| Armadale Pier (picture by Peter Watts) |  |
Armadale Pier
Photographer Description of Armadale Pier
This panorama should really be viewed alongside the image taken about 10 minutes earlier from the same spot at Armadale. The two combined show how the conditions can change, as the other panoramic picture contains rain and a rainbow over the Sound of Sleat. Now the sun had come out once again revealing the surrounding coastline, though the rainbow can still be seen out to sea.Armadale Pier - Further Information
Panorama from the end of the ferry terminal pier at Armadale. Armadale is at the end of the A851 on the Sleat peninsula of Skye, known as "The garden of Skye". Armadale is one of the gateways to Skye, as it has a car ferry that travels regularly from here to Mallaig on the Scottish mainland. From this pier you can take a "sea-fari" boat tour exploring the coastline (much of which is unaccessible by vehicle). Weather changes fast here, a few minutes earlier there was a rainbow over the Sound of Sleat.Very close to Armadale is Armadale Castle Gardens and the Museum of the Isles. Armadale castle is the clan seat and home to the clan MacDonald. The castle is a ruin but the vast grounds have been meticulously maintained and a must to be explored. The centre offers a heritage museum with a walk through exhibition of life in this area from the earliest records through to modern day. It's extensive, poignant and personal exhibits contributed by local people offer a realistic and deeply moving portrayal of life on Skye and throughout the Highland Clearances, a forced expatriation to Canada, New Zealand, America and other countries as land owners evicted humans in favour of the more profitable sheep.
This panorama look east across to the mainland peninsula east of Glenshiel, to Glenelg, to Knoydart and south towards the busy central fishing port, Mallaig harbour. The far headland seen beyond the right hand edge of this pier is Morar, with famously white sandy beaches. A short time after this panorama was taken, the weather cleared and they were visible again although many miles away.
Since the opening of the Skye Bridge (from Kyle viewpoint) in October 1995 and the subsequent cessation of the Kyle to Kyleakin ferry service, the Armadale ferry has become the entry point for many tourist who wish to travel "over the sea to Skye". Consequently, the entire road from Broadford to Armadale has been upgraded to A-standard from a very bumpy B-standard and makes this peninsula far more easily - and comfortably - accessible. This ferry service to Mallaig makes for a convenient access to Fort William, 30 minutes drive away with Britain's highest mountain Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor (and it's ski centre, ski access gondola, chair lift and sports centre). Glasgow is only 2 hours drive further south. Naturally, for outdoor enthusiasts, walkers and climbers, this makes Skye accessible for a day trip - and of course it makes the city of Glasgow accessible for locals on day shopping trips, business or leisure travel, too!
Travel and Getting There:
To get to Armadale (if not arriving here by ferry) take the A851 from Broadford south down Sleat. On the way you will pass Loch na Dal and Isleornsay (famous for the Gaelic Whiskies). The road continues down the peninsula past the ruins of Cnoc Castle (Cnoc is gaelic for small hill) above Loch na Dal at Teange near Ferindonald, before arriving at Armadale bay with it's nearby attractions, village amenities and facilities. Beyond Armadale, a narrow road continues through Ardvaser village to the Aird, the end of the road and stunning viewpoint over the Sound to the mainland far to the south.