On the subject of locations in Scotland that everybody desires of visiting, there are just a few that instantly come to thoughts; you’ve got positively heard of the capital metropolis of Edinburgh, the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands, and possibly the mysterious lake of Loch Ness. And, in more moderen years, the magical Isle of Skye has additionally develop into a must-visit a part of Scotland.
And that is truthful; Skye is totally beautiful, and is the type of place that may completely make you consider in issues like fairies.
I will always remember the primary time I visited the Isle of Skye, pulling round a bend in a slim highway to be met with a view of the Outdated Man of Storr standing like a sentinel on the horizon with a background of wispy cloud. I can nonetheless image it now, all these years (and several other extra visits to Skye) later.
I’ve now been to the Isle of Skye not one, not two, however 4 separate occasions. And whereas the island positively has gotten extra in style since I first was there in 2013, it is nonetheless certainly one of my favourite elements of Scotland.
What’s the Isle of Skye?
As its title suggests, the Isle of Skye is without doubt one of the Scottish isles (islands). It is a part of the Interior Hebrides archipelago, and is without doubt one of the bigger islands in Scotland.
The title “Skye” comes from the outdated Norse for “cloud island” or “misty isle,” reflecting Scotland’s Viking previous (and Skye’s always-changeable climate), whereas its title in Scottish Gaelic is An t-Eilean Sgitheanach, or “the winged island” as a result of its wing form.
The island, like the remainder of Scotland, has an extended and diverse historical past. It was initially inhabited by individuals from Celtic tribes just like the Picts and the Gaels, adopted by the Vikings. It was additionally residence to some massive Highland clans for hundreds of years, till post-Jacobite rising legal guidelines disbanded the clans and relocated many Highlanders to different elements of Scotland, the UK, and past.
The island’s web site actually describes Skye greatest: “A spot the place time means nothing, and beneath each footstep lies 500 million years of historical past.”
Why go to Skye?
Skye is without doubt one of the hottest elements of Scotland to go to. And its reputation is justified.
Skye has (in my view) among the greatest surroundings in all of Scotland – and I’ve seen quite a lot of it. The Cuillin Hills stand up in the midst of the island, surrounded by heather-covered moors that lead right down to sea cliffs and rocky seashores.
This wild, rugged sort of pure magnificence is what individuals come to Scotland to see, and Skye doesn’t disappoint.
How one can get to the Isle of Skye
Not like among the different well-known Scottish isles that require a ferry experience to achieve, you may truly drive to the Isle of Skye! The island is hooked up to mainland Scotland by the Skye Bridge, which carries the A87 over the ocean to the village of Kyleakin on Skye.
(You can too take a ferry to Skye from Mallaig to Armadale, which is a stunning crossing that may accommodate vehicles. However you do not HAVE to.)
To succeed in Skye by automotive, it takes roughly 2 hours from Inverness, 3 hours from Oban, 4 hours from Glasgow, and 4.5-5 hours from Edinburgh. You can too journey round Scotland by practice and bus, nevertheless there are not any practice connections to Skye. If you wish to go by bus, Citylink is an effective possibility for getting TO Skye, and Stagecoach is the principle bus firm ON Skye.
(However having your personal automotive is unquestionably the best way to go on the Isle of Skye, because it means you may get in every single place you wish to go, and alter your plans on the fly as a result of climate if you could.)
Have to discover a rental automotive in Scotland? I exploit Auto Europe to check costs and ebook rental vehicles within the UK and Europe.
19 issues to do on the Isle of Skye
Listed here are all of the distinctive issues you are able to do on the Isle of Skye, primarily based by myself 4 journeys there!
(These are roughly organized so as, going counterclockwise across the Isle of Skye.)
1. See Eas a’ Bhradain waterfall
One of many first main sights value stopping to see after you cross over the Skye Bridge is the Eas a’ Bhradain waterfall, off to the left hand aspect of the A87 freeway. There is a parking space on the suitable hand aspect of the highway simply previous the waterfall (labeled because the Eas a ‘Bhradain Automobile Park on Google Maps, which has a terrific view itself), and from right here you may stroll again to the waterfall – although do watch out as you cross the highway.
There is a tough path down a hill that may allow you to get nearer to the falls – however positively be ready for many slippery and probably deep mud if you happen to choose to do that.
2. Go to with Hectors Highland Coos
As you proceed on alongside the A87, you’ll cross a farm simply earlier than the Isle of Skye Golf Membership in Sconser the place you *may* be capable to pull over and go to with some highland cows. Hectors Highland Coos is residence to highland cows in quite a lot of colours, they usually usually hang around close to the fence near the highway.
