Here are our top ideas for day trips to help make your stay a memorable one! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Lazy lunch  

Take a scenic drive through Skye, past the Cuillins, to The Three Chimneys restaurant for a lazy lunch. You could visit the romantic Dunvegan castle. There is plenty to see in this part of the island.  The harbour town of Portree is worth a visit. The North East peninsula has a lovely walk in the needle-like rock formations of the Quirang where golden eagles can be spotted.

www.threechimneys.co.uk

Applecross day trip

Follow a scenic route via the village of Lochcarron to the crofting township of Applecross. You will drive on the highest road in the U.K. and pass over "Bealach na Ba" at 2,053 ft to gain stunning views down the glen.  On a clear day you will see the views the mountaineers get with panoramas to the Outer Hebrides and Kintail mountains. When you arrive, take a walk to the white coral sand beaches and dine at a great local seafood restaurant (The Applecross Inn)

www.applecross.uk.com/inn/

A boat trip to the heart of The Cuillins

This is a beautiful, relaxing trip to the base of the Cuillin mountains and to Loch Coruisk with seals, tea and shortbread provided! You spend about an hour in among the hills and enjoying the peace before sailing back to Elgol. There are also beautiful walks to sea cliffs and caves down the single track road to Elgol.  You are best to return to Balmacara and eat locally as there aren't yet many culinary establishments en route.

www.mistyisleboattrips.co.uk

www.bellajane.co.uk

A trip to 'The Garden of Skye'

This part of Skye is lush compared to the rest of the island. On the drive to Armdale there are several attractions. The Clan Donald Centre has an interesting museum and fine grounds and ruined Castle. There are nice shops near Armadale ferry and the hotel has a beautiful garden. You can drive a loop via the crofting village of Tarskavaig which takes you through some quiet, unspoilt country with views of the sea. For a chance to spot minky whales, try booking a trip with

www.seafari.co.uk

There are some splendid eateries here - Kinloch Lodge, Toravaig House Hotel and Hotel Eilean Iarmain.

From your door

Take in the fresh Highland air with a coastal woodland walk though the National Trust's mature woodland garden.

www.nts.org.uk/Property/8/

A pair of boots or a mountain bike will set you on your way for a worthwhile exploration of the NTS Balmacara Estate. At The Mains you are spoilt for choice when it comes to walks. We have maps, guidebooks and packed lunches available as well as washing and drying facilities.

Eilean Donan Castle

Probably the most photographed castle in Scotland and is 6 miles from the Mains. Take a few photographs of your own and a guided tour to find out about the glorious history of the Clan MacRae!

www.eileandonancastle.com

Galleries and ice cream  

Visit the village of Plockton and see the backdrop for the BBC drama ‘Hamish MacBeth’ and 1970s cult film ‘The Wickerman’. With an art gallery, boat trips and good food there is much to do.  Find galleries & local art on the local artists' trail.

www.slaca.org.uk

Watch a  game of shinty

A sport of great vigour and danger! Games are advertised in the local paper - just remember to support the local team, Kinlochsheil!

www.shinty.org.uk

Glenelg and Loch Hourn

This is another lovely day out. Drive over a fantastic mountain pass with views of the 5 Sisters of Kintail. The Pictish Iron Age Brochs or forts are some of the best examples in the country. The sandy beach where Gavin Maxwell wrote "The Ring of Bright Water" lies at the end of a forest walk.

You can wander further to the isolated Sandaig lighthouse. 'The Inn at Glenelg' is a great spot for lunch with a beer garden and beach near by. You could take the old ferry onto Skye from here and make a loop back to Balmacara via Armadale and the South of Skye (see no. 4) if you want to pack in the beauty spots!