeod’s Maidens. A walk to these offers magnificent views across the sea to distant hills and islands and follows a continuously undulating cairned path in forest and moorland. At the once crofting settlement of Brandarsaig ancient lazy-beds can be traced and nearby there are sea arches and caves.

In the words of the old SMC guide “Strathair comprises some of the most picturesque, some of the grandest and some of the doucest scenery in Skye”. This area between Broadford and Elgol remains lovely and unspoiled. Camusunary, described by the guide as “”… one of the finest coastal sites in Scotland” is a worthwhile walking objective. By choosing a circular route starting at Elgol and finishing at the road well before the village, the initial path may be boggy but the scene facing you is …. Majestic.

More surprising is the existence of limestone caves on Skye. Spar Cave is on the east coast of Strathair in the village of Glasnakille. Sir Walter Scott visited the cave in 1814 and later alluded to it in his poem The Lord of The Isles: Unfortunately, later Victorian visitors blackened the ceilings with the soot from their flares and removed many stalactites as souvenirs, but the cave and its approaches remain a wonderful example of nature's beauty and grandeur. The cave can only be accessed for a hour or so either side of low tide, so we’ll need to check the tide state and allow plenty of time either side of low water to get in, explore and get back out! Torches are needed because the cave is 200ft long and has some formations. There is also another large limestone cave, “Bonny Prince Charlie’s Cave” at Am Suidhe Biorach to the south of Elgol along the coast, which is worth exploring but can be tricky to find and involves a short scramble.

Near Dunvegan is Coral Beach. The white sand of this beach is not true coral but as at Plocton, is petrified seaweed. The Coral Beach is a beautiful sight with the sea and the hills of Harris beyond. It is a very popular outing. The usual way from Claigan, north of Dunvegan, is very short. A very good walk is from Loch Bay in Waternish, which is 5 miles each way but is less frequented … although the Bay River has to be forded. There is a no dogs sign at the beach.

Tourism and Relaxation

Museum of Island Life	Kilt Rock and Falls	Duntulm - Castle -  Moil Dun Ringill
"Skye Shrubs"  Garden centre and nursery	Coral Beach	Raasay	Misty Isle boat trips to Coriusk

 The pictures above give some ideas for less strenuous outings.

The Skye Museum of Island Life is a group of seven thatched cottages exhibiting life on the Isle of Skye in former times. The exhibits relate mainly to the village life of ordinary people, but there are also items connected with the crofter rebellions in the nineteenth century, items used by Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora MacDonald, weapons from the age of clan warfare, and Stone Age axeheads used by Skye's earliest inhabitants.

A boat trip to Coriusk is usually magical. On your outward journey from Elgol you will visit a seal colony, see a rich variety of sea birds and sightings of dolphins, whales and basking sharks are also possible. At Loch Coriusk you will have time ashore for the short walk to the loch or just to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity that surrounds you. Amongst several more strenuous possibilities are to experience the “bad step” on the footpath from Coriusk to Camusunary and then walk on to Elgol or to walk through to Sligachan. The Misty Isle sails twice daily from Elgol, Isle of Skye, everyday except Sunday from April to October, at roughly 11.00am and 2.15pm (tide dependant) Tickets are available from the kiosk at Elgol Jetty or on 01471 866 288

Oh! .. and for any twitchers amongst us, the crofts around Uig are one of the last refuges of the Corncrake and Grasshopper Warbler (an LBJ).

Accommodation

Druimgorm

Sleeps 12. Druimgorm is a tastefully decorated Victorian villa. It is only minutes walk from the shoreline, the harbour, and the centre of the village. The rooms at the front of the house and the gardens offer marvelously clear, uninterrupted views across Loch Portree to the majestic and famous Cuillin mountain range.

Accommodation:  Front entrance with original Victorian paneling and etched glass and tiling. Drawing room with open coal fire, colour TV, digital TV (with Freeview), video recorder, DVD, Hi-Fi, and multitude of games, videos and DVDs. Dining room with open log fire and seating for 12, with large double doors leading to the kitchen. Fully fitted kitchen c/w dishwasher, microwave, integral fridge, electric hob and oven and breakfast seating area. There is an adjacent pantry with deep freeze and second fridge. New laundry room with large sink, Bosch washing machine, tumble drier, iron, ironing board, clothes pulley and drying rack. Spacious back porch with toilet. Large downstairs bath and shower room. 2 large double bedrooms with wash hand basins, 1 twin bedroom with wash hand basin, 1 double bedroom and 1 bathroom. Very large bedroom with 1 double bed and 1 single bed, plus seating area. Large room with 2 single beds, wash hand basin, TV/VCR and various children's games and toys.

Included:
Linen and towels are provided. All fuel is included in the rental. The dining room and drawing room both have open fires. Oil central heating is installed.

Whinbrae

Sleeps 6. A modern bungalow set in its own spacious grounds with front and back garden. It is surrounded by ten acres of farmland. It is situated in a secluded area with splendid views of the Cuillin range and overlooking Portree and the Island of Raasay. A pleasant fifteen-minute walk takes you to the centre of Portree, passing the Co-op superstore en route. There is ample parking outside the house.

