Broadford, Elgol, Sconser, Raasay

The Red Hills are extremely steep-sided, dome-shaped granite mountains which contrast sharply with the jagged Black Cuillin further north. Their scree-girt slopes give strenuous ascents but with the reward of superb views. Adjacent are Bla Bheinn and Garbh-bheinn, outliers of the Cuillin themselves. Rising splendidly from the shores of Loch Slapin, Bla Bheinn is regarded by many as Britain's most beautiful peak.

The limestone of Strathaird offers yet another landscape, greener and more fertile than much of Skye and decorated with caves and rock pavements. There are some fascinating coastal walks here and all round the Elgol peninsula.