Talisker Distillery

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. Our distillery stocks a wide range of single and rare malt whiskies. Here you can find our Talisker Expressions - 10 year old, Distillers Edition, 18 year old, 57 North, 25 year old and 30 year old. They also have available a range of classic malts and flora and fauna malts. Talisker Distillery is built at Carbost (the name comes in part from the Norse, Bost meaning 'Farm') on Loch Harport, despite the loud protestaions of the Reverend Roderick MacLeod.

On selected weekdays the Talisker Tasting Tour starts at 1.45pm and includes a more in-depth tour of the distillery as well as a 5 sample nosing and tasting session of whiskies selected from their award winning Talisker range. The £15 admission charge for this tour includes a limited edition Talisker Nosing Glass for you to take away and enjoy your favourite Talisker in at home as well as discount voucher, redeemable in their well-stocked distillery shop towards the purchase of a 70cl bottle of malt whisky.

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Seaprobe Atlantis - glass bottom boat

Seaprobe Atlantis offers an experience no other boat can match. Enjoy all the scenery and wildlife above and below the waves as you cruise in complete safety with the best wildlife guides in Lochalsh. The huge underwater viewing gallery is easily accessed, with full head-height and seating for 26 people, offering truly astonishing panoramic underwater vision. Explore through kelp forests equal in beauty and sheer diversity to any coral reef.

Lochalsh is a great place in Britain to see otters, in 2010 they had 373 sightings. The glass bottom boat trips all include a visit to the ever-present seal colony at Seal Island. Come in early summer and see the newborn pups, as well as all the young fledgeling sea-birds at the protected bird colonies they visit. Less frequent, but no less welcome, are the whales, dolphins, and even sharks, which occasionally pass through the waters of Loch Alsh - waters so rich in wildlife that they have now been designated a Marine Special Area of Conservation.

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Old Man of Storr

The Storr is prime example of the Trotternish landslip, the longest such feature in Great Britain. The area in front of the cliffs of the Storr is known as the Sanctuary. This has a number of weirdly shaped rock pinnacles, the remnants of ancient landslips. One of the most famous of these is known as the Old Man of Storr.

The summit of the Storr is the highest point on the Trotternish Ridge at 719m. The walk from the car park up the well maintained path to the Old Man of Storr is one of the most popular on Skye - and understandably so. There are good views across Raasay and Rona to the Scottish Mainland on the way, and the rock formations around the Sanctuary, including the 50m high Old Man, are exceptional and not to be missed. But it is well worth the small extra effort to climb to the summit of the hill, leaving the wearers of fashionable training shoes and high heels behind you as you carry on upwards.

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Fairy Glen - Skye

The Fairy Glen is a remarkable place, tucked away on the Isle of Skye. It is not an easy place to stumble across accidentally, but is well worth the effort of finding. Visitors will need to turn right, off the main road from Portree, just before entering Uig. The strangely shaped hillocks are impossible to miss, as the road winds its way through the centre of the Fairy Glen. There is a stone circle, and a beautiful stream.

The Fairy Glen was formed by the land being disrupted by a series of landslides (on a smaller scale than the huge landslips that formed the Storr and the Quiraing), with the results then smoothed by subsequent glaciation. The area covered is quite small and the road is always close by, so the exact route followed around the glen doesn't really matter.

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Quiraing

The Quiraing is a landslip on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish Ridge on the Isle of Skye. The whole of the Trotternish Ridge escarpment was formed by a great series of landslips; the Quiraing is the only part of the slip still moving, the road at its base near Flodigarry requires repairs each year.

Parts of the distinctive landscape have earned particular names. The Needle is a jagged 120-foot (37 m) high landmark pinnacle, a remnant of landslipping. Northwest of it is The Table, a flat grassy area slipped down from the summit plateau, with vistas of the Torridon Hills and the mountains of Wester Ross. Southwest is the Prison, a pyramidal rocky peak which can look like a medieval keep when viewed from the right angle - the ascent of this is an airy scramble.

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Cuillin Hills

The Black Cuillin are mainly composed of basalt and gabbro, the latter being a very rough rock which makes for superb grip for mountaineers. It is from the dark colour of the gabbro that the Black Cuillin receive their name. The summits of the Cuillin are bare rock, jagged in outline and with steep cliffs and deep cut corries and gullies. All twelve Munros on Skye are Black Cuillin peaks, though one of them, Blaven, is part of a group of outliers separated from the main ridge by Glen Sligachan.

The scrambler can access most of the individual peaks by their easiest routes. Only the Inaccessible Pinnacle is a graded rock climb (moderate) by its simplest line but several of the other summits require scrambling skills.

