Walks Round Kyleakin

Side stepped by the progress that was the Skye Bridge, the village of Kyleakin has risen to the challenge of changing times. It has redesigned its harbour area as a place of recreation where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the new - artworks commissioned as part of the regeneration process - while reflecting on the old, guided by the words of poet Angus Peter Campbell, carved into the stone new your feet by Skye its sculptress Lindsey Campbell.

Crow's Eye View

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

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

Sculpture The Crows Eye view of Kyleakin on display here (the work of Lewis artist Iain Brady) says it all - from tales of toll-gathering here in the Viking times, by "Saucy Mary" the daughter of a Norwegian King, to the once controversial ex-Toll-Bridge linking the Isle of Skye with the mainland.

Walks for all

Click on the poster for walk details Take time to wander in any of the four short walks which set out from the harbour front and absorb a little of the legend and history which make Kyleakin what it is today. Along the way, lookout for ceramic way markers-the work of local crafts-woman Elizabeth Westman. Click on the map for details on the walks and read about news headlines over the years related to these walks. As part of the project, Ewen MacLure, David McRae, Kirsty MacLennan, Christopher Upton, Cameron Reid, Jamie Fraser and Angus Murchison, all 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.

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.

Kyleakin is separated from the mainland by a narrow strip of water. A powerful current flows through, making a one of the fastest & most dangerous narrows of coastal water in Britain. The name Kyleakin derives from Gaelic 'Caol Acain', which means "The Kyle/Narrows of Haakon", the King of Norway, whose territory the north of Scotland once lay. Through its strategic position on the narrows, Kyleakin have developed with a strong maritime history, played an important role in defence, the fishing industry, 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.

For more details on walks around Skye, visit www.skyewalk.co.uk.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code - Know the Code before you go!

When you're in the outdoors:

take personal responsibility for your own actions and act safely;
respect people's privacy and peace of mind;
help land managers and others to work safely and effectively;
care for your environment, take your litter home and don't disturb wildlife;
keep your dog under proper control;
take extra care if you're organising an event or running a business.