Scotland
Isle of Skye
Iconic Scenery and Fantastic Landscapes
Isle of Skye Travel Guide
Description
With fantastic landscapes, iconic scenery and unforgettable trails, you will have plenty of reasons to spend some of your days traveling to Scotland here. Although the island doesn't look very big on a map, there will be plenty of activities to enjoy. So, here we will present 3 different itineraries, depending on the number of days you will have at your disposal (our recommendation is a minimum of two days).
If you are short on time and you only have one day to visit the island, we recommend that you do the Trotternish Loop, starting with a quick visit to the Fairy Pools. With so much to see, we suggest that you start your day early (and of course ideally spend the night before in Portree). It’s usual to do the loop in counter-clockwise, but we recommend to travel clockwise, against the traffic, it will minimize crowds in some spots. The next stop would be the Fairy Glen, which will provide a short walk. Continuing the route to Quiraing, you will find here trails that can go up to 6km. The next location will be a quick stop, the Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. Continuing the route we suggest that you visit a hidden gem of the island, but it is very worthwhile, the Brother’s Point. The Old Man of Storr is the next stop, and be prepared for a long way to get to the top. 45 minutes away it is the Dunvegan Castle (arrive before 5pm to entry). To finalize your day, assist to the sunset in Neist Point. Since you have a lot of activities for this day, we recommend that you grab a quick lunch to optimize time.
With two days on the island, it should be possible to dedicate more time to each activity. As such we suggest that you make the most of the first day by doing all the activities described above, with the exception of Dunvegan Castle, the Fairy Pools Quiraing. Save those two for the second day so you can see them calmly. However, do them on the afternoon, and start the day visiting the fantastic Fairy Pools. Then take the opportunity to pay a quick visit to the Talisker Distillery, and taste your good whiskey. Having lunch in the area then proceed to the Castle to continue your journey.
If you still have a third day to dedicate to the Island, we have two different options to follow. Or visit the Bla Bheinn if you love hiking, or get a boat trip from Elgol to Loch Coruisk.
Essentials
To make the most out of everything the Isle of Skye has to offer we recommend at least two full days dedicated to this area. It will give you the opportunity to calmly visit all the main points of interest and discover a little more in depth the island following several trails.
Like the rest of Scotland, during the summer this place tends to concentrate a large crowd of tourists. Although this area of Scotland is a little cooler, we recommend a visit in May and early June, or in September. Remember that even in these months, or even in the summer, rain is not unusual in the area, so come prepared for that.
For a visit to the Isle of Skye you can always opt for a guided tour from the main cities in Scotland. However, that takes away your freedom and does not allow you to be amazed by the magnificent landscapes at your own pace.
As such, we hugely recommend you rent a car to visit this place. Although driving is on the opposite side to the “normal” side of the rest of the world, you will quickly get used to it and you will realize the enormous advantages of being able to go to all places on the island. We suggest Celtic Legend, we were very happy with their services.
Activities
The Isle of Skye is full of activities and places to visit. Here we will describe some of them, with tips for a fantastic experience.Fairy Glen
The mystical Fairy Glen is a must-see. We recommend an early morning visit to be able to observe the location without a lot of tourists. This place is easy to hike and you will quickly reach the top. The arrangement of rocks on the floor in this wonderful set of greens will raise your imagination and take you into a fantasy world.
Quiraing
Quiraing is possible to observe from the car park. However, follow the hiking trail for at least 15 minutes to leave the crowds behind and to have the opportunity to observe only nature. If you feel ready for the adventure, enjoy the complete circuit of approximately 7km.
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
This is probably the shortest stop of the day. However, it will offer an epic view of part of the Isle of Skye coastline. From the viewpoint, looking north you will be able to see the Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock. But don't forget to look to the south, as they will reveal the fantastic scenery ofBrother’s Point.
Brother's Point
One of the hidden gem of this island. Also known as Rubha Nam Brathairean, this small trail will take you to a small beach where you can watch the waves reaching a green meadow.
You will be amazed by the nature of the area and you will also find some animals of the countryside close to the sea, something that is not seen every day.
Old Man Of Storr
Probably the most known place on the whole island. With a long walk to the top, you will realize that all the effort is rewarded. With a magnificent view over lakes, mountains and the Sound of Raasay, a kind of fjord. This is a fantastic setting where films like Prometheus and the Wickerman have been recorded. A true icon of Skye, it can be seen for miles around.
Dunvegan Castle
Known to be the ancestral home of the MacLeod clan chiefs, Dunvegan Castle is the oldest castle that remains inhabited in Scotland. Originally built for the purpose of being a fortress, today it is possible to visit an award-winning castle and a Highland property full of clan history, magic and legends, be enchanted by the beauty of its gardens, or even take a boat trip to see the Loch Dunvegan seal colony.
Neist Point
The Neist point is approximately 30 minutes driving from Dunvegan. It can be difficult to park your car during the most visited months, so always keep that time in mind. This is also the most popular place to watch the sunset. You can walk to the lighthouse, which will take you between 1 and 2 hours or just watch from the car.
Fairy Pools
Fairy Pools are another very popular spot on the island. You will find large crowds walking along the small waterfalls with the camera in hand to try to get the perfect picture of the water with the mountains in the background. From Portree it is approximately 30 minutes to Fairy Pools, so we recommend that you do it early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
On your way there you will pass by the Sligachan Old Bridge, a famous spot for photographies on the island.
Bla Bheinn
For true hiking adventures. With a good sunny day, this is a perfect place for a long walk. A fantastic trail that offers 360º views over the Cuillins.
The trail starts next to the Loch Slapin car park. The first portion of the trail has a slight climb through the forest. Along the route, you will have the River Alt na Dunaiche on your left, where you will see a wonderful waterfall in the background. To cross the river you will have to take advantage of one of the small stone bridges along the way. On rainy days it can be tricky to do so. The complete route has approximately 7km and a climb of 1000m.
Loch Coruisk
This is a trip that will take up almost the entire day. Departing from Elgol, a boat will take you to Loch Coruisk. You will have the opportunity to observe orcas, dolphins and puffins. Once you arrive at your destination you will be able to admire the fantastic landscapes of the lake, spotting seals on the shore.
Food & Drinks
Quite famous for providing good breakfasts, this spacious place is an option if you stay on your route. The staff is nice.
Fantastic pizza in a take away service in a small house. Fantastic and cheap service.
The food is very well prepared and tasty, the atmosphere is calm and pleasant.
Although it is not your typical coffee shop, everything else is special. The food tastes great, ethically sourced and well presented. The service is really good.
Where To Stay
Not very luxurious, but with a relative low price for the country, Portree Independent Hostel is located 28 km from the Talisker Distillery. Facilities include a shared kitchen, a shared lounge and free WiFi in all areas.
This hostel has a shared dining area and a common lounge. All rooms are heated and very comfortable. Some have a private bathroom with a bath or shower and others have a shared bathroom.
This luxurious and very expensive hotel has spectacular views over Portree Bay and the Cuillin Mountain Range. It features an award-winning restaurant and serves a variety of whiskeys.
Although not exactly located in the Isle of Skye, but instead on the close by Isle of Raasay, this is a magnificent award-winning hotel at an affordable price. It is necessary to use the ferry to reach the island, but once in it, you can take a walk around the area and enjoy nature.