The Isle of Skye has turn out to be a must-visit spot in Scotland for many vacationers; it is proper up there as of late with the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and Loch Ness within the Highlands by way of locations folks wish to see.
And I completely perceive this! The Isle of Skye is completely beautiful, with its dramatic hills and cliffs, cascading waterfalls, quaint villages, and rugged pure magnificence that can have you ever believing that possibly issues like fairies do exist.
I’ve visited the Isle of Skye 4 separate instances within the final decade (what can I say? it is one among my favourite components of Scotland!), and may guarantee you that it is very a lot price including to any Scotland itinerary.
BUT, with how widespread Skye has turn out to be in recent times, it is vital to plan forward for any go to so you are not disenchanted. That is the place this Isle of Skye itinerary will turn out to be useful!
What and the place is the Isle of Skye?
In case you are not acquainted with Skye, let me provide you with a quick introduction first.
As its identify suggests, the Isle of Skye is among the Scottish isles (islands). It is a part of the Internal Hebrides archipelago, and is positioned off the northwest coast of Scotland.
The up to date identify of “Skye” comes from the previous 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.
Skye has (in my view) a few of the finest surroundings in all of Scotland – and I’ve seen numerous 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.
Easy methods to get to the Isle of Skye
In contrast to a few of the different well-known Scottish isles that require a ferry journey to succeed in, you possibly can really drive to the Isle of Skye! The island is connected to mainland Scotland by the Skye Bridge, which carries the A87 over the ocean to the village of Kyleakin on Skye.
(You can even take a ferry to Skye from Mallaig to Armadale, which is a stunning crossing that may accommodate automobiles. 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 even 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 choice for getting TO Skye, and Stagecoach is the primary bus firm ON Skye.
(However having your personal automotive is unquestionably the way in which to go on the Isle of Skye, because it means you may get in all places you wish to go, and alter your plans on the fly attributable to climate if it is advisable to.)
PRO TIP: Have to discover a rental automotive in Scotland? I take advantage of Auto Europe to check costs and ebook rental automobiles within the UK and Europe.
How lengthy do you want on the Isle of Skye?
Skye, being one of many larger islands in Scotland, is just not a vacation spot I like to recommend attempting to cram into simply at some point. You CAN see a few of the highlights in simply at some point if that is all you may have (and there are even some day trips to help you do it), however I would not advocate it.
If you are going to drive all the way in which there, I actually assume you want not less than 3 nights and a pair of full days to totally respect all the things the Isle of Skye has to supply.
Therefore why that is going to be a 2-day Isle of Skye itinerary!
2 days on Isle of Skye itinerary
Observe: I am planning this itinerary assuming you may be spending 3 nights on the Isle of Skye, supplying you with 2 full days to discover the island. Which means you may must arrive the night earlier than this itinerary begins.
If you’re heading to Skye earlier within the day, I like to recommend a stp at Eilean Donan Fortress on the mainland earlier than crossing the Skye Bridge, after which stopping to see the Eas a’ Bhradain waterfall in your approach to Portree.
In Portree this night, take a while to discover. If the climate is good, take a brief stroll as much as The Lump for some glorious Portree views.
Now, onto the complete Skye itinerary!
Day 1: Japanese Skye
Right this moment you are going to deal with the japanese aspect of the island. Highlights will embrace the Fairy Swimming pools, Talisker Distillery, Dunvegan Fortress, and Neist Level Lighthouse.
After grabbing breakfast at your resort or in Portree (the Birch Cafe and Cafe Arriba are each good breakfast choices), it is time to hit the street in your first day of journey! The sooner you may get began right now, the higher.
1. Sligachan Previous Bridge
Drive time from Portree: quarter-hour
Make your first cease on the Sligachan Previous Bridge, simply off the A87. This bridge was once the primary approach to cross the River Sligachan, and makes for an awesome photograph cease with the Black Cuillin Mountains within the background.
This bridge is a part of a neighborhood legend that claims the mountain-fed waters that run beneath it are enchanted by fairies (this may turn out to be a development you may discover as you journey round Skye!). Based on the legend, in the event you maintain your face within the water for a full seven seconds, you may be granted everlasting magnificence.
You can even see the Collie and MacKenzie Statue close by, and discover a mountaineering path that heads towards the mountains – although your subsequent cease will embrace a hike, so I like to recommend simply stopping right here for photographs.
