Luxury self-catering crofters cottage located at Loch Bay, North West Isle of Skye on the spectacular Waternish peninsula. Offering easy car access all year round and a spectacular journey through Scotland. Arriving to cosy accommodation and more breathtaking unrestricted views of Loch Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the Inner and Outer Hebrides Islands from it's Panoramic Conservatory. 

"The views from the cottage and the interior"

This spectacular rural location "the captivating peninsula of Waternish" on Scotland's Isle of Skye offers you peace, tranquillity, mountains, scenery, fresh air and beautiful sunsets. Loch Bay cottage has a fenced garden with it's own little stream, ample private car parking and within 10 minutes stroll you can enjoy a beach side pub and quality seafood restaurant.

 

The tiny fishing village of Stein and the Stein Inn (Top) and views of Loch Bay (Below)

 

 

The Locality of Loch Bay and Waternish

 

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Within this lovely area you can enjoy numerous walks along beautiful shorelines as well as forestry walks. See wildlife including whales, porpoises, seals, Golden Eagles, Corncrake and Great Skua's and an extraordinary array of unique art and craft enterprises from the Skye Skyns exhibition tannery and shop to Dunhallin Crafts, the Hallistra Pottery and Shilasdair Yarns knitwear.

Waternish is brimming with history and interests including Dun Hallin (an ancient iron age hill fort), the ruins of Trumpan Church and the scene of a great clan battle at Ardmore between the MacDonalds of Uist and the MacLeods of Dunvegan in 1578. There are also many fascinating walks such as that through Waternish Forest down to the black coral shores of Score Bay. The famous Dunvegan Castle and gardens are only 7 miles away. Boat trips can be taken from the castle to see the seals on the small islands in the loch.

 

"Spectacular views of Loch Bay, Trumpan, Ardmore point, tip of Waternish and it's Lighthouse

 

 

 

Welcome to Skye, the Island and Lochalsh

 

One of the largest and best known Scottish islands, Skye is particularly famous for its mountain scenery. Many people come here to climb or walk in the Cuillin Mountains and the Quiraing. Here the stark rise of the jagged Cuillin ridge drops to the gentle white of a soft sand beach,inlets, bays and islands create a complex lacework pattern with the sea. Tiny villages and historic keeps are familiar and fascinating. And time means nothing, because beneath every footstep lies 500 million years of history. Discover the compelling past, the dynamic future and through the essence of this remarkable land create unforgettable memories to live with you forever The Cuillin Hills, the Red Hills and Blaven have long been favourites with climbers and walkers. If you don't fancy the high places, the deeply indented coastline means you are never far from the sea.

"Loch Harport top left and the delightfull capital Portree top right"

"The trotternish penisula bottom right and the old man of storr bottom right"

 

 

 

Fantastic days out on the Isle of Skye

 

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"The spectacular Neist point (left) and the enchanting Eilean Donan castle (right)  

Photos © Gordon C. Harrison

 

Neist Point and its lighthouse

Well worth a visit and an easy 45 minute drive from Rowantree cottage is the spectacular Neist Point offering spectacular views over the Moonen bay to the outer hebrides islands, with the chance of seeing whales, dolphins and porpoises. The area round the point teems with sea-birds including black guillemots, gannets, razorbills and shags. Neist Point is also home to several species of rare and unusual plant, including alpine plants such as saxifrages. The sheltered bays of Neist Point are excellent places to fish, with at least a dozen species of fish being caught in Moonen Bay. The descent to the lighthouse is steep but safe with a concrete pathway and railings and is highly recommended for the anybody without any serious health issues, the rock formations around this point are similar to those of the giants Causeway in Northern Ireland and Staffa off the Isle of Mull.

Panaoramas of Neist point

Talisker Whisky Distillery

One of the most popular choices for a day out on the Isle of Skye is a trip to Talisker whisky distillery Tel 01478 614308, it is the only distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins. This alluring, sweet, full-bodied single malt is so easy to enjoy, and like Skye itself, so hard to leave. The distillery offers guided tours whisky nosing and has lovely gift shop and is a must for all whether you enjoy whisky or not.

