Easter 2013 – Glendale, Isle of Skye.

This year Easter is fairly early with Easter Saturday on March; 30th

I said last Easter that I would look at either Skye or Loch Broom (Sands Hotel).  In the end I found good accommodation plus a village hall around Glendale and perhaps next year we’ll head further north where I’ve spotted a potential base!

I’ve reserved the accommodation from Saturday 30th March to Saturday 6th April 2013. Please note that this is the
traditional Easter week
(i.e. it is the week including Easter Sunday).

As usual I have paid out deposits to secure these houses and I will need to pay the balances between  

February 2nd and 16th 2013


So PLEASE let me have a firm commitment with a deposit of £125 per person as soon as possible


I anticipate that this will cover the accommodation cost +/-£10 depending on numbers.

 

 

 

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Mountain Walks

Low level Walks & Cycles

Tourism

House Descriptions

Eating

Cost estimates

Mountains and other Walks

Mountains      (return to index)


The Cuillin Ridge looking south from Sgurr Alasdair

The 7 mile Cuillin Ridge  offers some of the most challenging mountain terrain in Britain.  Never-the-less many of the main peaks can be reached with relative ease. These include Bruach na Frithe , Sgurr Banachdich, Sgurr Dearg, and Sgurr nan Eag which offer  walking routes to  both ends of the ridge as well as to central peaks, all with views of the spectacular ridge if the weather is clear. The Cuillin rarely hold snow for long but come prepared for winter ascents so early in the year.


Inaccessible Pinnacle – Sgurr Dearg

The ascent of the Pinnacle most often uses the long east ridge with descent by abseil off the short west side. The only Munro which requires a real rock climb (“moderate”) and it has significant exposure at times.
All but the In-Pin. can be reached by scrambles of varying difficulty. The Tourist Route onto Gillean has some entertaining bits. Blaven-Clach Glas is a classic epic traverse.

Red Cuillin - Beinn Dearg Mheadhonach

The Red Cuiilin offer .less precipitous mountain walking

Quirang

The Quirang gives a fantasy walk on rabbit mown paths amongst weird formations associated with an ancient landslip architecture  Nearer to Portree you can also walk up to  the prominent Stor Rock or visit the fossil beach well below it.

Low Level Walks & Cycles   (return to index)

Coral Beach

A short walk north of near-by Dunvegan is the beautiful “Coral” beach. The white beach is really formed of calcified seaweed.

 

McLeods Maidens

Many walks, long and short are possible in the wild lands of Duirinish immediately south and north of the houses. An area of low cliffs, arches and needles, it shows evidence of ancient crafting if you look out for it.

Raasay - Dun Caan
CYCLING.

Though I can find no organised cycle tracks, many of the minor roads close to the houses may offer cycling possibilities but don’t expect them to be dead flat! Good possibilities, perhaps combined with a short scenic walk are the roads to Waterstein and to Greshornish Point.  A day trip to Raasay on the ferry could offer (hilly) cycling or a walk to Dun Caan .

 

Tourism and Relaxation    (return to index)


Museum of Island Life

The Skye Museum of Island Life at Kilmuir, Isle of Skye was opened in 1965. The aim was to preserve a township of thatched cottages, each one depicting, as closely as possible, the conditions prevailing on the island at the close of the nineteenth century.

Entry is £2.50 + concessions

Web site
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens


Open  10am - 5.30pm  from 29th March

The massive exterior combines six separate buildings, of which you can visit five. The sixth building & the upper floors are the administrative and domestic offices of the present Chief and his family. Web site

The Castle Gardens were originally laid out in the 18th century and have paths through woodland glades, pools and burns fed by a cascade. There is a formal round garden, many Rhododendrons of numerous varieties. I suspect we may be rather early to see them at their best!

