In the case of locations in Scotland that everybody desires of visiting, there are just a few that instantly come to thoughts; you have positively heard of the capital metropolis of Edinburgh, the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands, and doubtless the mysterious lake of Loch Ness. And, in more moderen years, the magical Isle of Skye has additionally change into a must-visit a part of Scotland.
And that is truthful; Skye is totally beautiful, and is the kind of place that may completely make you imagine in issues like fairies.
I will always remember the primary time I visited the Isle of Skye, pulling round a bend in a slender street to be met with a view of the Outdated Man of Storr standing like a sentinel on the horizon with a background of wispy cloud.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 considered one of my favourite components of Scotland.
What’s the Isle of Skye?
As its identify suggests, the Isle of Skye is among the Scottish isles (islands). It is a part of the Inside Hebrides archipelago, and is among the bigger islands in Scotland.
The identify “Skye” comes from the outdated Norse for “cloud island” or “misty isle,” reflecting Scotland’s Viking previous (and Skye’s always-changeable climate), whereas its identify in Scottish Gaelic is An t-Eilean Sgitheanach, or “the winged island” attributable to its wing form.
The island, like the remainder of Scotland, has an extended and different historical past. It was initially inhabited by folks from Celtic tribes just like the Picts and the Gaels, adopted by the Vikings. It was additionally dwelling to some giant Highland clans for hundreds of years, till post-Jacobite rising legal guidelines disbanded the clans and relocated many Highlanders to different components 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 among the hottest components of Scotland to go to. And its reputation is justified.
Skye has (for my part) among the greatest surroundings in all of Scotland – and I’ve seen a whole lot of it. The Cuillin Hills stand up in the course of the island, surrounded by heather-covered moors that lead right down to sea cliffs and rocky seashores.
This wild, rugged kind of pure magnificence is what folks come to Scotland to see, and Skye doesn’t disappoint.
Find out how to get to the Isle of Skye
Not like among the different well-known Scottish isles that require a ferry journey to achieve, you possibly can 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 beautiful crossing that may accommodate automobiles. However you do not HAVE to.)
To achieve 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 prepare and bus, nonetheless there aren’t any prepare connections to Skye. If you wish to go by bus, Citylink is an efficient possibility for getting TO Skye, and Stagecoach is the primary bus firm ON Skye.
(However having your individual automotive is certainly the best way to go on the Isle of Skye, because it means you will get all over the place you wish to go, and alter your plans on the fly attributable to climate if you have to.)
Have to discover a rental automotive in Scotland? I take advantage of Auto Europe to check costs and e-book rental automobiles within the UK and Europe.
19 issues to do on the Isle of Skye
Listed below are all of the distinctive issues you are able to do on the Isle of Skye, based mostly 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 price stopping to see after you cross over the Skye Bridge is the Eas a’ Bhradain waterfall, off to the left hand facet of the A87 freeway. There is a parking space on the appropriate hand facet of the street simply previous the waterfall (labeled because the Eas a ‘Bhradain Automotive Park on Google Maps, which has a fantastic view itself), and from right here you possibly can stroll again to the waterfall – although do watch out as you cross the street.
There is a tough path down a hill that may allow you to get nearer to the falls – however positively be ready for plenty of slippery and presumably deep mud for those who decide 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 dwelling to highland cows in quite a lot of colours, and so they usually hang around close to the fence near the street.
When you do cease, simply be sure you pull off the street safely; do not block any site visitors!
3. See Sligachan Outdated Bridge
Not a lot additional, you are going to cross an attractive outdated stone bridge with unbelievable views of the Black Cuillin Mountains within the background. That is the Sligachan Outdated Bridge, which was the primary approach 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 (it will change into a pattern you may discover as you journey round Skye!). It is stated that for those who 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 mountaineering 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’ll 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 be taught concerning the whisky-making course of is a good suggestion. When you’re already a whisky connoisseur (possibly you have already visited Islay or traveled the Malt Whisky Trail), Talisker additionally affords 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. When you’re driving, allow them to know earlier than your distillery tour, and likelihood is they’re going to be capable to offer you your tastings in take-away “driver’s drams” you possibly can take with you to take pleasure in later.
5. Hike to the Fairy Swimming pools
Some of the 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 sequence of shallow swimming pools and small waterfalls shaped because the River Brittle flows down from the Black Cuillin mountains.
A go to to the Fairy Swimming pools requires a little bit of mountaineering 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 may 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 parking zone, which may be very steeply uphill.
You’ve got maybe seen pictures of individuals swimming in shallow turquoise swimming pools right here, however I might inform you to mood your expectations a bit; the swimming pools are solely turquoise-looking on the sunniest, blue-sky days. BUT, the positioning continues to be extremely stunning and definitely magical feeling.