"The Talisker Whisky distillery beside Loch Harport is well worth a visit"

Beautiful Talisker bay

If the weather is good after you have visited Talisker distillery and you are looking for a beautifull cove it is well worth visiting Talisker Bay, accessed via a lovely tree lined track, a small hamlet and open track finally reaching the bay (approx 3/4 mile walk) This wonderfully isolated sandy bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland and you may well decide to return or spend the rest of the day here on a warm sunny day

The jewel in Skyes crown "Talisker bay" and it's lovely tree lined walk"

The Isle of Raasay

A trip to the Isle of Raasay is also recommended for the walker and tourist alike Raasay (or Ratharsair in Gaelic) is an island between the Isle of Skye and the mainland of Scotland. It is separated from Skye by the Sound of Raasay and is accessed by ferry from Sconser. The ferry operated by Caledonian Mcbrayne is a short 15 minute crossing and runs regularly throughout the day, the island has a small fishing community of around 150 people and along with outstanding scenery its most prominent features are the extinct volcano Dun Cann 443 metres and Beinn na Leac 319 metres and a number of deserted villages

"The Isle of Raasay looking from Sconser (left) and some of it's it's lovely scenery (right)

Dunvegan Castle

Less than 15 minutes drive from Rowantree Cottage is Dunvegan Castle the seat of the Macleod of MacLeod, chief of the major arm of the Clan MacLeod. It is reputed to be the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Europe. Unlike many other Scottish castles (which have come into state ownership or that of the National Trust), Dunvegan remains in the private ownership of the MacLeod family. The castle houses a number of family and clan relics; chief among them is the famous Fairie Flag of Dunvegan and the Dunvegan Cup. Legend has it that this magical flag was given to the clan by the queen of the fairies in reward of a favour they had done her, and that waving it would enlist the fairies help in time of need. The flag is said to have been waved on two occasions, with a single use remaining. The flag is displayed in the castle's drawing room, mounted in a picture frame. It is in a state of considerable decay.

Culture, Wildlife and Nature

 

Wildlife abounds on the Island, with birds from the tiny Goldcrest to magnificent Golden Eagle, mammals from Pygmy Shrew to Red Deer and fish from Saithe to Salmon. If you are lucky you might catch sight of the elusive Otter playing on the shore. The wide range of geology and topography provides habitats for many wild flowers.

Sometimes referred to in Gaelic poetry and song as Eilean a' Cheò (The Misty Isle), Skye is renown for its natural beauty, history and wildlife.

As you travel around the Island it's not unusual to hear snatches of Scottish Gaelic, the indigenous language of the area. Gaelic culture and heritage pervade the atmosphere, each part of the Island having its own tales of times past and plans for the future.

Whether you're a potential first time visitor or one of the many people who are drawn back to Skye time and again we hope you will find our information and links useful.

"An original Isle of Skye croft cottage (left) and the spectacular Cuillin mountains (right)  

Photos © Gordon C. Harrison

 

 

Activities on your doorstep

 

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Due to its popularity with tourists, you will find many craft shops and cottage museums. As for sports, you can visit the  swimming pool in Portree, play golf at Sconser and Skeabost or go pony trekking. Water sports available on the island include diving, canoeing, windsurfing and yachting.   Skye is also the ideal place for fishing and bird watching. But if it's whisky you want, why not visit the Talisker Distillery or the world renowned Stein Inn, an easy and very enjoyable 10 minute walk from Rowantree Cottage.

 

An evening in or out

 

You could take advantage of Loch Bay's wonderful evening views and sunset from the conservatory, with your favourite drink and some gentle Highland music,  you also might take advantage of Loch Bay's well equipped kitchen....and enjoy home cooking.

Sunsets over Loch Bay and Stein, Waternish

 

 

Or maybe decide to simply chill out in the lounge after a hard day of relaxation and leisure... failing all of this and you're still ready for action why not have an evening out in The Stein Inn, the oldest Inn on the Isle of Skye. The 18th Century inn is an easy and very enjoyable 10 minute walk from Loch Bay Cottage.  

 

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Loch Bay Cottage is accessed via single track road and offers you extremely comfortable accommodation. The cottage is double glazed with total control central heating, its thick stone walls keeping the cold winters and oppresive summer heat waves away.

