The Isle of Skye is a surprisingly large island. Shaped like a giant bird soaring from the north west coast of Scotland, it is protected from the wide open seas of the Atlantic Ocean by the Outer Hebrides and The Minch. Skye has many miles of deeply indented, rocky coastline. The Sounds of Sleat and Raasay and several deep sea lochs, such as Loch Dunvegan, surround sheer cliffs, jagged mountains, and volcanic rock stacs. Heather-clad hills and grassy moors, steep glens, hidden lochans, tumbling waterfalls, rivers and sparkling mountain burns – all of these things make up the beauty of Skye. Woodland walks, wayside wild flowers, birds of all kinds, wildlife on land and sea – these beautiful sights and sounds complete the magic that captures many hearts and soothes the souls of visitors from all over Scotland and far around the World.

At the end of a wonderful day, the wild place that will remain forever the Isle of Skye, can be eased with a little warm comfort and sophistication that The Three Chimneys provides in its fine restaurant and lovely rooms.

The weather on Skye is usually pleasant and mild, even in winter. The worst weather usually brings gales and heavy rain, but these storms create some of the most dramatic, visual scenes as waves crash upon the rocks and clouds scud across the sky. Sometimes visitors claim to have experienced every kind of weather in just one day! The changing weather patterns produce wonderful cloud formations and fantastic rainbows, plus a rare, clarity of light beloved by the many artists who live and work here. There can be many warm, sunny days in spring, summer, or autumn and if the weather is very frosty in winter, this means bright blue skies and clear days when it is possible to see for miles. When the ground is firm underfoot, this is great for walking. It rarely snows, although snow can be seen on the mountain peaks well into May and June. Clear weather can also bring brightly starlit skies by night. In winter the moon rises over the loch directly opposite The Three Chimneys and the northern lights have been seen in the sky over Loch Dunvegan on many occasions.

The sun sets behind the hill at Colbost, casting an amazing after-glow of many colours over the sea and the hills on the other side of the loch, silhouetting the Outer Isles on the horizon. In midsummer it hardly gets dark at all and there is a soft light in the sky long after midnight. In the morning the sun rises over the water opposite The Three Chimneys pouring a rosy glow upon the new day. The view from the windows is ever-changing and rarely fails to delight our guests, whatever the time of year, or the time of day.

Skye is a geologist’s paradise, a treasure box of rocks and minerals from many ages and some of the best examples in the British Isles of specific geological events. There are examples or some of the oldest rocks on the planet dating back many, many millions of years. The dramatic landscape that we explore and enjoy now, was shaped and formed by a myriad number of significant geological "shake-ups", the results of which can be clearly distinguished within this one tiny, but remarkable, part of the world. The geological landscape has influenced the distribution of plants and animals throughout the island too. Events over millions of years have been fundamental in creating the varied natural history of today’s unforgettable, living landscape.

Visitors should make more time for Skye. Each area of the Isle of Skye is distinctly different from the others. There is so much to explore, many things to see and places to visit. Just one day set aside for a quick hop across, means disappointment for many who imagine they can explore the whole island in just a few hours.

Visitors could extend their stay in this area, using The Three Chimneys and The House Over-By as a wonderful base from which to discover it, by travelling a little further around. It is easy to take a day-trip to Glenelg, Plockton, Lochcarron or Applecross on the mainland, or perhaps to the Island of Raasay, a short ferry crossing from Sconser, or to the Outer Isles of Uist and Harris from Uig. North, south, east or west, travellers are never more than 7 miles, at the most, from the sea and the views are magnificent wherever you go. The Isle of Skye is heaven for serious photographers!

From top to toe, Skye is about 75 miles long. The island has an impressive road network that never fails to reveal yet another stunning view around each bend. Single-track roads with passing places tempt visitors off the beaten track to the tip of every peninsula that stretches out to sea. With the majestic Cuillin ridge frequently in full view from different aspects, the mountains attract walkers of all ages to explore their pathways and steeper climbs. There are clifftop rambles and beaches to comb, rock pools to dabble in, woodlands and gardens to roam. Boat tripping, pony trekking, fishing, golfing, birding, sailing, diving, cycling, walking, climbing, rambling, shopping and browsing through many artists’ galleries, potteries and studios - there can be never a dull moment! And plenty of time to simply stand and stare...

For full, more comprehensive information and contact details for all kinds of activities, go to www.skye.co.uk. If there is anything mentioned above or below that you would particularly like to arrange ahead of your visit, perhaps we can assist you? Please mention this to our staff when you make a reservation.