2. Fairy Swimming pools hike
Drive time from Sligachan Bridge: 25 minutes
The explanation I counsel getting an early begin and simply making a fast photograph cease on the Sligachan Bridge is so you may get to the Fairy Swimming pools early sufficient within the morning to beat the crowds. The Fairy Swimming pools are a collection of small waterfalls and shallow swimming pools shaped because the River Brittle flows down from the Black Cuillin mountains, and mountaineering to them is among the hottest issues to do on the Isle of Skye.
There is a devoted parking space on the Fairy Swimming pools that does value £6 to park at (be ready for this throughout Skye!), after which it is roughly a 1 mile stroll from the parking space to the “finest” sections of waterfalls. You possibly can stroll up the river so far as you need, however most individuals will hike about 2.5 miles round-trip.
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 way in which again – besides the final portion of the path again to the car parking zone, which could be very steeply uphill.
You’ve got 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 positioning remains to be extremely lovely and positively magical feeling, whatever the climate.
(Talking of the climate, on Skye it might change very abruptly. So even when it is sunny whenever you begin this hike, I might advocate nonetheless packing a raincoat, simply in case. Equally, even when it is raining whenever you begin the hike, there’s an opportunity the climate will change.)
3. Talisker Distillery tour
Drive time from the Fairy Swimming pools: quarter-hour
After your go to to the Fairy Swimming pools, take a break from the outside on the oldest whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye. Talisker Distillery dates again to 1830, when it was began by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill on the shore of Loch Harport.
If you have not visited a Scottish distillery earlier than, then taking a tour at Talisker to study concerning the whisky-making course of is price doing. The 1-hour distillery tour right here contains 3 dram tastings of Talisker single malts.
Or, in the event you’re already a whisky connoisseur (possibly you have already visited Islay or traveled the Malt Whisky Trail), Talisker additionally affords two totally different guided tasting experiences, together with one the place you draw whisky straight from getting older casks.
Whichever tour you are taken with, booking ahead is advised.
PRO TIP: Scotland has actually strict drink driving legal guidelines; mainly one dram of whisky is an excessive amount of. In the event you’re driving, allow them to know earlier than your distillery tour, and chances are high they will have the ability to provide you with your tastings in take-away “driver’s drams” you possibly can take with you to get pleasure from later.
4. Lunch
It is lunchtime subsequent, and I like to recommend heading north on the A863 and consuming someplace close to Dunvegan. Good choices open for lunch are at The Misty, Waterside Cafe & Bistro, or MacLeod Tables Cafe (at Dunvegan Fortress).
5. Dunvegan Fortress & Gardens
Drive time from Talisker: 35 minutes
Positioned on the northwestern aspect of Skye, Dunvegan Fortress is the oldest constantly inhabited fort in Scotland. It was the seat of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for greater than 800 years, and right now is open to guests.
You possibly can discover the within of the fort on a self-guided tour, which incorporates the prospect to see fantastically furnished rooms, art work, and clan treasures. One among these treasures is the Fairy Flag – a tattered banner that’s mentioned to have been given to the MacLeods by the fairies and that, when raised in battle, would at all times make sure the clan’s victory. You will additionally discover clothes objects worn by Flora MacDonald, and a lock of hair mentioned to have belonged to Bonnie Prince Charlie.
A ticket for Dunvegan Castle additionally will get you entry to the acres of formal fort gardens, that are additionally extremely lovely. The Walled Backyard is my private favourite, however they’re all beautiful!
NOTE: Dunvegan Fortress and Gardens are solely open from Easter by means of mid-October annually.
Bonus: Take a seal tour
If in case you have some additional time after your tour of Dunvegan Fortress, the fort additionally affords boat excursions out onto Loch Dunvegan to go to a neighborhood seal colony. These seal boat trips are quick (solely 25 minutes lengthy), however are an effective way to see some distinctive wildlife.
These excursions run April 1-September 30, and are operated on a primary come, first served foundation, so you possibly can see the way you’re doing on time earlier than committing to occurring one.
6. Neist Level
Drive time from Dunvegan Fortress: 35 minutes
The final cease I like to recommend for right now is at Neist Level. All the way in which on the far western tip of the Isle of Skye, Neist Level is among the most dramatic places you possibly can go to on the island.
To get the enduring photographs of the Neist Level Lighthouse on the peninsula, park your automotive after which stroll alongside the cliffs to the proper of the peninsula (initially of the path, flip proper *earlier than* the steps that go down in direction of the lighthouse).