The Fairy Swimming pools are extraordinarily in style, and you’ll positively depend on folks in swimsuits showing within the background of any pictures you are taking of the swimming pools. My tip can 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 unhealthy).
The climate on Skye can change very abruptly, so even when it is sunny while you begin this hike, I might advocate 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 most important city on the island and makes base for exploring the Trotternish Peninsula (the most well-liked a part of Skye). It additionally has a beautiful harbor with colourful buildings and a few unbelievable 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 embody:
- Store on the Isle of Skye Candle Firm simply outdoors of city (they’re locally-owned and make some enjoyable Scotland-inspired scents).
- Attempt 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 guess is to go down the hill and park on the giant Portree Automotive Park. Each choices are paid; the bigger 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 will cross Loch Fada (which on a relaxed morning can mirror the Outdated Man of Storr extremely properly), after which chances are you’ll wish to cease at one other roadside waterfall: Bride’s Veil Falls.
There is a small automotive park simply off the street, and for those who climb via the boggy grass alongside the waterfall to the highest, you may have a unbelievable view of the Outdated Man of Storr (waterproof boots are advisable right here). It is also imagined to be fortunate for those who 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 an enormous buried beneath the Storr. My favourite, although, is that of just a little outdated man who used to stroll as much as the Storr ceaselessly together 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 endlessly as a result of it was the one place he might keep in mind his spouse and be completely happy. The mischievous fairy king heard the outdated man’s want and granted it, turning him to stone.
Whichever legend you want greatest, there is no denying that this a part of Scotland feels magical.
There are a number of locations to park alongside the street and in devoted small parking heaps as a way to get a greater view of the Outdated Man of Storr, and there is additionally a preferred mountaineering path right here if you wish to get nearer. (Simply word that even avenue parking carries a price 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 just a little 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 in the course of 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 too can 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 facet of a grassy cliff (with beautiful coastal views) to the place you possibly can stroll proper as much as the waterfall. Simply word that regardless that this hike is brief, it is robust and steep in components on the best way again up.
Through the summer time months, you too can normally discover just a little espresso truck within the (free!) 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 stunning views. (There are additionally some fossilized dinosaur tracks to identify alongside the coast if the tide is low sufficient.)
There is a small 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 via a fence, after which traverses via some boggy land till you attain the rocky shoreline (waterproof footwear are a should for this one!).
Observe indicators for Rubha nam Brathairean. You possibly can stroll all the best way out to the plateau on the small peninsula if you’d like.
11. See Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
This subsequent website is a 2-for-1 deal, as you possibly can see each Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls from the identical viewing space.
If there’s one style assertion that Scotland is thought for, it is the kilt. And this rock formation on the coast of the Isle of Skye appears ridiculously just like a pleated kilt. Kilt Rock is definitely a whole cliff of basalt columns that rises 90 meters (295 ft) out of the ocean.
The draw back to this website is that the parking zone is a paid one, however you may most likely solely spend about quarter-hour right here to take some pictures.
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 possibly can see varied fossils, bones, and footprints, and possibly even get to talk with Dugald about archaeology on Skye.
A go to right here simply prices a pair kilos, nevertheless it’s fascinating sufficient to warrant a brief cease. (Simply word that it is solely open April-October.)
13. Get pleasure from views and a stroll on the Quiraing
Whenever you close to the highest of the Trotternish Peninsula, there is a slender, practically one-lane street that cuts throughout the peninsula. It is known as the Quiraing Street, and it traverses via among the greatest landscapes on the Isle of Skye.
Make for the Quiraing Automotive Park (a brand new, giant paid parking zone that did not exist on my first go to), and from there you possibly can both simply benefit from the views out over the Quiraing space, or you possibly can go for a stroll alongside a devoted mountaineering path.
The deep valleys and craggy cliffs on this a part of Skye had been shaped because of nice landslips, and there are rock formations with names like The Needle and The Desk and The Jail. The Quiraing will 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 reasonably chilly (in July!), so I did lower than half an hour of the stroll right here. Your complete loop is about 4.3 miles lengthy and difficult in components for those who do the entire thing, however you will get glorious views even simply from the beginning of it.
14. Go to the Skye Museum of Island Life
The Skye Museum of Island Life provides guests a glance into what life was like on Skye 100 years in the past, via a sequence 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 preserve an eye fixed 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 achieve it, you park in a small (paid) parking space (marked as Fairy Glen Parking) not removed from the city of Uig, after which comply with a brief path into the “fairy glen” itself.
The Fairy Glen is thought for its bumpy hills and otherworldly really feel, with a excessive level at at rock formation referred to as “Citadel Ewan” for its resemblance to fortress ruins. The entire space was shaped by a landslip, and additional formed by years of livestock traversing the little hills and valleys.