For those who do cease, simply make sure you pull off the highway safely; do not block any site visitors!
3. See Sligachan Outdated Bridge
Not a lot additional, you are going to cross an exquisite outdated stone bridge with improbable views of the Black Cuillin Mountains within the background. That is the Sligachan Outdated Bridge, which was once the principle method to cross this a part of the River Sligachan.
There is a legend that goes together with this bridge that claims the mountain-fed waters that run beneath it are enchanted by fairies (this may develop into a development you may discover as you journey round Skye!). It is stated that if you happen to maintain your face within the water for a full seven seconds, you may be granted everlasting magnificence.
There is a carpark simply earlier than the bridge, otherwise you may be capable to park at Seumas’ Bar subsequent to the Sligachan Resort, as long as you intend to cease in for a chew or a pint earlier than or after you go to the bridge. You can too see the Collie and MacKenzie Statue close by, and discover a climbing path that heads towards the mountains if you wish to stretch your legs.
4. Have a tasting at Talisker Distillery
Scotland is legendary worldwide for its whisky, and you may go to the oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye on the shore of Loch Harport not removed from Sligachan. Talisker Distillery dates again to 1830, when it was began by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill after they leased the land from Clan MacLeod.
If you have not visited a Scottish distillery earlier than, then taking a tour at Talisker to study in regards to the whisky-making course of is a good suggestion. For those who’re already a whisky connoisseur (perhaps you’ve got already visited Islay or traveled the Malt Whisky Trail), Talisker additionally provides two completely different guided tasting experiences, together with one the place you draw whisky straight from getting older casks. (Booking ahead is advised.)
PRO TIP: Scotland has actually strict drink driving legal guidelines; principally one dram of whisky is an excessive amount of. For those who’re driving, allow them to know earlier than your distillery tour, and likelihood is they’re going to be capable to provide you with your tastings in take-away “driver’s drams” you may take with you to get pleasure from later.
5. Hike to the Fairy Swimming pools
One of the crucial in style locations to go to on the Isle of Skye is the Fairy Swimming pools. This website within the southern a part of Skye consists of a collection of shallow swimming pools and small waterfalls fashioned because the River Brittle flows down from the Black Cuillin mountains.
A go to to the Fairy Swimming pools requires a little bit of climbing from a devoted parking space (that prices £6 to park at); it is roughly 1 mile from the parking space to the “greatest” sections of waterfalls, and the entire hike is about 2.5 miles roundtrip. The stroll out to the Fairy Swimming pools could be very barely uphill on a gravel path alongside the River Brittle, after which it is downhill on the best way again – besides the final portion of the path again to the car parking zone, which could be very steeply uphill.
You have maybe seen photographs of individuals swimming in shallow turquoise swimming pools right here, however I would let you know to mood your expectations a bit; the swimming pools are solely turquoise-looking on the sunniest, blue-sky days. BUT, the location continues to be extremely lovely and definitely magical feeling.
The Fairy Swimming pools are extraordinarily in style, and you may positively rely on individuals in swimsuits showing within the background of any photographs you’re taking of the swimming pools. My tip could be to go later within the day, when it is simpler to seek out parking and fewer crowded (we went simply earlier than dinnertime on my most up-to-date journey and it wasn’t too dangerous).
The climate on Skye can change very abruptly, so even when it is sunny once you begin this hike, I might suggest nonetheless packing a raincoat, simply in case.
6. Discover the city of Portree
Portree (Port Righ in Gaelic) is the “capital” of the Isle of Skye. It is the biggest city on the island and makes base for exploring the Trotternish Peninsula (the most well-liked a part of Skye). It additionally has a stunning harbor with colourful buildings and a few improbable seafood eating places. (Even the takeaway fish and chips store is superb.)
Portree is a reasonably small city, however just a few issues you are able to do there embrace:
- Store on the Isle of Skye Candle Firm simply outdoors of city (they’re locally-owned and make some enjoyable Scotland-inspired scents).
- Strive shortbread from MacKenzie’s Bakery on Portree Sq..
- Stroll up “The Lump,” a hill overlooking the harbor the place you may discover an outdated watchtower and a few unbelievable views on a transparent day.
PRO TIP: Parking in Portree is restricted. You may be capable to discover a spot in Portree Sq., however your greatest wager is to go down the hill and park on the massive Portree Automobile Park. Each choices are paid; the bigger car parking zone is cheaper, and is walkable (up some hills, thoughts you) to all of Portree.