In addition to climbing individual peaks, there is the challenge of a full traverse of the ridge. Although only seven miles in length, the average traverse is likely to take 15–20 hours from sea level at Glenbrittle to the bar of the Sligachan Hotel owing to the difficulty of the terrain and route finding problems. The first recorded traverse in under 24 hours was in 1911 by L Shadbolt and A McLaren. The record for the full traverse, set by Es Tresidder in May 2007, stands at 3 hours 17 minutes (though this time is from Gars-bheinn to Sgurr nan Gillean and does not include the initial ascent from Glenbrittle or the final descent to Sligachan).

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Clan Donald Skye Visitor Centre

Clan Donald Skye is a 20,000-acre highland estate on the Sleat peninsula in south Skye. Once part of the traditional lands of Clan Donald, the Estate was purchased by the Clan Donald Lands Trust in 1971. The Trust was established to promote an understanding of the history and traditions of Clan Donald and the Lordship of the Isles. As custodians of this wonderful estate, the Trust has worked tirelessly to save and develop this important resource for the benefit of visitors to Skye and, importantly, for the local community.

The Estate offers some stunning walks for all levels of fitness, with views eastwards across the Sound of Sleat to Knoydart, or on the west of the peninsula across to the Cuillin mountain range. It is home to iconic wildlife species including red deer, golden eagles and sea eagles.

The Estate’s principal focal points are the restored historic gardens, and the beautiful walking trails threading through the 40 acres of woodland around Armadale Castle. Part of the Castle has been restored and the striking ruined remains sensitively re-designed, to create an attractive landscape within the gardens.

The fully accredited Museum of the Isles, opened within the gardens in 2002, incorporates the Library and Study Centre. The Trust has also built holiday accommodation and established a lively and vibrant Visitor Centre that appeals to all age groups. Disabled facilities are available at the Centre.

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Dunvegan Castle

Among all the historic houses of Scotland there is none that for sheer manifold fascination overtops Dunvegan Castle. It is at once the greatest and most renowned among Hebridean strongholds, and the only one which has been continuously owned and, with the exception of the eighty years after the Potato Famine of the last century, occupied by the same family, during a period now reaching back over a span of very nearly 8 centuries. Architecturally it is a structure of high importance, containing work of at least ten building periods. Its history, and that of the famous Clan whose Chiefs have ruled from their castled Rock during all these many generations, is rich with drama and packed with colourful interest.

Within Dunvegan's stately halls are priceless heirlooms, some of which have descended in the hands of the Chiefs of MacLeod since medieval times. The picturesque quality of the building itself is matched by its glorious surroundings. "Ane starke strengthe biggit upon ane craig", so it is described by a writer of 1549; and so it still remains. Rising sheer from the almost perpendicular edges of the rock, its massive grey towers and hoary battlements stand forth against an unrivalled background of sky and mountain and islet-spangled sea. On the landward side the castle - no longer girt by the bare wine-dark moorland, as when Dr Johnson visited it in 1773 - is now sheltered by extensive and thriving plantations, through which re-echoes the ceaseless murmur or "Rory Mor's Nurse" - that 'torrent's roaring might" celebrated by Sir Walter Scott in the Lord of the Isles. Around those waterfalls are being reclaimed today the gardens of the castle, whose beauty and range of plant life have already attracted the interest of serious gardeners from all over the world.

But if you wish to seek out the authentic spirit of the Isles you will find her enthroned at Dunvegan, where the castle and its contents embody the essence of all that Gaeldom has meant in the Highlands of Scotland.

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Aros Centre - Skye

'Aros' is Skye's award winning attraction! If you are interested in music, film and exhibitions or simply looking for good food and a shopping experience you will be well rewarded when you visit there! They are located on the outskirts of Portree where they provide ample parking facilities, kids entertainment and where the RSPB host their acclaimed Sea-eagle exhibition.

Aros offers a comprehensive arts programme including mainstream cinema, concerts, theatre, dance and other events. Within the Centre there is a large retail area offering a range of products aimed at locals and visitors to Skye. You can browse the general gifts area, amble through the book section, pick up a garment from the clothing department or even choose a gift from the kitchen shop.

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Treasures of the Earth

Treasures of the Earth is Europe’s finest private collection of Crystals, Gemstones and Fossils. You will be amazed by this incredible display, which took nature more than 500 Million years to create.

Housed in an atmospheric simulation of caves, caverns and mining scenes, you will find crystals over a meter tall and geodes over 7 feet tall; fossilised remains from tiny insects trapped in amber to vicious prehistoric monsters like the fossil Mosasaur.

