Kylerhea

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Take a peek at Kylerhea

This is one of the best places in Britain to spot otters and other marine mammals. The sheltered hide is easy to get to, along a short, interesting trail. Inside you'll find fascinating facts about otters, dolphins, sharks and more.

If you're visiting this area download the full Kyleakin and Kinloch Hills leaflet. The Isle of Skye leaflet gives an overview of all the trails on Skye, and if you're thinking of crossing the water to Raasay, the Isle of Raasay leaflet will help you plan your day.

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Facilities

The car park, hide and fully-accessible toilets are open all year. The toilets are on the way to the hide, about ¼ mile (400 metres) from the car park.

Access from the car park is along a sloping gravel path which some wheelchair users may find difficult. There's alternative parking close to the hide: for information and access to this car park please call us on 0300 067 6100 (out of office hours call 07887 626914 / 07887 626054).

Grab a cuppa

The nearest place for a cup of tea is Broadford on Skye, 10½ miles (16.8 km) away, or Glenelg on the mainland (you'll need to take the summer ferry from Kylerhea to Glenelg).

Walking trails

Marine Mammal Trail

A short walk along the shore to a viewing hide overlooking Kyle Rhea, one of the best places in Britain for spotting otters.

Wide, firm gravel surface throughout, with uneven and occasionally muddy sections. Includes some short fairly steep slopes.

1 ¼ miles /
2.1 km
Allow
¾ hour

More information...

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Most people visit the hide hoping to see an elusive otter in the wild – and many patient and lucky people do! But there's also a good chance of seeing some of Skye's other amazing wild creatures – from seals and porpoises to Britain's largest bird of prey, the white-tailed sea eagle.

Cycling trails

Mountain biking trails

All sorts of mammals have swum in the sea around Kylerhea – including cows! Kylerhea was once an important crossing for drovers taking cattle to mainland markets. Today it's a peaceful place where you can test your knowledge on the marine mammal trail and enjoy stunning views across to Glenelg.

Contact: Inverness, Ross and Skye Forest District

Address: Tower Road, Smithton, Inverness

Postcode: IV2 7NL

Telephone: 0300 067 6100

Email: invernessrossskye@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

How to get here

From the Skye Bridge take the A87 east for 3 miles (4.8 km) and turn left along a steep and winding unclassified road to Kylerhea. After about 6½ miles (7.4 km) and just before Kylerhea, turn left on a small track to reach the car park at grid reference NG 786 211.

Using SatNav?

IV42 8NH is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

A summer ferry runs between Kylerhea and Glenelg on the mainland and is a great way to approach the forest. The car park is ½ mile (800 metres) from the slipway on the right.

The nearest bus stop is in Glenelg on the mainland, about 2 miles (3.2 km) from the Glenelg ferry terminal. You'll find timetable details at Traveline Scotland.

Nearby places

This corner of Skye has many more outdoor things to do. There's coastal scenery and an abandoned village to explore in Kinloch, and trails with impressive hilltop views at Kyleakin. There are other absorbing forest trails in Broadford, Glen Brittle and on the isle of Raasay.