7. See Bride’s Veil Waterfall
We will deviate off the A87 now and head up the A855, which circles the Trotternish Peninsula. You may cross Loch Fada (which on a peaceful morning can mirror the Outdated Man of Storr extremely nicely), after which it’s possible you’ll wish to cease at one other roadside waterfall: Bride’s Veil Falls.
There is a small automotive park simply off the highway, and if you happen to climb by the boggy grass alongside the waterfall to the highest, you may have a improbable view of the Outdated Man of Storr (waterproof boots are really useful right here). It is also imagined to be fortunate if you happen to drink from the falls.
8. See the Outdated Man of Storr
Talking of the Outdated Man of Storr, the Storr is an enormous slab of rock on the Trotternish Peninsula. At one finish of the slab, there is a lone, tall pillar of stone. That is the “Outdated Man.”
There are a bunch of various legends about this pillar of stone. One suggests it is the thumb of a large buried beneath the Storr. My favourite, although, is that of a little bit outdated man who used to stroll as much as the Storr continuously along with his spouse to look out on the ocean. After his spouse died, the outdated man walked as much as the Storr one final time and located himself wishing he might keep there perpetually as a result of it was the one place he might keep in mind his spouse and be comfortable. The mischievous fairy king heard the outdated man’s want and granted it, turning him to stone.
Whichever legend you want greatest, there isn’t any denying that this a part of Scotland feels magical.
There are a number of locations to park alongside the highway and in devoted small parking heaps with the intention to get a greater view of the Outdated Man of Storr, and there is additionally a well-liked climbing path right here if you wish to get nearer. (Simply be aware that even road parking carries a charge right here; it is £3 for as much as 3 hours.)
If you wish to hike, your complete hike as much as the Outdated Man is a little bit over 3 miles spherical journey, and does have some steep uphill parts (and may get muddy on the high). You can too hike simply a part of the best way and nonetheless get some cool views, although.
9. Stroll to Lealt Falls
The Outdated Man of Storr hike, just like the Fairy Swimming pools, can get fairly busy throughout the excessive season. If you would like to get a pleasant hike in on a barely less-busy path, head over to Lealt Falls.
There is a devoted parking space right here and a new-ish viewing platform that gives up glimpses of the higher and decrease sections of Lealt Falls. However you can too hike right down to the decrease part of the waterfall.
The hike (which is about .7 miles roundtrip) will take you on a gravel path down the aspect of a grassy cliff (with beautiful coastal views) to the place you may stroll proper as much as the waterfall. Simply be aware that though this hike is brief, it is powerful and steep in elements on the best way again up.
In the course of the summer time months, you can too normally discover a little bit espresso truck within the (free!) car parking zone right here.
10. Hike to Brothers Level
A much-less trafficked hike is the stroll out to Brothers Level, or Rubha nam Brathairean. This stroll is roughly 2.1 miles roundtrip, and takes you out to a fairly little peninsula with lovely views. (There are additionally some fossilized dinosaur tracks to identify alongside the coast if the tide is low sufficient.)
There is a small car parking zone for this hike simply off the A855 previous The Glenview resort (search for Brothers Level Parking on Google Maps). The hike begins down the driveway throughout the road, passes by a fence, after which traverses by some boggy land till you attain the rocky shoreline (waterproof footwear are a should for this one!).
Comply with indicators for Rubha nam Brathairean. You may stroll all the best way out to the plateau on the small peninsula if you need.
11. See Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
This subsequent website is a 2-for-1 deal, as you may see each Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls from the identical viewing space.
If there’s one style assertion that Scotland is understood for, it is the kilt. And this rock formation on the coast of the Isle of Skye seems to be ridiculously just like a pleated kilt. Kilt Rock is definitely a whole cliff of basalt columns that rises 90 meters (295 toes) out of the ocean.
The draw back to this website is that the car parking zone is a paid one, however you may most likely solely spend about quarter-hour right here to take some photographs.
12. Go to the Staffin Dinosaur Museum
Not removed from Kilt Rock, a unusual little spot to cease at is the Staffin Dinosaur Museum. It was based in 1976 by Dugald Ross to showcase among the proof of dinosaurs he is discovered on the Isle of Skye. You may see varied fossils, bones, and footprints, and perhaps even get to speak with Dugald about archaeology on Skye.
A go to right here simply prices a pair kilos, nevertheless it’s attention-grabbing sufficient to warrant a brief cease. (Simply be aware that it is solely open April-October.)
