self catering on Skye - any suggestions?

[dizzydixies]

we're considering taking the kids up to Skye for a week during the summer but would prefer to stay somewhere self catering

anyone have any suggestions?

this is where we're staying in August. Obviously I can't recommend it, as we haven't been yet! It's right down the southern end - ferry from Mallaig then turn left.

You girls are worrying me about the midges though. What are the best midge repellants?

avon skin so soft lotion is fantastic for midges

roisin that also looks fantastic, what week in Aug, maybe we could bunk in with you

Actually I think it's the last week in July. We're going straight up to Scotland when the schools break up here (whenever that is), then after a week heading over to Skye.

We like being in the middle of nowhere, and hope to see some wildlife. If the midges are horrific, then I shall just baggsie one of the top bedrooms set up one of our spotting scopes and camp out there for the week to see what I can see.

Dh isn't bothered by midges at all
dss don't like them flying around, but the bites don't really irritate them.
I suffer dreadfully if I get bitten and the things itch for days afterwards. I learned this summer that taking antihistamine helps and dabbing bites with a-h cream immediately when bitten helps. But even better is to not get bitten at all.

DH's words of wisdom:

the north of the island is a bit more "touristy" (little crofts, cottages, attractions) as is the far south (Sleat), the centre is more rugged and remote. But then Carbost and Sligachan are good if you want the option to go either way.

The best beach on Skye is Glenbrittle, there are also we think a few small coves on the Dunvegan road (near Struan). If you like beaches, better to head toward Gairloch on the mainland, where some massive sandy beaches seem to have fled north from the Med!

There are loads of nice cottages on Skye but you do have to sift out the back-to-the-70's ones. We took the view that the weather may very well be crap, so we should be staying somewhere that was nice enough to stay indoors and within reach of indoor attractions.

here for example

Loads

we stayed here a few times and its like second home. gorgeous houses(we stayed in both), very friendly owners, and dogs, and your have your own beach, not really sandy but perfect for kids and family.
beautiful view and tranquilaty. we must go again

roisin you need garlic tablets, you can get it from tescos. midgets dont like garlic apparantly.

Diva did you take your dogs? it says no pets on the website and we have a dog we'd like to take with us

This is nice and pets-welcome.

In fact we visited the beach at Fiskavaig and I remember people coming out of that cottage with their dog, it's a nice setting if you don't mind windy roads.

dizzy, we dont have dog, but i have seen many people commented how they dog loved the beach.
i assume owner lets certain dog. you better give her call, she is lovely, like your mum or your best aunty. nevis campus got whole view of sound of skye, beautiful sunset, we spent most time in the conservatory. i feel like if im homesick now

lol, we do have a very well trained (lazy) dog if that might sway her - the views look lovely

There is nothing like walking in the Cuilllins, either. I read somewhere that it is the "wastepaper basket for the mind", and that is soooo true!! My favourite spot in all of the world is the view from Sligachan Hotel onto those beautiful hills.

and Raasay is worth a visit, and the lovely boat trip from Elgol, and sitting by Portree Bay, and, and, and.....

right, have emailed two of them to check availability - have not checked where on the island they are, will leave that up to stupidity fate and deal with the details if we're lucky enough to get anything

thank you all for all your help, shall be back for info on what to do and where if we get something

Don't forget, Skye is a very big island. It can take quite a while to travel from one end to another (about 1 and a half hours? or more?), but often fate is just as good a guide as stupidity!

I figure we're there for a week, hopefully to relax and if there is something we don't get to do in that time for whatever reason we can always go back again next year!

dizzy, you better give mrs mcphie call, i think her son checks emails etc for her but now he is married, probably living away.
btw, this is not on skye, its mallaig port where boats and ferry go skye. but i can 1000% assure you the nevis bank cottage got full view of sound of skye and beautiful sunset. the best part is you walk down to your own little pebble beach, when tight out have little sand. kids and dogs will play there all day i bet. we didnt watch tv for 2 weeks, dd watched balamory etc.. on dvd, no radio, even dh took the battery out of wall clock it was too loud and getting into his mind. beautiful place, beautiful people. you just need loads of books.

lol at battery in clock causing annoyance, now where abouts in my kids is the slot for removing batteries?!?!

dizzy, have you heard from them yet? im being nosey;)