TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN SLEAT
We are so fortunate that Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, is situated in such a beautiful location in the Sleat peninsula in the south of Skye. Also known as ‘the Garden of Skye’, the area is greener and less rugged than much of the rest of the island. However, it’s not just the magnificent scenery that attracts people to Sleat. There’s lots to do when visiting or staying in the area. Here’s our top 10 things to do in Sleat:
1. A Short Course at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Short Courses programme offers a variety of fun learning opportunities at various levels throughout Easter and summer holidays, as well as online throughout the year. If you would you like to learn some Gaelic, improve your language skills, or perhaps have a go at Gaelic singing or a musical instrument under expert tuition, then our short courses are for you. The week-long short courses also include a range of evening activities and entertainment to make your visit enjoyable and memorable. Accommodation and meals are also offered as part of the package. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch for more information!
2. Ostaig Beach
When the sun shines, there’s nowhere better to spend the day than on the lovely sandy beach at Ostaig, next to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. During the summer months, it’s a delightful spot to spend a few hours and you’re likely to see someone swimming there no matter the weather. Ostaig Beach enjoys beautiful views across the Sound of Sleat to Knoydart and the mainland. It is close to our Àrainn Ostaig campus – you just need to follow the path on the other side of the road down from the parking space. The path to the beach begins next to the fence (some typically Highland directions for your!).
3. Armadale Castle and Gardens
Under the ownership of Clan Donald Lands Trust, Armadale Castle and the surrounding Gardens have been attracting visitors to Sleat for many years. The now ruined castle, once the seat of the MacDonalds of Sleat, is surrounded by magnificent gardens full of an impressive variety of plants, flowers and trees that provide a beautiful setting for a walk. You can spend an hour or two exploring the castle grounds and there is also a fantastic play area for children with swings and a climbing frame.
If you fancy finding out more about the history of Clan Donald and Armadale, you can visit the Museum of the Isles, which is located in the Gardens and is full of fascinating tales from the time of the powerful Lords of the Isles to the era of crofting and emigration.
4. Camas Daraich, The Point of Sleat
Camas Daraich beach is a hidden gem, nestled between rock and sea and close to the Point of Sleat. The white sand sits under the shelter of the surrounding rocks and hills. It’s a fair distance to Camus Daraich (approximately an hour’s walk), but it’s well worth the trip and it is more than likely you’ll have the beach to yourselves! For most of the walk, you will follow a broad path that rises and falls as it takes you across the undulating moorland. Once you reach the beach at Camas Daraich, you may also want to continue on to the Point of Sleat itself for the lovely views of the Small Isles and the mainland.
5. Ceilidhs, Music and Craic
Whether you find yourself in Sleat in the summer, winter, during springtime or when the autumn leaves are falling, make sure you check out the local notice boards and various events websites to see what’s on. Hotel Eilean Iarmain is known for good music sessions with traditional musicians, and the College itself plays host to a wide range of arts, music and drama events throughout the year. The summer is an especially busy time at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig when the short courses and a number of concerts and ceilidhs are in full swing. In the winter months, look out for one of the pub quizzes if you fancy a challenge. From classical music to pipe tunes, Gaelic song and opera, local and international musicians, there’s something for everyone in Sleat!
6. Sea Kayaking
There is no better way to see the beaches and shoreline of Sleat than to take a trip in a kayak, and there are two companies based in Sleat who offer various guided trips, expeditions and coaching. They cater for various levels, so you should find an experience or package which suits your needs. The Skye Kayak Centre is based at Hotel Eilean Iarmain, and South Skye Sea Kayak are based in Kilmore and also provide coaching in Gaelic! Both offer a fantastic opportunity to spend some time at sea, getting to know Sleat and beyond with paddle in hand.
7. A Walk to Leitir Fura
One of the most pleasant walks in Sleat is the forestry path to the ruined village of Leitir Fura, near Kinloch. The walk, to the former township and back, takes around an hour and a half if you decide not to stop along the way. However, with the stunning views of the Sound of Sleat and across to the mainland, you’ll want to pause here and there to take in the unforgettable scenery. After about half a mile, you’ll reach a fork in the path where you have the choice to take the higher route or keep on going on the low road. Once you reach Leitir Fura itself, you will see a lovely view of the sea and mainland, and an information board with a bit about its history. The lower path is also suitable for mountain bikes and dog walkers.
8. Whisky and Gin
The Distillery at Torabhaig
Torabhaig Distillery has been a fully operational Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery since 2017, following the restoration of the former farmstead at Toravaig. There are guided tours of the distillery and a shop filled with whisky and other merchandise. There is also a small café where you can get a bite to eat, a dram or a cup of tea or coffee. If you are interested in whisky, or if you’re just after a cuppa and a sandwich, Torabhaig is worth a visit.
Pràban na Linne
The Gaelic Whiskies were founded in 1976 by the late Sir Iain Noble, who was instrumental in the establishment of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. If you visit Hotel Eilean Iarmain, you can purchase or sample their various Gaelic whiskies and Gaelic gins at their shop by the historic pier. It was always an important part of the ethos of the company that Gaelic would be prominent in their work and nowhere is that more obvious than in the very names that appear on their bottles: Tè Bheag, Mac Na Mara, Poit Dhubh and Uisge Lusach.
9. Dunscaith Castle
For a magnificent view of the Cuillin and a chance to explore the west side of Sleat, a visit to the ruined castle of Dunscaith will not disappoint. The outcrop of rock, where the stunted fortifications can be seen today, was occupied in the past by MacLeods, MacDonalds and apparently by the warrior-queen herself, Sgàthach! It was the warrior and martial arts tutor Sgàthach who, according to legend, taught Cù Chulainn the arts of combat when he came to Scotland. The castle has attracted many visitors over the years, and it appears that one Joseph Mallord William Turner, the famous artist, was among those who came to see the castle. The Tate has three pencil drawings by the artist which appear to be of Dunscaith. Follow our Ainmean-àite series on social media for more stories like this.
10. Hospitality and a Bite to Eat
Sleat is renowned for its choice of fine dining and local eateries, with four hotels – Kinloch Lodge, Duisdale House Hotel, Hotel Eilean Iarmain and The Inn at Àirda’ Bhàsair – offering food throughout the year, as well as a range of restaurants and cafes: Café 1925, An Crùbh, The Pasta Shed and the Torabhaig Distillery. There is no shortage of options!
![Objects from the collection of National Museums Scotland to be studied as part of new Gaelic language project, Tha Sgeul Ri Innse [credit Duncan McGlynn]](https://b2480852.smushcdn.com/2480852/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NMS-News-Image-394x330.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1 "Objects from the collection of National Museums Scotland to be studied as part of new Gaelic language project, Tha Sgeul Ri Innse [credit Duncan McGlynn]")