Panorama taken part way across the Sleat Peninsula on Skye. The picture shows some of the dramatic scenery and views as well as the changing weather conditions so common to Skye.

Sleat Peninsula - Skye visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Sleat Peninsula' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Highland.

The Sleat Peninsula (pronounced 'Slate') is often referred to as the 'Garden of Skye as it is so green. Sleat is home to the MacDonald clan whose main castle was near Armadale. Most of the settlements (and therefore the holiday accommodation) runs down the eastern side of Sleat.

For those visiting, Sleat has three castles, the 13th century ruins of Dunscaith Castle, the 15th century Knock Castle ruins and the Armadale Castle gardens. In addition there are numerous cairns and other ancient sites waiting to be explored.

One of the most popular places on Sleat is Isleornsay, with the Gallery an Talla Dearg, Isle Ornsay Hotel and converted stables. The nearby village of Camuscross offers stunning views to the Scottish mainland across the Sound of Sleat. On the small island of Eilean Sionnach in the bay stands a lighthouse built in 1857 to aid steamers approaching the area. Today, Isleornsay is one of the most popular places on Sleat to stay.

The main road continues down the side of Sleat to Armadale, passing though various little settlements on the way. Some of these offer Bed and Breakfast or self catering places. Past Armadale the road becomes a single lane track terminating at the Aird of Sleat.

Ord and Tarskavaig, on the other side of Sleat, are also popular destinations. They are accessed via a loop road which crossed Sleat in two places, and which makes for a very picturesque ride. The southern crossing starts near Ostaig and Kilbeg, climbing over the shoulder of Sgurr na h-Iolaire (the Hill of the Eagle) before descending dramatically past Loch Dhughaill and Achnacloich to Tarscavaig Bay. The northern route crosses through a forestry plantation along the Ord River Valley to Ord. It is a single lane road, often windy and quite steep in places with dramatic views and passing places. Take time to pause at Tor Gaucasvaig for the views over to Strathaird and the Cullin Hills.

Ferry: From Mallaig on Scottish mainland to Aramadale.
Road: Whether coming from Kyle of Lochalsh, Portree or other locations on Skye, follow roads to Broadford to take the A851 into Sleat.