See real Gold and Silver, ancient Petrified Wood, Rubies, Diamonds and Emeralds. Learn about the largest gold nugget ever discovered and the history of the Scottish Gold Rush, and watch crystals magically change colour and glow in the UV Cave.

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Nevis range Gondola

The Nevis Range mountain gondola system, the only of its kind in Britain, was originally constructed on the mountain of Aonach Mor as a way to transport skiers to the slopes.

The gondola is also widely used as a short cut by climbers to the many challenging winter routes and by paragliders and hangliders on their journey to the clouds.

However the gondola is a highly acclaimed visitor attraction in its own right, allowing sightseers to enjoy the scenic ride, whilst absorbing the stunning views and clear mountain air, feeling fully refreshed on their journey back to firm ground!

The gondolas transport visitors effortlessly from 300ft up to 2150ft on the north face of Aonach Mor, the eighth highest mountain in Britain. The journey takes approximately 12 - 15 minutes each way, and each gondola can accommodate up to six people inside.

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Neptunes Staircase

Neptune's Staircase is a staircase lock comprising eight locks on the Caledonian Canal. The structure was designed by Thomas Telford. The locks were built in the early 1800s as part of the Caledonian Canal, which opened in 1847. It is the longest staircase lock in the United Kingdom, and lifts boats 64 feet (19.5 metres). The locks were originally hand-powered, but have been converted to hydraulic operation. The base plinths of the original capstans are still present, although the capstans themselves are now gone. The current lock gates weigh 22 tons each, and require a team of three lock-keepers (at minimum) to run the staircase. It is usual for them to operate on an 'Efficiency Basis', that is the keepers try to either fill each cut with boats on the lift or drop, or to allow for passing, ie a dropping craft to pass a rising craft on the same fill/empty cycle. It takes approx 1 hour 30 minutes for a boat to pass from one end of the staircase to the other, through the eight locks. It is one of the biggest staircases in Britain, and is kept by British Waterways. It is located at Banavie, near Fort William just north of Loch Linnhe. Neptune's Staircase is also a great situation for viewing Ben Nevis and it's surrounding mountains.

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Jacobite Steam Train

Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!

The Jacobite Steam Train stops en route to Mallaig at the village of Glenfinnan (see below). Beyond Glenfinnan are the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig. You may alight at Arisaig by request to the guard. From here, on a clear summer's day, you can see the 'Small Isles' of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. The train continues on from here passing Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films 'Highlander' and 'Local Hero'.

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Glen Nevis Visitor Centre

The Glen Nevis Visitor Centre is situated 1.5 miles along the Glen Nevis road from the Nevis bridge mini-roundabout. Here you will find information on walking and the local area. There are toilets and a shop where you can buy essentials, such as maps and snacks or a gift to remind you of your visit. The grounds around the centre have parking for approximately 80 cars and there are lots of places to picnic beside the riverside. The Visitor Centre bridge allows you to cross to the other side and you can either follow an enjoyable walk along the riverside or continue onto the Ben Nevis track.

Whether you are here to scale its summit, admire its views or learn about geology and history the visitor centre has the information to provide you with an enjoyable and informative look at the mountain and its track.

The Visitor Centre is open all year. Opening times are 9am to 5pm

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Crannog Cruises

Board Souter’s Lass for a wonderful cruise down Loch Linnhe and enjoy the breath-taking scenery of Lochaber. With their unique and informative skipper’s commentary, you’ll experience some of Scotland’s best wildlife including the family of porpoise who live in Loch Linnhe, salmon, common and grey seals and maybe even a golden eagle.

You will also cruise past Britain’s tallest mountain and appreciate one of the most unique views of the southern slopes of Ben Nevis.

During the summer they also provide evening cruises, so you can enjoy the same sites of while the sun sets - keep an eye on our website for dates of up-coming evening cruises or contact us for details. Crannog Cruises provides excellent packages for coach companies and tour operators, all year round.

Souter’s Lass benefits from a comfortable and spacious all-weather viewing lounge with a bar serving a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks, plus handy restrooms, which means that everything you need for a great trip is onboard.

Seal Island Cruise Times (Mid-March to October) - 10.00am, 12.00noon, 2.00pm, 4.00pm

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Ben Nevis Distillery

Ben Nevis Distillery established in 1825, is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. The distillery is nestled at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, which has a summit elevation of 4406 feet above sea level. This imposing mountain provides an impressive background to a traditional Scottish craft.

When you are visiting Fort William, you can have a guided tour around the 178 year old whisky distillery, meet a giant of a man, Hector McDram, visit the whisky shop and restaurant then 'take a dram' and savour the Uisge beatha - the water of life.