Dunvegan Castle Boat Trips

 

Departing from the pier below Dunvegan Castle in a 6-person (max) clinker boat you have a 25 minute boat trip on Loch Dunvegan to see the seal colony at close quarters. You may see Herons nesting as well as many other species of birds including the Arctic Tern and the Sea Eagle. In addition to the cost of £6 you must pay to visit the castle.

 

A 1½  hour cruise of Loch Dunvegan is available at 9am or 5pm cost £39 including castle grounds entry Max 4 people.

Bella Jane Boat Trip, Elgol to Corruisk


3 hour trip: (subject to tides)

£24 / £22 / £10 

TRIP TIMES: 10.45 a.m.  12.15 p.m.   2.00 p.m.

6½  hour trip: (subject to tides) 

£28 / £26 / £14 

TRIP TIME (for 3 or 4½ hr ashore): 10.45 a.m.

Prices & Concessions:

Adult / Senior / Child <14


Web site

SkyeSkins

 

A family business established in 1983,(& Show Room)

Visitors are transported back in time to witness how real sheepskins are made using time honoured methods of leather making - one of the oldest crafts known to man.

Take a free guided tour of our workshop where you will see all the traditional implements used by the Tanner: the beam, paddles, racks and buffing wheel, horse and iron as well as the lengthy hand finishing processes

Waternish – near the houses.  Web site

Talisker Distillery

 

Talisker Distillery Tour

Adults: £7.00/ Children: (8-17) £3.00

The adult admission charge includes a discount voucher redeemable in our distillery shop towards the purchase of a 70cl bottle of malt whisky, as well as the opportunity to taste our award winning Talisker 10 year old. The guided tour takes approximately 45 minutes..

Carbost – near the houses  Web site

Adventure Boat Trips- AquaXplore

 

1½  hour to full day trips to Canna,/ Rhum / Soay / Eigg / Sanday. as tours or time ashore. Prices from £25--£70 per adult (concessions)

Start from Elgol.  Web site

Boat Trips – Close to Dunvegan

 

A selection of boat trips from Stein on the Waternish peninsular north of Dunvegan. Includes landing on Isay in Loch Dunvegan.  Costs £20-£30 (concessions)

Web site

Armadale Castle & Clan Donald Centre

Way down at Armadale in  the south of Skye it’s a big journey from Glendale

 

Museum of the Isles, restored historic gardens and walking trails threading through the 40 acres of woodland

Web site

Accommodation      (return to index)

This year I have reserved 5 moderately sized houses, each accommodating between 6 and 11 people plus Glendale Village Hall which will allow us to eat together on most nights (Tuesday and Thursday it is used for other activities). The other nights we may have to eat out or eat in the individual houses unless I can find an alternative venue.

Hamara Lodge      (return to index)

The Lodge is situated near the heart of Glendale, just 5 minutes stroll from the local Post Office/Shop and Cafe. Despite its small size, Stuart and Nancy at the Post Office offer just about everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to frozen meals. They stock a wide selection of health food, snacks and groceries, magazines and newspapers, alongside various sundries. In the walled garden ancient apple trees are included in the new 'Highland Apple Map', and we are working to identify the different varieties. 


The living room has sea views from bay windows, with several couches, chairs, and rocking chairs to arrange as you like around the open fire, or to watch the TV/DVD. Kindling and a generous coal allowance are provided. There is a CD/radio/iPod dock system and WiFi from Easter 2013. 

The Lodge has been refurbished and redecorated to a comfortable standard. As a traditional Skye double 'white house', the upstairs is in two sections (reached by a common landing) each with its own bathroom (with WC, bath, overhead shower, and heated towel rails).

 

The generous kitchen is fully equipped, including an original Belfast sink, Food processor, Fridge/freezer, Microwave, Washing machine, walk-in airing cupboard with heat-lamp, and good storage space. The tables will seat 10 for informal meals.

The kitchen door leads directly into the walled garden.

Two upstairs double rooms overlook the walled garden. All the bedrooms are bright and airy, with traditional combed ceilings, and good storage space. All bedrooms have wash-hand basins, and all linen and towels are included.
An extra single bed (usually a daybed in the diningroom) can be placed in any bedroom by arrangement.