Living Space relax and settle into a good book in the living room comfortably furnished with 2 comfortable sofas, this lovely warm well lit room is now complemented with a Wood / Coal Burning Stove. In it you will also find TV, VCR & Hi Fi. For lovely sea views you can "lounge in the Conservatory" enjoying amazing Sea Views and benefiting from the sun from dawn till dusk and those famous Isle of Skye sunsets.

The kitchen / Dining area is brand new and fully equipped with all the necessary modern equipment including a Dining table and 6 chairs; cooker; oven; microwave; fridge freezer; toaster; kettle; dishwasher; washing machine; tumble dryer; iron and ironing board, radio/cassette player. Other essentials such as glasses, crockery, cutlery and a corkscrew are also provided for your convenience.

Downstairs master bedroom after an active day in the fresh air, stretch out on the master bedroom kingsize bed and watch the TV this bedroom has ample hanging and drawer space and sea views.

The Bathroom features a standard size relaxing bath with overhead shower, toilet and wash basin. Upstairs Bedrooms (accessed by steep stairs) the Twin bedroom and Double bedroom are double glazed and enjoy sea views from the sky light windows, both rooms have electric heating, hanging and drawer space.

 

The total package...no hidden extras

The cottage is surrounded by an enclosed garden of 1/3 acre. All electricity, heating, lighting, Towels and bedding are included in the hire charge of this cottage - 'no hidden extras'.

 

Location of this cottage

 

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"Looking across the sound of Sleat (right) and the enchanting "Isle Ornsay" (left)

 

 

 

Travel Options "It sounds wonderful, but it's a long way to drive from the south of England, how can I avoid the long journey?" Click here to find out how!

 

 

Local  area Information

 

 

The nearest inn is the Stein Inn www.steininn.co.uk (open all year round) and restaurant www.lochbay-seafood-restaurant.co.uk/restaurant.htm both approx 1/2 mile (10 minutes walk from the cottage).  Local attractions / activities include the SkyeSkyns exhibition tannery and shop. Dunhallin Crafts, the Hallistra Pottery and Shilasdair Yarns knitwear also Dandelion Designs craftshop and gallery. For the more adventurous, there is also a Dive Centre and the excellent boat trips are a must for anyone in love with the coastal scenery and marine.

The nearest Petrol station, shop, tourist information, museum and castle are in Dunvegan (7 miles). The nearest large town is Portree (21 miles), which has shops, supermarkets, restaurants, swimming pool, Leisure Centre, cinema, doctor / vet. The nearest golf course is Sconser (32 miles). The Cuillin hills (30 miles) Fishing permits available locally. Seaside, beachside and hillside walks...on your door step or just round the corner, there is also a slipway and harbour for small boats at Stein 1/2 mile.

"Fantastic views" of the Minch and Outer Hebrides Islands from this cottage.

Further information on the Isle of Skye available on www.skye.co.uk and The Road to the Isles.

 

Satisfied Customers

 

"We certainly found paradise in this "1000 acres" of Skye. This is a supremely beautiful and unspoiled part of the world, local people are friendly and the landscapes are truly superb... we are 12 months thru a 12 month world tour, and have voted Rowan Tree cottage our most outstanding experience to date thank you..." Karen and Nicky, Auckland, New Zealand.

 

 

   

 

Click here to read some more customer stories

 

The cottage and the view

 

 

Scottish Weather?

Click Here... you might well be surprised!

One of the advantages of the cottages Far North location and the absence of street lamps presents regular sightings of the Northern lights "Aurora Borealis". With good timing you have a good chance of experiencing one of the world's most magnificent natural phenomena: the Northern ights. The Northern night sky dancing with red, yellow, green, blue and violet streamers, arcs and rays. The best time to see the Northern lights is in the months of October, November, December and January between 10 pm and 3 am. If you don't see the Northern Lights, then at least you'll see the stars - many, many more than you'll see from anywhere less remote. The longer you look up, the more stars will appear!

 

 

Please click here for Availability & Secure online booking through our agents self-catering-scotland.com

Availability & Further Information Advice / Help Lines open 09:00 to 22:30 GMT 7 days a week PLEASE CALL US 01729 851181  Mobile Owner Direct 07799 050304 Due to ever increasing Spam levels we cannot guarantee to respond to emails. Please call us on either phone number above to be certain. If you do wish to email us please state in your email exactly which cottage and dates your require further information.

 

 

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