Explore the Croft and secluded bay
You are welcome to explore the croft which is 15 acres of both wild and sheep grazed pasture by the sea. We have cut some paths through the grass and heather to follow and some convenient benches to stop and take a moment to enjoy the scenery across Loch Dunvegan to the Western Isles. Our Hebridean sheep are curious and friendly and will be keen to hello. There is access to the shore through a wee gate and down Robbie’s steps towards a secluded bay flanked by the cliffs of Gob na Hoe.
Next to An Airigh we created a wetland area which has a gentle circular walk with open views and a wooden bridge and is attracting increasing wildlife.
Improve your manners at The Manners Stone and Galtrigill Bay / Cadha Mhara
A gentle ½ mile stroll to the end of the township road takes you to a field with the Manners Stone. It is reputed that if you sit on the Manners Stone, you will come away with improved manners – locals say this should be done with a bare bottom!
Before the Clearances several hundred people lived in Old Galtrigill and you will find many ruined croft buildings and signs of cultivation in the area. If you are agile there is a small gate at the end of the field with steep natural stone steps. Below is a large and secluded bay (Cadha Mhara) with a piper’s cave and an old building once used for salting fish. The bay is a lovely quiet place to watch the curious seals and to just relax in the peace.
Head for heights at Dunvegan Head / Biod an Athair (the peak in the sky)
The highest sea cliffs on Skye at 313m. It’s a moderate walk starting from An Airigh which follows sheep tracks through the moorland towards the clifftop of the headland. You will find yourselves alone sharing the massive headland with scattered sheep and wildlife. The walk is rewarded with breath-taking cliff top views out towards the Western Isles – keep a look out for eagles and passing whales. Along the way you will also discover remains of iron age settlements, lazy beds which were used for cultivation and remains of beehive shielings (or an airigh’s) used by shepherds in the summer.
Taking another direction along the headland leads you to the sleeping giant Am Famhair, the sea arch you can see from An Airigh and the croft.
Magical white sands at the Coral Beach, Loch Dunvegan
An Airigh enjoys an uninterrupted view over Loch Dunvegan and on the other side your eye is drawn to a sliver of shining white sand known as the Coral Beach. It is one of our favourite places on the Isle of Skye and you feel it’s where the Scottish Hebrides meets the Caribbean.
It’s a gentle walk along the shoreline of just over a mile (2km) on track and grassy pastures. There are stunning views and plenty of wildlife to look out for including seals, dolphins and eagles above. Adding to the drama, the coral beach only becomes visible when you reach the top of a small rise in the track and a tropical scene welcomes you below.
It’s a truly magical place whatever the weather and somewhere we go to recharge our batteries and refresh our souls.
The white sand is quite unique and is mainly tiny pieces of calcified maerl, a rare type of coral-like seaweed. It’s beautiful to walk bare foot on and fascinating to look at in detail.
The small shallow lagoon in front of the coral beach has water of crystal clear aqua marine and is perfect for a wild swim or a refreshing dip. The inquisitive seals will not be too far away from you. During low tide you can walk over a causeway of broken shells to explore the tiny island of Lampay.
When you return to An Airigh we are sure that the view over the loch to the sliver of white will give you an uplifting smile and a lasting fond memory of your holiday on Skye.
Enter the heart of the Cuiilin at Corrie Lagan
The Cuillin mountain range is spectacular and dominates the Isle of Skye. Many of the peaks are for seasoned hill walkers or to be undertaken with a guide and are extremely rewarding. To get a sense of the Cuillin we would suggest this less strenuous walk to Coire Lagan – one of the most impressive corries in the Cuillin. A tiny loch ringed by gigantic rock peaks and views out to the Hebridean islands- an unforgettable place to visit.