PADDLER 48
The geography of Skye is ideal for kayaking and allows paddlers to choose whether to hide from the West Highland weather or to seek out the thrill of waves and tide races . While the classic highland summers are often wet , the weather in April , May and June is warmer and more settled and often includes long dry spells ; It may be the best time to visit Skye . That said , one cannot deny that each month brings its own appeal : the daffodils and warm sun of April , the heather bloom of August and the clear brisk of an October day .
Though tourists throng to the island ’ s famous attractions , many hidden gems go undiscovered by most visitors . The natural scenery of Skye - Jurassic sandstone cliffs , sandy beaches , zebra gneiss pebbles and remote coves - are complemented by the historic castles , brochs and remains of highland villages scattered along the coast .
Most visitors arrive on the island via the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh and head directly north , where many of the most well-known attractions can be found close . The Fairy Pools , a crystal clear stream that runs out of Coire na
Creiche in The Cuillin , and the Old Man of Storr , an impressive rock pinnacle which is the result of the biggest landslide in Europe and which , even today , slips several centimetres every year , have been widely publicised on Instagram and are now visited by upwards of 200,000 people a year .
Visitors then visit the Quirang , the Coral Beach of Dunvegan , Talisker Bay and Neist Point Lighthouse . Some attractions , such as the Kilt Rock Waterfall , can be best visited by kayak . Perhaps though , the south of Skye is the diamond amongst the island ’ s little-known gems . The Sleat peninsula , which looks out onto the mountainous mainland , is only known to the most savvy and adventurous visitors ; it is a quieter place but offers no fewer opportunities and attractions – especially for sea kayakers .
Its proximity to the mainland gives it easy access by ferry and bridge and ample accommodation options , rich fauna , ancient forests , beautiful views to Knoydart on the Mainland , and white sandy beaches . The Sound of Sleat is often calmer than the rest of the island ’ s coastline and offers
Elgol Maidans
Loch Bracadale