Kyle of Lochalsh

Kyle of Lochalsh is the main village for the area with shops, restaurants, hotels and local services. It is also known as the Gateway to Skye.

The small village is attractively situated on the shoreline and nestled amongst the rocky hills. It is an ideal spot for a picnic or walk. However, there are limited accommodation and food options.

Until the road bridge to Skye opened in 1995 Kyle was the main ferry port for the Island of Skye. Today buses link all parts of the island.

You can even take a ferry from Uig on Skye to the Outer Hebrides (Western Isles) or return via Armadale to Mallaig for the West Highland Line train to Fort William and Glasgow.

Where to visit

SKYE BRIDGE

This is a very pleasant walk on a nice day but wrap up warm – it can be windy even in summer! It takes around 30 minutes each way, or you can take a bus across.

The bridge is a single span arch and since the land is relatively low on each side it has a very steep approach from both directions to gain enough height to allow ships underneath.

THE PLOCK VIEWPOINT

There is also a walk to a viewpoint overlooking Kyle and the bridge. Both this and the bridge are signposted from the village centre.

KYLE STATION MUSEUM

Located in the original railway station buildings, this museum tells the history of Kyle Harbour, West Coast fishing and the Kyle Line Railway through films, photos, models and memorabilia.

BOAT TRIPS

Seaprobe Atlantis runs one or two hour glass bottom boat trips to see seals and other wildlife, an underwater kelp forest, and sites of interest including Kyle bridge, a ruined castle, a World War II shipwreck and a working salmon farm.

LOCHALSH LEISURE CENTRE

This facility has a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and spa. Spa closed (September 2025).

EILEAN DONAN CASTLE

This may be the most famous and photographed castle in the world. There is a good chance you will recognise it as soon as you see it.

The castle was originally built in the 13th century but had become a ruin and was rebuilt and opened in 1932.

Take a Citylink coach service 915 or 917 for the 15 minute journey, alighting at stop 'Dornie Bridge' which is opposite the castle. Pre-booking is highly recommended for Citylink.

CONNECTIONS TO SKYE, NORTH UIST AND HARRIS

Citylink coach services 915 and 917 run between Kyle of Lochalsh and Portree, with a few of the 915 services continuing all the way to the ferry Terminal at Uig. Pre-booking is highly recommended for Citylink.

Stagecoach runs bus service 55 between Kyle of Lochalsh and Broadford, service 52 between Broadford, Sconser (for the Isle of Raasay ferry) and Portree, and services 57A and 57C between Portree and Uig. See our Guide to the Outer Hebrides for ferries from Uig to North Uist and Harris.

People wishing to get from Kyle of Lochalsh to Armadale for the ferry to Mallaig should change buses in Broadford, however, if you are travelling south from Portree the number 52 continues to Armadale so there's no need to change.

SAVING! Spirit of Scotland Travel Pass (for rail travel) includes travel with Stagecoach services in Skye.

See our Guide to Skye for more details.