A photographers paradise during the day and, at night, the dark skies of Skye are a star gazers dream.
Alavik Lodge & Cottage are unique holiday homes in one of the finest positions on the idyllic Isle of Skye, easily accessible via the Skye bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh or the Mallaig ferry. Combining the rugged beauty and timeless enchantment of the Scottish Highlands, the views and surroundings are both inspiring and dramatic at any time of year. Adjacent to SSSI* woodland in the small hamlet of Tokavaig, with views of Blà Bhein ridge and the stunning backdrop of the Cuillin Mountain range and coastline, guests can enjoy hill walking, climbing, canoeing, sailing, diving, fishing and mountain biking. Though perfectly secluded, there are nearby pubs and restaurants, with the lovely Eilean Iarmain Hotel & bar just 8 miles away. The village of Broadford, 15 miles away, has a good range of shops including a supermarket, chemist, hospital, bank and tourist information. (*Site of Special Scientific Interest).
MORE PROPERTY INFORMATION:
Alavik Lodge & Cottage are Scandinavian style holiday homes with excellent eco credentials. Of timber construction and superbly insulated, with wood framed double glazed windows, they are wonderfully cosy and warm, whatever the weather. The Lodge has a large log burner in the spacious open plan living area and the Cottage has a flue-less gas stove. Oil-fired central heating with individual thermostat controls in each room is also provided in both properties for your additional comfort. Alavik has a private water supply from its own borehole and with the Pozzani water filtration system our water is perfect for drinking - pure spring water that couldn't be fresher! Wooden floors throughout are complemented by comfortable furniture and plenty of places to sit and admire the spectacular views across the sea, Loch Eishort and Loch Slapin to the Cuillins through the double height glass wall of the Lodge or from the double sliding glass doors in the Cottage. At night, clear dark skies free from pollution present the heavens in all their spectacular beauty.
ALAVIK LODGE & COTTAGE can be rented together to sleep 6, or they can be hired individually – click on either of the two separate tabs for the Lodge (tab 2) or the Cottage (tab 3) at the top of the page for more details, pricing and availability.
ALAVIK LODGE (sleeps 4) has FreeSat TV channels, a Bluray player, a small library of video discs and CDs (films/opera/ballet mainly), a coin operated telephone and free WiFi Broadband so you can stay in touch via your laptop/iPad/smartphone, etc.
ALAVIK COTTAGE (sleeps 2), in contrast (for guests who really want to escape the 'rat race'), has no telephone, but benefits from free WiFi Broadband, FreeSat TV channels, a DVD/CD player and a small library of video discs and CDs (films/opera/ballet mainly) plus an iPod/iPhone dock with speakers so you can enjoy your own music.
USEFUL INFORMATION Both properties have a set of folders with comprehensive information on places to visit, activities, sports, pubs, restaurants, boat trips, ferries and trains. You will also find maps and books on local walks and attractions and a small, but growing, library of paperback books. As Tokavaig is a remote spot, we advise that you arrive equipped with your own provisions, at least for the first day or two - it is so beautiful here, you may not want to leave! If you travel on the ferry to Armadale from Mallaig, Advasar Stores, just a couple of minutes away, supplies most things you will need - open Monday to Friday 9.30 - 13.00 / 14.30 - 17.30 (18.00 in Summer) and Saturday 9.30 - 13.00 (they have fresh bread & milk Mon/Wed/Fri). There is also a large Co-op supermarket in Broadford, open 7 days a week (9.00 hrs - 22.00 hrs), convenient if you travel via the Skye Bridge.
GETTING TO ALAVIK
FERRY - You can take the ferry from the mainland at Mallaig, which takes just 30 minutes and arrives at Armadale Pier on the island, only 9.5 miles from Alavik. The last 6 or 8 miles (depending on which route you take) is along a single track road with plenty of passing places. It is advisable to book the ferry but this is a very romantic and beautiful way to arrive on Skye! Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Mallaig to Armadale: www.calmac.co.uk
SKYE BRIDGE - Drive across the Skye Bridge from the Kyle of Lochalsh and Tokavaig is 22.5 miles away, again the last 6 miles being along a single track road (not suitable for caravans).
USEFUL WEBSITES
LOCAL AREA: www.visitsleat.org / www.skye.co.uk / www.isleofskye.com
ACTIVITIES:
Walking / Mountain guides: www.walkhighlands.co.uk / www.skyehi.co.uk / www.skyeguides.co.uk
Fly fishing & wild walks: www.skyeghillieflyfishing.co.uk
Kayaking: www.skyakadventures.com
Sailing: www.skyeyachts.co.uk
Scuba diving: www.dive-and-sea-the-hebrides.co.uk
Boat trips: www.bellajane.co.uk / www.mistyisleboattrips.co.uk / www.elgol-boat-trips.co.uk / www.the-spirit-of-adventure.co.uk / www.seaprobeatlantis.com
Whale spotting: www.whalespotting.co.uk
Otter spotting and Gavin Maxwell: www.eileanban.org
Bird watching: www.skye-birds.com
Astronomy/star gazing: www.darksky-skye.com
Quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, archery: www.highlandactivities.co.uk
Golf: www.isleofskyegolfclub.co.uk
Horse riding: www.theisleofskyetrekkingcentre.co.uk
Skye Highland Games: www.skye-highland-games.co.uk
Dunvegan Castle: www.dunvegancastle.com
Clan Donald Centre: www.clandonald.com
Gaelic College - Sabhal Mor Ostaig: www.smo.uhi.ac.uk
Museum of Island Life: www.skyemuseum.co.uk
