The wee beasties – Midges and ticks

Midges are quite common during the summer months, when it’s still and the sun’s not shining. They’re not much fun, but for most the after effects don’t last for long.

Ticks however can be much more painful and cause long-lasting discomfort. Should you find a tick, remove it as soon as you can using a tick removal tool. Please check out the symptoms of Lyme disease.

Check your dogs for ticks too. You might want to treat your dog to a tick collar before travelling to Skye.

Beware of SatNav

When you’re travelling to Skye, be careful what route satnav selects for you. The ferry from Mallaig to Armadale is a great way to arrive in Skye – if there’s a ferry (advance booking recommended).

Do not assume that if you programme your satnav to travel to Skye that it will direct you by the bridge route. Pay attention or you could end up driving two hours out of your way!

From the south, a route via Mallaig will be via ferry. If you want to use the bridge – then head for Kyle of Lochalsh (not Mallaig) on your way to Skye.

Deer, sheep, and goats

Deer are a common sight on and near our roads. Please take extra care at dawn and dusk.

Sheep on the road are commonplace all over Skye. Generally they’ve got pretty good road sense, but once in a while you may come up against a belligerent one who wants to challenge you.

As you approach Skye, in the area around Glen Shiel, beware of feral goats. They’re very cute, but the kids have little road sense and can jump out in to the road when you least expect it.

Be prepared

There’s an old saying in these parts; if you don’t like the weather wait ten minutes.

Please make sure that you’re well prepared for bad weather, and if you’re climbing or hiking (even short distances) make sure you’re wearing the proper shoes and have a map and a compass – do not depend on a mobile phone. Coverage here can be patchy, and batteries go flat.

Especially if you’re walking alone, we recommend you leave a route card.

Reversing

When driving on single track roads pass oncoming vehicles only at a passing place.

Make sure you know how to select the reverse gear.

Should you end up nose to nose with another vehicle on a single track road then one of you needs to back up in to the nearest passing place. Do not drive on the grass verge.

Just like the emergency exits on a plane – the nearest passing place may be behind you!

Mobile phone coverage

Mobile phone coverage on the Isles of Skye and Raasay has improved a lot over the last few years – but there is not 100% coverage.

Where there is coverage, there isn’t coverage 100% of the time. We’re rural and sparsely populated, so providing the infrastructure is expensive and we get left until last!

Don’t depend on web-based mapping services for driving, walking, or hiking.