Accommodation: Whinbrae is very spacious and very comfortable. It is fully carpeted throughout. The lounge is bright and airy, with panoramic views. It is heated by an electric fire fitted in a tile fireplace, also panel heaters as well as oil heating. There is a colour television and books and games. The dining room is separate. The large fitted kitchen has a cooker, fridge, deep-freeze automatic washing machine, tumble dryer, usual appliances - microwave oven, dishwasher, toaster, iron, coffee percolator, dinner and tea service etc. A payphone is provided which accepts incoming calls. The bathroom has a white suite and shower with heated towel rail. There are four bedrooms. Two with a double bed and two with a single bed.

Included:

Linen and towels provided. Electricity and heating are charged extra

CD Player, Dishwasher, Electric Cooker, Microwave, Freezer, Fridge, Hair Dryer In Room, Payphone accepting incoming calls, Television, Video Recorder, Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer.

Aird View

Sleeps 6. Aird View nestles in the hillside of a lovely rural area called the Braes. The bungalow enjoys a quiet location with a breathtaking panoramic view towards the islands of Raasay and Rona. The nearest beach with fascinating rock pools and caves is only a few minutes walk from the front door. The bungalow is set slightly back from a single track, no through road, yet is only 7 miles from Portree, the principal town on the island. There are fenced garden areas to both sides of the bungalow. Dogs welcome.

Accommodation: The lounge/dining room is sumptuously furnished and snugly centrally heated. It has two picture windows providing panoramic open views. There is a teletext television, DVD player, and a high quality CD HiFi. The kitchen is modern, with a full size electric cooker, microwave oven, 2-door fridge/freezer, automatic washing machine, tumble dryer, and iron and ironing board. The bathroom has a WC, wash hand basin, and bath with over-bath electric shower. Bedroom 1 is very spacious and very quiet - the window is to the side and looks out towards Beinn Tiennavaig. Bedrooms 2 and 3 face the front, with views over the surrounding countryside, towards Raasay, Rona, Scalpay and the mainland. All three bedrooms feature divan beds, and have built-in wardrobes providing ample shelf and hanging space.

Included:
Linen and towels provided. Electricity and central heating.

Portree Bay Cottage

Sleeps 6/8. Portree Bay Self Catering Cottage, Isle of Skye is situated in a spectacular location, right on the shore of Loch Portree with stunning views over the bay to Raasay and the Cuillins, yet only a few minutes walk from Portree village. There is private parking adjacent to the cottage for several vehicles. The garden leads directly onto the beach (see picture above). Dogs welcome.
Accommodation: The cottage comprises living room (with wide-screen TV and DVD player), kitchen, dining room, bathroom, two double bedrooms (master en-suite) and a bedroom with bunk beds. There is a bed settee in the living room so the cottage sleeps 6/8 people. There is private parking adjacent to the cottage for several vehicles. Electric Central Heating, Electric Cooker, Freezer, Fridge, Log Open Hearth Fire, Tumble Dryer
Included:
Linen and towels provided.

Cruachan View

Sleeps 6. Detached house built in 1912 in a very peaceful corner of Portree, and with uninhibited views over the bay. Within easy walking distance of the town center.
Accommodation: The cottage has two double rooms (one with an extra single bed) and a twin room. An additional folding bed is available. Dishwasher Electric Cooker, Freezer, Fridge, Microwave, Television, Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer
Included:
To be confirmed.

Camus Bhan

Sleeps 4-5. The house is located just about 5 minutes' walk away from the town centre of Portree, and is therefore conveniently situated for all the local amenities - shops, pubs, restaurants, etc. Camus Ban has 2 bedrooms, the one a family room and the other a double room, and will accommodate up to 5 people; in addition, a double airbed and a single airbed are available for extra guests. 

Accommodation: 

Comfortably furnished living/dining room with open fire, colour TV, CD/radio cassette player.The dining area has a dining table and 4 chairs, and a bookshelf unit. There are views to the Cuillin Hills from the dining room window.There is a good-sized modern kitchen with electric cooker, fridge, washing machine, tumble dryer (in the porch), microwave, and the usual small kitchen appliances. The downstairs is centrally heated with convector heaters. Dogs Welcome

Upstairs, is a light and airy double bedroom, sleeps 2, with dressing table and wardrobe. Comfortably furnished family bedroom, sleeps 3, having a double bed, a single bed and a fitted wardrobe. The bathroom has a bath with a shower over, a wash hand basin, WC and a fan heater. The upstairs is centrally heated with convector heaters. 

Eating Together

I have reserved the Shinty Club House in Portree where we can all eat together. This includes use of its kitchen. I'm told that the club has masses of everything we need: Cutlery and crockery will run out if there's more than 130 of us! There's a 6 ring cooker, 2 ovens, pans etc, 1 or 2 microwaves  and 2 deep fat friers. Plus of course tables and chairs. The room is obviously quite large and can be partitioned into 2 rooms; the other half (without kitchen) may be used independantly, though we may choose to do this anyway.

Cost Estimate

I estimate the cost per head for the week will be: (numbers based on analysis of the 2006 bill)

In addition to this there is the cost of transport i.e.:
          Hire cars and their fuel
          Fuel for private cars (~£160-£170 per car last year)
          Flights /trains etc to Scotland

Decisions and Deposits Please

I have paid deposits and will have to pay the remainder soon after Christmas so I’m looking for a commitment as soon as you can.

Please send deposits of £100 per person (children £50) as soon as you feel able so my bank account feels less exposed! (See the separate email for sort code and account number in case you wish to use e-banking).