The spacious dining room has a traditional leaved table. This room also contains a selection of books and board-games, with a daybed for relaxing days 'at home'

All bedrooms have wash-hand basins, supplemental heaters Linen and towels  included.

The Lodge is heated by night-storage heating which can be adjusted to your preference. All bedrooms have supplemental heaters for direct heat if the weather turns chilly. 

Rooms

Ground Floor: Dining room, Lounge, Large fully equipped catering kitchen. Newly (2013) refurbished Family room (D + 2 bunks)

First Floor: 3 Double bedrooms, Family room (D+S),  Room with 3 single beds, 2 Bathrooms with bath + shower & wc.

Included

Linen and towels provided..Night storage heating and electricity included (other electricity by meter reading payable on departure by cash/cheque)
Open fire - kindling/coal provided

Dogs

2 pets allowed (£15 each)..

Mandallagh Cottage      (return to index)

Mandallagh Cottage is nestled within the small crofting hamlet of Glendale and offers panoramic views of Dunvegan Head and on a clear day the Outer Hebrides. Famous for its considerable variety of flora and fauna dolphins, whales, basking sharks, seals and sea otters are often sighted in the surrounding area. This property is within enclosed shared grounds with its own private parking. Mandallagh has an outdoor seating area overlooking the sea an ideal place from which to watch the sun set. This is an idyllic peaceful location which with the influence of the Gulf Stream often enjoys relatively mild winters however open fires and storage heating is available just in case.

Sitting room with double sofabed

Refurbished to a high standard and furnished as a home, this light spacious bungalow has an immediate feeling of comfort and warmth. The living room gives a family atmosphere around an open fire (coal only) and the quiet sitting room is a place to read or enjoy the view of the islands

 

Lounge with open fire.

Double bedroom

Kitchen/diner with washing machine, tumble dryer, electric cooker, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher

Twin Bedroom

Rooms

Ground Floor: Living room with open fire, kitchen/dining room, double bedroom, twin bedroom, a bunk bedroom, panoramic sitting room with double futon, bathroom with shower over bath

Included

Electricity, Linen and towels, Broadband..

Dogs

2 pets allowed (£15 each)..

The Old Manse      (return to index)

The Old Manse is siutated in Glendale. The pace of life here is calm and friendly and the walks and sweeping views are superb from the white crofts to the stunning sea views. If you love wildlife then you have a great opportunity to see whales and basking sharks, eagles and otters as well as many others.

 

Lounge with wood burner, Flat screen TV and DVD player

The Old Manse is a wonderful building – newly renovated to a very high standard it provides beautiful quality holiday accommodation. New stylish and beautiful furniture throughout the house. The rooms are spacious and bright with light reflecting cream walls throughout.. The garden around it has ample parking and areas to enjoy the views.

 

The kitchen/dining room stretches the full length of the house making for perfect social mealtimes. Dishwasher, Double Electric oven, Electric hob, Freezer, Fridge, Microwave, Washing machine/Dryer

Double bedroom

 

Bathroom / en-suite with shower

There are 4 shower/bathrooms

Twin Bedroom

 

Rooms

Ground Floor: Entrance hall with hanging space. Hallway, lounge with wood burning stove and king sized sofa bed. Kitchen dining room with wood burner and door to garden. Rear hall with utility area and hanging space. Bathroom with bath, shower over bath, wc and whb. TV room.

First Floor: 2 Double bedrooms with en suite shower room with shower, wc and whb. 2 Twin bedrooms. Family bathroom with shower, wc and whb.

Included

Electricity, Linen and towels..

Dogs

Not accepted

Waterfall View      (return to index)

Waterfall View is situated in Milovaig, about 2 miles beyond Glendale village and a 10 minute walk to Milovaig pier. It is set In 4 acres of natural croft land, on a quiet hilltop location with stunning views

 

Lounge with wood burner, Flat screen TV and DVD

Also separate sitting room - two sofas, hi-fi, small library, board games.

