Kylerhea

The perfect place for a bit of otter-spotting

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.

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.

Walking trails

Kylerhea route card (PDF)

Walking

Marine Mammal Trail

A short walk above 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

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.

Facilities and access

Toilets

Walking

Parking (charge)

Easy-access facilities

Wildlife hide

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 seasonal ferry from Kylerhea to Glenelg).

The toilets here are now closed for the winter until April 2024, but the hide will remain open year-round.

Car parking information

The charges to park at Kylerhea are:

• £2 for up to 1 hour
• £3 for up to 3 hours
• £4 for all day – car (up to 7 seats)
• £12 per minibus or coach all day

Payment can be made using RingGo.

Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our local forest list without the £ symbol. 

Annual parking pass available:

Available in advance by downloading the relevant application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions before applying.

More parking info

Getting 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.

Using SatNav?

IV42 8NH is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

A seasonal 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.

Get directions