Dunorin House Hotel

MacLeod’s Tables

are a beautiful sight at any time of day.  Dunorin House Hotel, just a few miles from Dunvegan Castle, features views of MacLeod’s Tables, the Cuillins, and Loch Roag.  Having such fantastic views is a good reason to consider staying at Dunorin House!  Note that the above photo was not taken from Dunorin House Hotel, but is a lovely shot of the Tables, and was kindly provided by Adrian Fagg.

As you cross the Skye bridge, follow the A87 to Sligachan (which is Gaelic for ’shelly place’, named after the shells which were found on the original site).  Take the A863 to Dunvegan, passing it 3 miles.  There you’ll turn left at the Roag/Orbost junction.  A few hundred metres down the road and you’ll be at the Dunorin House Hotel.

Dunvegan is one of the few (and largest) villages on Skye which isn’t located on the island’s east coast.  It is also home to Dunvegan Castle, which dates back to the 1200’s, and was likely the location of a fort in centuries prior.  In Dunvegan you will find several quaint shops, the famous Giant Angus MacAskill Musuem, and several placed to dine or have a beverage.

MacLeod’s Tables are composed of the two flat-topped mountains Healabhal Beag (1601 ft) and Healabhal Mor (1538 ft).  If you enjoy a nice wee stroll, the summit of Helabhal Beag (the southern table) can be reached in about 2-3 hours.  Note the sarcasm…  although this is not like climbing Ben Nevis, it is a bit more than a wee stroll!  Whether you go for the summit, or enjoy the view from nearby, MacLeod’s Tables are full of history – and mystery… if you’ve heard the story of St. Columba.

The hotel dining room has views of the Cuillins across Loch Roag on a nice day. The restaurant menu does vary and includes of traditional Scottish fayre, using the finest local produce and it is complemented by a select wine list. I’d recommend trying the Baked Mallaig herrings with basil butter as a starter, or perhaps Loch Dunvegan Langoustines, before moving on to the main course. Hearty main courses are numerous, and all mouth-watering. Consider the Scottish Sirloin Steak served with a whisky & cream sauce or Skye Salmon en-croute with fresh leek cream.  Top it all off with a traditional home-made clootie dumpling for dessert.

Whatever the season, enjoy an after dinner beverage in the lounge.  Cooler months, cozy up in front of the open log fire and in summer, enjoy the views over Loch Roag.  There are, of course, a number of traditional malt whiskies, including none other than Talisker, a native of Skye.  The Talisker distillery is just down the road at Carbost and available for tours.

Room fares range from £45.00 to £70.00 per night. If you plan on spending a few days in the area, why not try the Special Offer of just £210.00 per person? This includes 3 nights stay, dinner and breakfast!

Address: Dunorin House Hotel, Herebost, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, IV55 8GZ

Telephone: 01470521488

Website:  Dunorin House Hotel Website

Isle of Skye – An Introduction

Skye, or the Isle of Skye, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of the Highlands of Scotland.  There are a good many reasons for this popularity, including the history, scenery, activities, food, drink, and accommodation.  However, the one common thread amongst virtual all who visit this lovely place is the myth.

The known history of Skye stretches back many centuries, and includes colourful stories ranging from the days of clans, battles for freedom, escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie.  While much of the history is undoubtedly quite accurate, as with any mythical place such as Skye, there has surely been some imagination woven into the tall tales.

Whatever your reason for wanting a visit to Scotland Isle of Skye, be sure to diary several days for exploring the natural scenic beauty, budget several extra pounds to sample the fine local whisky, and of course, bring your camera!

If you are coming to Skye for more than a few hours, Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter, plan on a wee bit of rain.  It WILL rain.  This is generally not the driving rain that instantly soaks you to the bone, but rather a light misty rain that will come and go.  Don’t worry, a little rain won’t stop the ferries, nor should it deter you from seeing this wonderful island.

In the summer, the temperatures will average 15-16 degrees Celsius, with evening temps of 9-10 degrees.  The winters are quite mild, ranging from 6-7 degrees during the day, and 2-3 degrees at night.  Winter is a great time to visit, with lower accommodation prices, less people crowding the streets, and generally, more the feeling of having the island to yourself.  Go skiing at Aonach Mor, then take a few days to unwind on Skye!