Nestling against the side of a small heather-clad hillock, this lovely detached house enjoys wonderful views across open countryside and towards the crystal clear waters of Loch Pooltiel, Dunvegan Head, and on a clear day, the Outer Hebrides.

Kitchen/Dining Room

Dining Area with dining table to seat eight.

Ground Floor double bedroom

First Floor double bedroom

Kitchen/Dining Room

Kitchen with Electric cooker and hob, combination microwave, fridge/freezer

Also utility rooms with washing machine & drier

Ground Floor twin bedroom

First Floor twin bedroom

Conservatory with garden furniture (table and chairs).


Rooms

Ground Floor: Living room with wood-burning stove. Kitchen/dining room. Sitting-room. Utility room. Conservatory. Double bedroom with 5ft bed and en-suite shower room with toilet. Twin bedroom. Shower room with toilet.

First Floor: Double bedroom with 5ft bed. Twin bedroom

Included

Electricity and Central heating. Beds have duvets and linen and towels are provided...

Dogs

Not accepted

Pooltiel House      (return to index)

Pooltiel House is a recently completed property which enjoys fantastic views over Loch Pooltiel to Dunvegan Head, and towards The Little Minch and the Outer Hebrides. The property offers spacious modern accommodation, which makes it ideal for a family or for a group of friends. The main living and kitchen areas are open plan and ideally positioned to enjoy the views. Parking for two cars.

 

Lounge with lounge with leather sofas and a wood burner, and this room offers direct access to the garden

The accommodation is on two levels, and throughout the property has been tastefully furnished and equipped to a high standard. On the lower level all the floors are tiled and benefit from under floor heating.

Kitchen/Dining Room

Dining Area with dining table to seat six.

 

Ground floor also has utility room with washing/tumble dryer, ironing facilities and drying area and a cloakroom with  wc, whb, heated towel rail.

Ground Floor twin bedroom

with an en-suite shower room

First Floor double bedroom

The first floor bedrooms are spacious and benefit from uninterrupted views to Loch Pooltiel and Dunvegan Head.

Kitchen/Dining Room

Kitchen with electric oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, microwave,


Rooms

Ground Floor: lounge, kitchen / diner, twin bedroom with an en-suite shower room, utility room and cloakroom.

First Floor: Double bedroom with a super king bed, a twin bedroom. A large shower room...

Included

All bed linen & towels, Electricity, air source heating, and initial supply of logs for the wood burning stove. WiFi internet access.

Dogs

Not accepted

Eating Together       (return to index)

We have hired the Village Hall for the evenings except on Tuesday and Thursday when there are other events. The hall is well equipped with tables and chairs and we will have access to the kitchen during the afternoon. This is equipped to deal with weddings etc.

Cost Estimate        (return to index)

I estimate the cost per head for the week will be: (numbers except accommodation cost are based on analysis of the 2012 bill)

 

Best

Typical

Worst

Accommodation per head inc heating etc:

£120

£130

£135

Food

£40

£50

£65

Alcohol (depending on consumption!)

£0

£25

£60

2 x Dinners out / Meals at house

£15

£40

£60

Morning coffee / lunch out / Afternoon teas etc

£0

£10

£50

Tourism (e.g. Ferries, House/ Garden entry)

£0

£30

£50

Totals

£ 175

£ 285

£ 420

In addition to this there is the cost of transport i.e.:

          Hire cars and their fuel

          Fuel for private cars

          Flights /trains etc to Scotland

Deposits Please

Please send deposits of £125 per person as soon as you feel able.  See the separate email for sort code and account number in case you wish to use e-banking.

I have paid a total in deposits of over £1000. The balance of nearly £3000 (including breakage deposits) follows in early February so I’m looking for a commitment as soon as you can, and sufficient deposits to mostly cover the house bookings.