13. Get pleasure from views and a stroll on the Quiraing
If you close to the highest of the Trotternish Peninsula, there is a slim, almost one-lane highway that cuts throughout the peninsula. It is known as the Quiraing Highway, and it traverses by among the greatest landscapes on the Isle of Skye.
Make for the Quiraing Automobile Park (a brand new, massive paid car parking zone that did not exist on my first go to), and from there you may both simply benefit from the views out over the Quiraing space, or you may go for a stroll alongside a devoted climbing path.
The deep valleys and craggy cliffs on this a part of Skye have been fashioned due to nice landslips, and there are rock formations with names like The Needle and The Desk and The Jail. The Quiraing could be extremely windy and moist, nevertheless it was right here that I initially fell in love with Skye.
On my most up-to-date journey, it was wet and windy and fairly chilly (in July!), so I did lower than half an hour of the stroll right here. Your entire loop is about 4.3 miles lengthy and difficult in elements if you happen to do the entire thing, however you may get wonderful views even simply from the beginning of it.
14. Go to the Skye Museum of Island Life
The Skye Museum of Island Life offers guests a glance into what life was like on Skye 100 years in the past, by a collection of thatched crofters cottages set as much as look how they might have a century in the past.
Discover the completely different cottages from April-September, and maintain a watch out for the highland coos within the close by fields!
15. Hike to the Fairy Glen
Whereas the Quiraing is the place the place I first fell in love with the Isle of Skye, the Fairy Glen is probably my favourite place on the island. To succeed in it, you park in a small (paid) parking space (marked as Fairy Glen Parking) not removed from the city of Uig, after which observe a brief path into the “fairy glen” itself.
The Fairy Glen is understood for its bumpy hills and otherworldly really feel, with a excessive level at at rock formation generally known as “Citadel Ewan” for its resemblance to fortress ruins. The entire space was fashioned by a landslip, and additional formed by years of livestock traversing the little hills and valleys.
The glen is extremely inexperienced throughout the spring and summer time months, and the jaunty hills positively really feel like they may very well be residence to fairies. (The stone “fairy circle” under Citadel Ewan, nevertheless, is NOT a pure a part of the panorama right here, and is continuously eliminated by locals; please do not stack or prepare rocks or depart cash or items for the Fae right here.)
The stroll as much as the Fairy Glen could be steep and muddy in sections, nevertheless it’s a brief (lower than 20 minutes) stroll, and positively value seeing.
GOOD TO KNOW: Almost each main website on the Isle of Skye costs for parking in its personal car parking zone. And no, paying for parking at one website does not carry over to a different, even if you happen to do not use on a regular basis you paid for. (How do I do know? Some associates and I discovered this lesson the onerous manner, and had a parking ticket to indicate for it. Oops!)
16. Tour Dunvegan Citadel & Gardens
Situated on the northwestern aspect of Skye, Dunvegan Citadel is the oldest constantly inhabited fortress in Scotland. It was the seat of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for greater than 800 years, and in the present day is open to guests.
On show contained in the fortress are fantastically furnished rooms, art work, and clan treasures. One among these treasures is the Fairy Flag – a tattered banner that’s stated to have been given to the MacLeods by the fairies and that, when raised in battle, would all the time make sure the clan’s victory. You may additionally discover clothes gadgets worn by Flora MacDonald, and a lock of hair stated to have belonged to Bonnie Prince Charlie.
A self-guided tour by Dunvegan Castle additionally will get you entry to the acres of formal gardens, that are additionally extremely lovely (the Walled Backyard is my private favourite).
The fortress and gardens are open from Easter by mid-October, and MacLeod Tables Cafe close to the car parking zone is an honest spot to seize lunch.
17. Take a seal tour
For those who go to Dunvegan Citadel and have some additional time, the fortress additionally provides boat excursions out onto Loch Dunvegan to go to the native seal colony. These seal boat trips are brief (solely 25 minutes lengthy), however are a good way to see some distinctive wildlife.
18. Go to Neist Level
This spot is a bit out of the best way, all the best way on the far western tip of the Isle of Skye. To get there requires driving on some very slim (and a few may say harrowing) roads, however the views are very a lot well worth the drive.
There’s loads of (free!) parking close to this small peninsula, after which you may both observe a path down quite a lot of steps and out to the Neist Level Lighthouse, or stroll alongside the cliffs a bit to the suitable of the peninsula for the “well-known” views of this space.
No matter you do, simply put together for it to be tremendous windy right here!
