Failte don Caol Acain

"...Welcome to Kyleakin "

Our Latitude is 57 16 22 N 5 44 07 West

Welcome to Kyleakin. The gateway village to the Isle of Skye. Kyleakin is separated from the mainland by a narrow strip of water, where a powerful current flows through, making it one of the fastest & most dangerous of coastal water in Britain.

Kyleakin is pronounced Kyle AH-kin and not Kyleekin! Derived from the Gaelic Caol Acain which means ‘The Kyles or Narrows of Haakon” named after King Haakin lV of Norway, whose fleet moored here prior to the Battle of Largs.  The Battle of Largs in 1263 saw the end of the Norwegian rule of the island.    (The Vikings invaded Skye around the 8th century after being driven from their own lands by overpopulation.)

From 1841 to 16th October 1995 a ferry service operated from Kyleakin to the mainland across the straits of Loch Ash, until it was replaced by the controversial Skye “Toll Bridge. This left the people of Sky with a privately run extortionately priced bridge. Eventually, in 2004 after much protest, the tolls were finally lifted from the Skye Bridge.

The village of Kyleakin is also the site of Castle Moil, an ancient ruined fortress, built in the early 15th century. Legends state that it was originally built for a Norwegian princess known as “Saucy Mary’ who would charge a toll to any boat using the narrow channel by hanging a chain from the castle to the mainland to prevent unpaid crossings.

Through its strategic position on the narrows, Kyleakin has developed a strong maritime history and played an important role in defence, the fishing industry, and tourism and as a gateway to the Isle of Skye.  Many people have passed through, leading a colourful history on a rich natural environment.   Follow in their footsteps and find out about Kyleakin.

• Castle Maol Walk           to the ancestral seat of the Clan Mackinnon.
• Salt Marsh Walk             along the Obbe to spot the wildlife for yourself.
• Seafront Walk                 the route of the “Silver Darlings’
• War Memorial Walk       for panoramic views and to watch the ships sail  
  by.

These walks are set out from the harbour front and absorb a little of the legend and history which makes Kyleakin what it is today.  Along the way, lookout for ceramic way markers- the work of local crafts-woman Elizabeth Westman.  Also members of the Kyleakin Day Centre designed & produced a series of ceramic panels depicting their personal view of the recent changes to Kyleakin. You can see these panels in the seating on the Seafront Walk.

At the end of this road near the roundabout there is also a new trail, The Hill of the Red Fox.’ An information board can be found at the beginning of this trail to show the routes you can take, into the forest or towards magnificent views of Raasay and the Crowlin Islands.

For more details on walks around Skye please do not hesitate to ask. We also have various books on walks around the area for you to browse through in the lounge.

Walks Round Kyleakin

The Harbour front. With its distinctive sculptural seating provides a focus for the village: a place to meet, enjoy an occasional open air performance set out on one of the four way-marked walks around Kyleakin.

Information panels here provide you with the facts you need to add insight and interest to your walk whether you are a Gaelic or an English speaker.

A sculpture of The Crows Eye View of Kyleakin by Lewis artist Iain Brady can also be found at the harbour.  The sculpture shows tales of toll-gathering in the Viking times. By “Saucy Mary” the daughter of a Norwegian King, and the once controversial ex-Toll-Bridge linking the Isle of Skye with the mainland.

Map of walks in Kyleakin.

Main Attractions Not To Be Missed:

South West Ross - More Info:-

South Skye and Sleat - More Info:-

Portree, Central Skye and Raasay - More Info:-

North East Skye - More Info:-

North West Skye - More Info:-