You can even stroll all the way in which out to the lighthouse, however needless to say there are a bunch of steps to stroll down (and naturally again up!) with the intention to do it. If in case you have time, although, it is a good stroll.
NOTE: I will not lie: the roads you need to drive to get out to Neist Level (the B884, after which two un-numbered roads) may be nerve-wracking to drive. They’re paved, however they’re solely huge sufficient for 1 automotive in most components, and are stuffed with blind hills and curves. Take your time, pay attention to lay-bys the place you possibly can let different automobiles cross, and do not be afraid of tooting your horn at hills and curves.
7. Night in Portree
Drive time from Neist Level: 1 hour
Head again to Portree for the night. Relying on how a lot time you spent in any respect the stops right now, you might both be getting again pretty late, or you will have a while to discover. If in case you have time, go for a stroll round Portree earlier than dinner.
For dinner, you would both seize take-away at a spot like The Chippy or Pizzaway, or make a reservation upfront at a spot like Cuchullin, Dulse and Brose, or Scorrybreac.
Day 2: Trotternish Peninsula
Right this moment goes to focus totally on the Trotternish Peninsula and all of the issues to see/do as you drive round it, together with the Previous Man of Storr, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, and extra. There’s much less driving right now!
Seize breakfast this morning both at your resort, or at a restaurant or bakery in Portree.
It additionally would not be a foul concept to select up a picnic lunch for your self right now, as there aren’t many restaurant choices on the peninsula. Each MacKenzie’s Bakery and Relish Portree are good spots to seize issues to go (and MacKenzie’s makes a few of the finest shortbread in Scotland!).
1. Previous Man of Storr
Drive time from Portree: quarter-hour
Driving counter-clockwise across the Trotternish Peninsula, the primary cease I like to recommend making is on the Previous Man of Storr. The Storr is an enormous slab of rock with a lone, tall pillar of stone at one finish. This pillar is the “Previous Man.”
There are a bunch of various legends about “The Previous Man of Storr.” One suggests it is the thumb of an enormous buried beneath the cliff. One other says it is really an previous man whose “want” to remain on the hill overlooking the ocean to recollect his spouse was granted by a mischievous fairy king. No matter you consider, it is a very iconic spot on Skye.
IF you get fortunate sufficient to even see the Previous Man (he can usually be shrouded in clouds/fog), there are a number of locations to park alongside the street with the intention to get a very good view.
There’s additionally a hike right here that can take you all the way in which as much as the rock formation. This hike begins at a parking space simply off the A855 and is just a little over 3 miles spherical journey. Simply needless to say the hike does have some steep uphill parts, and may get muddy on the high. (You can even hike simply a part of the way in which and nonetheless get some cool views, although.)
GOOD TO KNOW: Practically each main website on the Isle of Skye prices for parking in its personal car parking zone as of late, normally £3-£6 per website (payable by card!). And no, paying for parking at one website would not carry over to a different, even in the event you do not use on a regular basis you paid for. (How do I do know? Some associates and I discovered this lesson the laborious means, and had a parking ticket to point out for it. Oops!)
2. Lealt Falls
Drive time from Storr: 10 minutes
Persevering with on across the Trotternish Peninsula, the subsequent cease I would make is at 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 a waterfall referred to as Lealt Falls.
In the event you’re feeling as much as it, 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. On the backside, you possibly can stroll proper as much as the waterfall. Simply be aware that regardless that this hike is brief, it is powerful and steep in components on the way in which again up.
3. Kilt Rock
Drive time from Lealt Falls: 6 minutes
This subsequent cease is a 2-for-1 deal, as you possibly can see each Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls from the identical viewing space.
Kilt Rock is definitely a whole cliff of basalt columns that rises 90 meters (295 ft) out of the ocean, and appears a bit just like the pleated kilt of an enormous. Proper close to the rock is a waterfall referred to as Mealt Falls that plunges into the ocean.
4. Quiraing viewpoint/hike
Drive time from Kilt Rock: quarter-hour
Once you close to the highest of the Trotternish Peninsula, there is a slender, practically one-lane street that cuts throughout the peninsula. It is referred to as the Quiraing Street, and it traverses by means of a few of the finest landscapes on the Isle of Skye.
The deep valleys and craggy cliffs on this a part of Skye have been shaped thanks to very large landslips, and there are rock formations with names like The Needle and The Desk and The Jail. The Quiraing may be extremely windy and moist, however it was right here that I initially fell in love with Skye – and also you may, too!