19. Go to Armadale Citadel
In stark distinction to the seat of Clan MacLeod at Dunvegan Citadel, Armadale Citadel within the southwestern nook of the Isle of Skye is nothing however a former shell of the grand mansion it as soon as was. Armadale Citadel is the previous residence of Clan MacDonald and the Lord of the Isles. An amazing mansion was constructed right here within the 1790s, however was broken by hearth in 1855 and ultimately deserted within the Twenties.
The gardens at Armadale are nonetheless maintained by the Clan Donald Skye Centre, nevertheless, which additionally operates the Museum of the Isles right here. The museum traces the historical past of Skye and the Highlands from the Vikings by the Jacobite risings to the current day. There’s loads to learn, nevertheless it’s a complete have a look at the historical past of this a part of Scotland.
(For those who plan to take the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, this can be a great spot to go to earlier than you sail. In any other case it is sort of out of the best way from all the opposite websites on this record.)
Isle of Skye map
This is a map of all of the websites listed on this put up! Click on on every pinpoint to see the title of the location.
To save lots of this map to make use of later, click on on the star ⭑ subsequent to the map’s title when logged in to your Google account. To make use of it, open Google Maps in your telephone, click on “Saved,” then click on “Maps.”
How lengthy to remain on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is greater than many individuals assume – you may’t see all of it in simply someday! I like to recommend at the least 2 days on Skye, however 3 days is even higher if you wish to do any climbing or enable for any flexibility for less-than-ideal climate.
You may see every part on my record with 2-3 days on the Isle of Skye.
The place to remain on the Isle of Skye
Whereas there are different choices on Skye, I like to recommend staying in Portree and exploring from there. It makes base each for its location, and since it has every part you want together with eating places and a grocery retailer.
My picks for the place to remain in Portree embrace:
- The Caledonian Hotel – This charming resort proper in downtown Portree features a free Scottish breakfast with each keep, and even has its personal parking.
- Marmalade Hotel – This modern boutique resort in a garden-like setting provides up good views of Portree and the Cuillins.
- Cuillin Hills Hotel – If it is luxurious you are in search of, this resort with its nice harbor views must be on the high of your record. (It is also the top-rated resort in Portree.)
- Portree Hotel – A superb mid-range possibility situated proper on the principle sq. within the middle of city.
- Bracken Hide – If you wish to keep at a novel property a little bit additional outdoors of city, Bracken Cover provides lodging in cozy rounded cabins with all of the facilities you want. (In addition they have a really good restaurant and bar.)
Greatest time to go to the Isle of Skye
You may go to Skye year-round (the Skye Bridge makes it straightforward to achieve, irrespective of the season), however you may have famous above that some sights and museums are solely open from April-September or October.
The most well-liked months to go to the Isle of Skye are July and August, so if you wish to keep away from the busiest occasions, plan your journey for Could-early June, or in September. (However even a go to throughout the busiest months could be beautiful; simply put together for tremendous in style websites just like the Fairy Swimming pools, Outdated Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and so on. to be busy throughout the center a part of the day.)
Isle of Skye excursions
As a way to do the entire issues on this record, you may must have a automotive to drive your self round Skye. I notice that not everybody feels snug driving in Scotland, nevertheless. So there are additionally some tour choices (although be aware that you simply positively will not go to each spot on this record on most excursions!).
Some good Isle of Skye tour choices embrace:
What to pack for the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is not generally known as the “Misty Isle” for nothing. You would very nicely come to Skye and get sunburnt (it is occurred to me!), otherwise you is likely to be confronted with low clouds and drizzle for days (it is also occurred to me!). It is essential, then, to pack for all Scottish climate eventualities.
Layers are a should. Summer season temperatures normally high out within the 60s (F) (although I’ve been on Skye when it acquired up into the 70s and felt hotter with the solar!), and are typically cooler at night time. A superb pair of waterproof footwear and rain gear are additionally really useful – together with that sunscreen!
Just a few belongings you positively must deliver embrace:
- Clothes you may layer (I am a fan of Unbound Merino for base layers)
- Waterproof footwear (climbing boots really useful for hikes, particularly those that may get muddy)
- A superb raincoat (I like this Columbia one)
- Rain pants you may rapidly pull on over no matter else you are carrying
- A light-weight hat and gloves (sure, even in the summertime!)
- Sunscreen and sun shades, in case you run into days like those in a few of my photographs
- A day pack for climbing, sightseeing, or procuring
- A reusable water bottle (faucet water is protected to drink in Scotland)
You may also wish to examine these different Scottish isles:
Who’s prepared to go to the Isle of Skye?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 international locations on 6 continents from her residence base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s truly traveled!