Incorporated within Ben Nevis Distillery is The Legend of the Dew of Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, built into an old warehouse dating from 1862 and former bottling hall, which still retains some of its original features.

Scotch whisky comes in several forms. The main ones are single malts, as well as vatted malts, which are blends of different single malts in one bottle, blended whiskies, being a mix of single malts and grain whiskies, and whiskies that are distilled from grain only. All in all, there are literally hundreds of Scotch whiskies. To find the one you like best could take years and years.

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Glencoe & North Lorn Folk Museum

Within traditional, heather-thatched cottages, you will be amazed and entertained by the variety of objects that portray the history of this remarkable area. Topics to discover include history, agriculture, costume, medicine and toys. You can find out all about the infamous Massacre of Glencoe which happened in 1692 when the Government troops, after being given hospitality from the local clan, brutally murdered them in a pre-meditated act which shocked and outraged all of Scotland when the true story came out.

See something of interest for any age in an early 18th Century restored thatched cottage, displaying a selection of artifacts including antique china, toys, domestic and medical utensils, costumes, Jacobite memorabilia and weapons, some found hidden locally after Culloden. Outhouses contain agricultural and dairy implements relating to a bygone age. The museum can be found on the main street in the picturesque village of Glencoe. Friendly helpers are always nearby to answer any questions you may have.

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Ice Factor - Kinlochleven

As well as being the biggest indoor ice climbing facility in the world, The Ice Factor features the UK's largest articulated rock climbing wall and a competition-standard bouldering hall, making it the perfect place to practise, train and learn every conceivable mountaineering skill.

There are even things to do for people who have never set foot on a mountain! They are designated as the Mountaineering Council for Scotland's Regional Centre of Excellence and the National Centre for Ice Climbing. In addition to some of the best indoor climbing facilities in the country its other main features are specialist outdoor equipment shop, cafeteria and restaurant, Cosy Climbers Bar, drying room, conferencing facilities, medical and climbing courses, sauna and steam room, mobile ice wall and consultancy services on artificial ice structures and climbing walls.

You will find The Ice Factor in the village of Kinlochleven, nestling between the world-famous Ben Nevis and Glencoe mountain ranges, just 10 minutes drive from Glencoe and half an hour from Fort William.

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NTS Glencoe

With exciting interactive displays and activities for both adults and children, the ‘Living on The Edge’ exhibition explores the landscape, wildlife and history of this special place. Find out what it feels like to climb on ice, discover how the glen was formed, and try your hand at problem solving the conservation issues faced by The Trust. Three different video presentations and additional historical information in 6 languages, plus a free activity book for children are all part of a fun visit!

A multi award winning Visitor Centre and Building, encompassing a shop - with lots of interesting local products, a café - with fabulous home baking, an information point - including weather forecasts for climbers & walkers and advice on routes, a viewing platform, and an education room which often features additional exhibitions.

The building is laid out in the form of a 'clachan' or Highland village. The architects wanted to bring the virtually untouched, naturally regenerating landscape right up close to the visitor as they move among the various parts of the Centre via external boardwalks. The architects have developed a system whereby all the elements of the building are biodegradable and removable either for maintenance or replacement and the nail-free construction can be disassembled and re-used without damage.

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Glencoe - Ballachulish Slate Quarry

Slate from the East Laroch quarries, established just two years after the infamous Glencoe Massacre of 1692, was used to provide the roofing slate for much of Edinburgh and Glasgow's skyline in the succeeding centuries. It is of good quality but one weakness is the presence of Iron Pyrite in the rock. These crystals quickly rust away when exposed to the weather, leaving clean square holes and a brown rusty streak. Over 75% of the slate cut from the quarries was unusable as roof covering for this and other reasons. The quarries closed in 1955. Optimistically, tests have recently (2008/9) been carried out to see if it is feasible to extract slate from them again.

On entering the village you will notice a large slate slab engraved with ‘Ballachulish’. This has been erected in honour of the dedicated village GP Dr Lachlan Grant who served the local community in the 1900’s. In 1903 the Ballachulish slate quarry, who employed the Doctor, decided to dispense with his services. The slate workers who had their weekly wages docked to pay for the services of the Doctor were unhappy with this decision and decided that they would employ Dr Grant themselves and refused to pay the company’s levy. The company's response was to threaten dismissal and to seek a Court of Session interdict banning Dr Grant from practising in the area. However the workers continued their support of the young Doctor. The result was a 12 month lock-out which caused hardship in the area and some men had to seek work elsewhere. However help came from Keir Hardie who travelled north to address a mass meeting before returning to Westminster to raise support in Parliament. The company finally conceded defeat and the men returned to work with all their conditions met and Dr Grant was reinstated.

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