My guide around Skye
Hello my friend, let me show you my home through my eyes, as I keep exploring and connecting with the land and people around me.
You can find my favourite places to eat, people I like to spend time with and learn from, activities to connect with nature and the ways I explore the island.
Food and drink
There are plenty of amazing places to eat around Skye, here are a few that are unique and close to my heart for different reasons.
Chidakasha - Glendale
I am changing the way I relate to the food and nutrition I fuel my body with. From neglecting my health, working in a stressed environment, eating in hurry and not consciously sitting with my food, I am trying to slow down and really be present.
Chidakasha is my favourite vegetarian restaurant. The food is heart-warming, you can appreciate the whole process from growing the food, preparing it, cooking and serving in a such beautiful manner.
If it is something that is calling you I recommend to check their website.
Cafe Cuil - Carbost
Did I mention I love food? I love being taken care of when it comes to food. No words can express my gratitude when I found someone who loves to feed people. I think these gifted people are the actual angels around us. Clare's kitchen brings together Scottish cuisine, her creativity, the abundance of seafood, wild foraging and locally sourced produce. This is an ideal stop for brunch and a coffee break for me as they serve locally roasted coffee from Caora Dhubh.
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Learn more about Cafe Cuil here
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Caora Dhubh - Carbost
As a former barista and coffee enthusiast (my obsession went so far as a tattoo on my wrist and solo backpacking Central American coffee farms) I can wholeheartedly recommend Jamie's coffee . Jamie started roasting his own coffee just before the pandemic and he is doing amazing job supplying little cafes around the island. His takeaway coffee shop is opposite the Talisker distillery and luckily you can enjoy their roast in Cafe Lephin (Glendale), Bog Myrtle (Struan), Cafe Cuil (Carbost) and more.
Visit their website
Bog Myrtle - Struan
I used to work in this cozy little cafe for two years, I was absolutely proud to serve the simple yet delicious flavourful food and cakes to our customers. The cafe has such a great character and the owners has changed since then but for some reason this place just attract talented chefs and bakers so good for you :]. Mania and John upgrade the game and made me addicted to their cinnamon buns. Besides the lovely food, you can browse the many book cases and buy second-hand books.
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Check their Instagram page for opening hours and specials.
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The Dunvegan - Dunvegan
The Dunvegan has so much to offer, from a cafe to relaxed evening meals prepared over a fire, rooms and a deli with local and sustainable products.
The coffee definitely gets my approval, I've had amazing lunches and dinners filled up with laughter and good company. The chefs dedication for cooking over the open fire brings this element back to life and it is truly an art. I love the little shop where you can also buy beautiful things made by local talented people. I remember the hotel before Tim and Blair took over and they did amazing work to bring their vision of hospitality and community to life.
Photo credit to Asrosenvinge.
Shopping food tips
Fruit and nut place, Tony's little hidden veggie shop is my favourite place to go shopping. As somebody who is anxious in a supermarket with all the plastic wraps and endless aisles, shopping in this little shop is what my life depends on. Not only is there a big variety of fresh vegetables and fruit, but Tony also brings most of the exotic Asian products and vegan alternatives to this little corner of the world.
Skye Free Range is a small local farm where you can buy meat (chicken, lamb and beef). I absolutely love to be able to support local small businesses that work extra hard to bring quality food products to our table.
West Coast Organics - Skye grows organic vegetables in this challenging climate with the help of the resources in the area. They sell regular veggie boxes and have a tiny shop in Orbost.
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I also have to mention the honesty boxes for eggs, but also cakes and other little treats you can find around Skye which makes this community amazingly close and supportive.
Relax and heal
There are many different ways to get into the body and I am a big fan of learning from others and trying different things. I hope this will help you to find what works best for you.
Jonathan and Bridgit-Waternish
Jonathan and Bridgit are Shiatsu practitioners situated in one of the most beautiful corners of Skye. I have been receiving regular treatments and I felt seen on a very deep level. These gentle techniques aim to reduce tension and re-energise the body. Shiatsu works with the body's energy flow, known as Ki or Qi (pronounced chee). It uses acupressure to release tension and bring balance to the body. It can help to lift your mood and make you feel relaxed. You are fully clothed and no oils are used.
They also teach this amazing technique, meditation and qigong.
Those two amazing humans have been my teachers and inspiration for the work I do and I am confident to say you will be in good hands.
Skye Definition - Uig
Lizzie has this mother energy when you go to her you feel like taken care of on every level. She offers various different treatments. I absolutely love her Indian head massage, you can come to her for Reiki, Chinese cupping and Gua sha, Facials and Tarot reading.
She also organises breath-work sessions for the community, she guides you with this powerful tool to release trauma and stuck emotions and I would definitely encourage you to try it if you are drawn to exploring the depths of your being. She has much more to offer, you can check her facebook page here
Reflexology with Seonaid
Seonaid is an amazing and caring reflexologist and this great tool can offer you so many benefits. One of her speciality is releasing menopause symptoms and making this transition in life little bit easier. I personally love Bergman method for face reflexology and treat myself to regular visits. Hey you can't pour from empty cup after all :]
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To book with Seonaid please check her website. She is based by Portree.
Island Physio
Kirsty from Island Physio is a gift to the community, she is compassionate, caring and very knowledgeable about the human body. She can help you not only with specific injuries and physical condition but also to reach your health goals and recommend sports / routine that best work for your unique body.
She also offers some pilates and yoga classes.
Check her website and instagram.
Yoga with Ada
Yoga is my favourite practice to go inwards and listen to my own body. We are fortunate enough to have several teachers on Skye. Ada is an energetic, active and fun-loving yoga teacher. She offers different styles of yoga around the West Skye area.
You should check her Facebook group and book a class.
Have fun and explore
I do not think there could be a boring day on Skye, from all the outdoors to arts and galleries, folks sharing their skills, wildlife watching, the weather being dramatic and the scenery always presenting itself in different colours and shapes.
Skye tours and adventure
Maybe you are looking for someone to show you around, you are into history or geography or you just like to be in the care of somebody who knows where to go. My favourite tour guide Bill from Real Scottish Journeys will take you to the most popular places on Skye, or you can also rent E-bikes from him and make it your day.
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Are you really connected to nature or do you want to learn more about foraging, wildlife, stalking, and fishing? Then Mitch is your guy, check his website for more information.
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If are you into adventure, climbing, and cliff jumping - then check out Skye adventure they have so many activities to offer! They also run a climbing wall in Portree for those rainy days.
Walks
I have been exploring Skye for over 7 years and there are still plenty of places to go. From the most popular Skye wonders to the quiet hidden gems. Rarely does one place feel and look the same for the next visit as the season changes, the different flowers present themselves and the light and clouds are very playful too.
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To choose your own path go to WalkHighlands, where you can find description of walks, their distance and difficulty, not only on Skye but around most of Scotland
