Skye is the second largest of the Hebridean islands, separated from the mainland by a channel a third of a mile wide at its narrowest point, Kylerhea. At its longest, Skye is over 100 miles, and its width varies between seven and 25 miles, but because of its coastline of bays and inlets, no part of the island is ever more than four miles from the sea. It has a resident population of about 8000. Loch Na Dal is on the Sleat Peninsula in the south-east of Skye, known locally as the Garden of Skye for its gentle woodland, sheltered aspect and greater cultivation.

From the Lodge, guests can enjoy commanding views across the loch to the dramatic mountains of Knoydart on the mainland, or west to Skye's famous jagged Cuillin Hills, the tallest of which are over 3000 feet. Famous local scenery includes Loch Coruisk, the 'stern, dread lake' of Sir Waiter Scott's Lord of the Isles; Glen Sligachan, considered by many the grandest glen in the Highlands; the natural rock fortress of the Quiraing within which cattle and families were protected during the Norse forays; the Trotteniish Hills; and the spectacular west coast water-falls plunging over basalt rock to deep caves below. The coastal waters abound in fish - herring, mackerel, salmon, cod and ling. Salmon, grilse and sea trout are also caught in the estuaries of Skye's small rivers and burns, and freshwater brown trout in the inland lochs. Red and roe deer populate the hills and woods, and there is sheep and cattle farming. The weather is rarely hot with average summer temperatures of 60° F, but the climate does generally benefit from the mild Atlantic atmosphere.

The main town on Skye is Portree, 32 miles away. The Clan Donald Centre is based at Armadale, ten miles away, one of the ancestral homes of the Macdonald family. This now provides the focal point for the story of Clan Donald. The gardens, both wild and formal, of Armadale Castle and Dunvegan Castle, ancestral home of the MacLeod chiefs, and the Lochalsh Woodland Garden, are splendid in spring and early summer. The famous rhododendrons and azaleas of Inverewe on the mainland are easily accessible.

Gentle sporting activity, which can be arranged from Kinloch, includes:

FISHING: brown trout, salmon and sea trout.

PHOTOGRAPHY: basking shark, dolphin and whale all frequent the Scottish west coast waters warmed by the Gulf Stream.

STALKING: red deer stags are in season between July 1 and October 20. Roe deer have a more open season.

WALKING: from Kinloch there are miles of easy or more taxing walks, and visitors are at complete liberty to wander freely - the walks are recognised as some of the finest in Europe. Some of the climbing in the world-famous Cuillins is extremely complex, while other areas are relatively easy.

RIDING AND PONY TREKKING: are also available.