Make for the Quiraing Automobile Park (a big paid car parking zone), 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 complete loop hike is about 4.3 miles lengthy and difficult in components in the event you do the entire thing, however you may get glorious views even simply from the beginning of it.
5. Lunch
I advisable bringing lunch together with you right now, however in the event you’d relatively exit someplace, your finest choices are both The Hungry Gull (earlier than the Quiraing) or The Galley Cafe & Takeaway (earlier than going to the Fairy Glen).
6. Fairy Glen
Drive time from the Quiraing: 25 minutes
I am saving my private favourite for final: the Fairy Glen. The entire space was shaped by a landslip, and additional formed by years of livestock traversing the little hills and valleys. The Fairy Glen is thought for its bumpy hills and otherworldly really feel, together with a rock formation often known as “Fortress Ewan” for its resemblance to fort ruins.
To succeed in it, you may 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 glen is extremely inexperienced throughout the spring and summer season months, and the jaunty hills undoubtedly really feel like they might be dwelling to fairies. (The stone “fairy circle” under Fortress Ewan, nevertheless, is NOT a pure a part of the panorama right here, and is often eliminated by locals; please do not stack or prepare rocks or go away cash or items for the Fae right here.)
The stroll as much as the Fairy Glen may be steep and muddy in sections, however it’s a brief (lower than 20 minutes) stroll, and undoubtedly price seeing. (That is the one “hike” on Skye that I do really assume is price doing, even in the event you’re not a lot of a hiker.)
7. Night in Portree
Drive time from the Fairy Glen: half-hour
In the event you do not do any mountaineering right now and easily drive round to see all of the websites on the Trotternish Peninsula, you then might need half a day to discover Portree a bit extra. You might stroll right down to the harbor, buy groceries on the big Isle of Skye Candle Co. Customer Centre, or simply get pleasure from your resort.
For dinner tonight, I like to recommend making reservations at a spot like The View (on the Cuillin Hills Resort), Scorrybreac, or Dulse and Brose.
Leaving Skye
You will go away the Isle of Skye the subsequent day. And when you might drive again the way in which you got here, there is a second choice!
You possibly can drive to Armadale close to the southern tip of the island (about an hour from Portree), the place there is a automotive ferry that crosses over to Mallaig on the mainland. The ferry is operated by CalMac, prices lower than £20 for a automotive, and takes 30-45 minutes. It is a actually fairly crossing! (However you do wish to ebook upfront!)
The place to remain on the Isle of Skye
Clearly you are basing your self in Portree whereas on Skye, because it’s tremendous central and simply has essentially the most choices.
My picks for the place to remain in Portree embrace:
- Cuillin Hills Hotel – If it is luxurious you are searching for, this resort with its nice harbor views must be on the high of your checklist. (It is also the top-rated resort in Portree.)
- 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 up to date boutique resort in a garden-like setting affords up good views of Portree and the Cuillins.
- Portree Hotel – An excellent mid-range choice positioned proper on the primary sq. within the heart of city.
Greatest time to go to the Isle of Skye
You possibly can go to Skye year-round (the Skye Bridge makes it simple to succeed in, irrespective of the season), however it’s price noting that some sights and eating places are solely open from April by means of 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 instances, plan your journey for Might/early June, or in September. (However even a go to throughout the busiest months may be beautiful; simply put together for the preferred websites just like the Fairy Swimming pools, Previous Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and many others. to be busy throughout the center a part of the day.)
What to pack for the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is not often known as the “Misty Isle” for nothing. You might very nicely come to Skye and get sunburnt (it is occurred to me!), otherwise you may be confronted with low clouds and drizzle for days (it is also occurred to me!). It is vital, 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. An excellent pair of waterproof footwear and rain gear are additionally advisable – together with that sunscreen!
A number of stuff you undoubtedly must deliver embrace:
- 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)
- An excellent raincoat (I like this Columbia one)
- Rain pants you possibly can shortly pull on over no matter else you are sporting
- A lightweight 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 mountaineering, sightseeing, or buying
- A reusable water bottle (faucet water is secure to drink in Scotland)
You will additionally wish to pack just a little endurance and adaptability, and maybe a willingness to discover even when the climate is not nice (rain gear additionally helps with this!).
And now you are all set for an epic journey 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 dwelling base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by means of the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s really traveled!
