Local attractions

Most people head to Skye for the dramatic scenery, and it’s easy to see why. Ditch the car and take a gentle amble down the road to Loch Pooltiel (20 minutes’ walk), where you can go wild swimming or chill on the shingle beach while keeping a look out for seals and otters.

It’s back in the car to reach Talisker Bay Beach (an hour’s drive) and catch a few surfing waves (if conditions are right) or admire the jagged cliffs. Neist Point Lighthouse (15 minutes) is an excellent spot for sea fishing, whale-watching and the outside chance to spot white-tailed eagles, among the UK’s largest, rarest raptors.

To learn about Skye history, head for Dunvegan Castle and Gardens (25 minutes), where exhibitions will take you into the realms of Clan MacLeod heritage. The Skye Museum of Island Life (an hour and 15 minutes) gives an insight into traditional croft farming, and you can make a day of it by stopping off at the rugged, multi-peaked Old Man of Storr (an hour and five minutes) on the way back to Glendale.

Biofluorescence

“Me and my son were introduced to the amazing hidden world of Biofluorescence at a festival last year by the professional nature guide David Atthowe and we were instantly hooked. We couldn’t believe how things in nature that we see everyday look so different under the light of the UV torches at night. Mushrooms, lichens, spiders and even plain old grass take on a new life when their usual daylight colours are flipped and enhanced. 

At the end of our guided walk with David he said the best place to experience Biofluorescence in the UK is the west coast of Scotland due to the pure moist air creating perfect conditions for fungi and lichens and he’s not wrong. The lichens on the site are pretty spectacular during daylight but under UV light they are truly magical. Even something simple like a rotten twig is transformed into something that looks other wordly. 

The photos give a few examples of things we have found in the grounds and we hope to add more to the gallery shortly but if you take some good photos yourself be sure to send them on to us.

If you would like to use the torches during your stay let us know when you book the accommodation as we only have one set at the moment to be shared between the 2 pods. Full instructions can be found in the torch carry case but my top tip would be to have a walk around the grounds during the daylight if possible to familiarise yourself with the surroundings so you can fully appreciate the difference under UV light. Be prepared to be amazed.”!