Sleat Peninsula

Stonechat Bothy is in Drumfearn, a quiet crofting township on the Sleat peninsula. We are happy to recommend our favourite walks, scenic drives, local activities and places to eat. Stonechat Bothy guests will find a welcome folder with information, and there is a book all guests to leave their recommendations for future Bothy guests. We recommend avoiding the most popular tourist spots on the island during the peak months. It won’t be difficult find a quiet spot to fully enjoy the beauty and peace Skye can offer.

Landscape

Sleat is often referred to as the Garden of Skye due to its relative fertility and good tree cover. There are many miles of coastline to explore with views across the Sound of Sleat to Knoydart, Morar and Lochaber. The drive to the Aird of Sleat at the tip of the peninsula offers stunning views across to Eigg, and the loop road which encompasses Tokavaig is worth driving for impressive views of the Small Isles and the imposing Black Cuillin. Walking, wildlife and photography opportunities abound here. We recommend using the website Walk Highlands to find all the information you need to choose the right walk for you.

Shopping

For general food shopping we have excellent Co-op supermarkets with long opening hours in Broadford, Kyle of Lochalsh, Mallaig and Portree which means you will pass a store whichever way you approach or leave Stonechat Bothy.
There are so many wonderful independent shops throughout Skye and Lochalsh. We enjoy a potter around the shops at Armadale including Ragamuffin and Bay Pottery. Perfect for finding gifts for loved ones and supporting our local retailers. you can also find artist studios located throughout Sleat. The Pottery at Sasaig, Lenz Ceramics is one of our favourites. Armadale stores, near the Calmac Ferry, has a very good selection of fresh veg, fruit and bread with minimal packaging and also a refill section.
Don’t miss the delightful Búth na h-Abhainn in Broadford for a wide range of gifts, books and cards including cards featuring beautiful artwork and packed full of seeds from local business Scribe and Grow, and Skye Natural Skincare products too (pictured here).
The Selkie Collective in Broadford run regular, varied and beautiful events for women, and also have a zero waste shop in Broadford. Be sure to pop in when you pass to stock up on snacks and ingredients. They also have lots of ideas for gifts, and sustainable, often locally-made toiletries.

Home in the Highlands in Balmacara Square is a hidden gem worth popping into too. Keep an eye out for local craft fairs and markets. There are usually signs on the road for anything exciting happening in the area.

History, Castles and Ancestry

The Clan Donald Centre in Sleat is home to the the ruined Armadale Castle, and here visitors can explore the Museum of the Isles (closed in 2022) and enjoy 40 acres of gardens and walks. Dunscaith Castle, a 14th century ruin at Tokavaig, is also close by in South Skye and only a short walk from the road. Knock Castle is another ruin you can take a short walk to by the new distillery at Torabhaig. Skye and Lochalsh has a wealth of historical sites to explore including the famous Eilean Donan Castle (pictured) and Dunvegan Castle.

Amenities

There are Post Offices at An Crubh, Armadale Stores and Broadford (Buth na h-Abhainn). Fuel is available at Armadale, from the community run petrol station. Fuel is also available 24 hours at the Co-op in Broadford just a 15 minute drive away. ATMs can be found at Co-op in Broadford, Kyle of Lochalsh and Portree.