The glen is extremely inexperienced in the course of the spring and summer time months, and the jaunty hills positively really feel like they might be dwelling to fairies. (The stone “fairy circle” under Citadel Ewan, nonetheless, is NOT a pure a part of the panorama right here, and is ceaselessly eliminated by locals; please do not stack or prepare rocks or depart cash or presents for the Fae right here.)
The stroll as much as the Fairy Glen will be steep and muddy in sections, nevertheless it’s a brief (lower than 20 minutes) stroll, and positively price seeing.
GOOD TO KNOW: Practically each main website on the Isle of Skye expenses for parking in its personal parking zone. And no, paying for parking at one website would not carry over to a different, even for those who do not use on a regular basis you paid for. (How do I do know? Some pals and I realized this lesson the onerous method, and had a parking ticket to point out for it. Oops!)
16. Tour Dunvegan Citadel & Gardens
Situated on the northwestern facet 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 at this time is open to guests.
On show contained in the fortress are fantastically furnished rooms, paintings, 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 will additionally discover clothes objects worn by Flora MacDonald, and a lock of hair stated to have belonged to Bonnie Prince Charlie.
A self-guided tour via Dunvegan Castle additionally will get you entry to the acres of formal gardens, that are additionally extremely stunning (the Walled Backyard is my private favourite).
The fortress and gardens are open from Easter via mid-October, and MacLeod Tables Cafe close to the parking zone is a good spot to seize lunch.
17. Take a seal tour
When you go to Dunvegan Citadel and have some additional time, the fortress additionally affords 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 an effective 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 slender (and a few may say harrowing) roads, however the views are very a lot definitely worth the drive.
There’s loads of (free!) parking close to this small peninsula, after which you possibly can both comply with a path down a whole lot of steps and out to the Neist Level Lighthouse, or stroll alongside the cliffs a bit to the appropriate 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 dwelling of Clan MacDonald and the Lord of the Isles. An awesome 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, nonetheless, which additionally operates the Museum of the Isles right here. The museum traces the historical past of Skye and the Highlands from the Vikings via 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.
(When you plan to take the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, this can be a great place 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 checklist.)
Isle of Skye map
Here is a map of all of the websites listed on this put up! Click on on every pinpoint to see the identify of the positioning.
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 cellphone, click on “Saved,” then click on “Maps.”
How lengthy to remain on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is larger than many individuals suppose – you possibly can’t see all of it in simply sooner or later! I like to recommend at the very least 2 days on Skye, however 3 days is even higher if you wish to do any mountaineering or permit for any flexibility for less-than-ideal climate.
You possibly can see every little thing on my checklist 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 little thing you want together with eating places and a grocery retailer.
My picks for the place to remain in Portree embody:
- 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 affords up good views of Portree and the Cuillins.
- Cuillin Hills Hotel – If it is luxurious you are searching for, this resort with its nice harbor views ought to be on the high of your checklist. (It is also the top-rated resort in Portree.)
- Portree Hotel – A very good mid-range possibility positioned proper on the primary sq. within the middle of city.
- Bracken Hide – If you wish to keep at a novel property just a little additional outdoors of city, Bracken Disguise affords lodging in cozy rounded cabins with all of the facilities you want. (In addition they have a really good restaurant and bar.)
Finest time to go to the Isle of Skye
You possibly can go to Skye year-round (the Skye Bridge makes it straightforward to achieve, regardless of the season), however you may have famous above that some sights and museums are solely open from April-September or October.
The preferred 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 Might-early June, or in September. (However even a go to in the course of the busiest months will be beautiful; simply put together for tremendous in style websites just like the Fairy Swimming pools, Outdated Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and many others. to be busy in the course of the center a part of the day.)
What to pack for the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is not referred to as the “Misty Isle” for nothing. You might very properly come to Skye and get sunburnt (it is occurred to me!), otherwise you is perhaps confronted with low clouds and drizzle for days (it is also occurred to me!). It is necessary, 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 obtained up into the 70s and felt hotter with the solar!), and are usually cooler at night time. A very good pair of waterproof footwear and rain gear are additionally advisable – together with that sunscreen!
A couple of stuff you positively must carry embody:
- Clothes you possibly can layer (I am a fan of Unbound Merino for base layers)
- Waterproof footwear (mountaineering boots advisable for hikes, particularly those that may get muddy)
- A very good raincoat (I like this Columbia one)
- Rain pants you possibly can rapidly pull on over no matter else you are sporting
- 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 pictures
- A day pack for mountaineering, sightseeing, or procuring
- A reusable water bottle (faucet water is protected to drink in Scotland)
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 nations on 6 continents from her dwelling base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey via the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas based mostly on her private experiences and locations she’s truly traveled!
