city-guide,Insel Skye,Outside,The UK ·
There are so many spectacular things to see and do on the Isle of Skye, especially if you are a fan of road trips, the outdoors, walking and swimming. It truly is a paradise of unspoilt natural beauty and it can be overwhelming to narrow down the list of incredible places to see on the Isle of Skye. Here's a list of 10 things we loved doing on the Isle of Skye, in no particular order, so you'll fall in love with the land of my ancestors as much as we did!
If you only have time to visit 2-3 of the places on this list, my favorites were number 2, 3 and 4 and 5 simply because they are so incredibly beautiful. We have nothing that compares to the beauty of these places in Michigan where I live and it was just a spectacular demonstration of how beautiful and powerful nature can be. I hope you get to visit all the places on this list and more during your stay on the Isle of Skye. You will experience an incredible adventure!
- VisitDonan Castle Island
Eilean Donan Castle has an incredible history dating back almost 1500 years. Although what stands today is a reconstruction completed in the early 20th century, it is a testament to Scotland's perseverance and desire to remember and celebrate its past. Read all about Scotland's most photographed castle in my guide to visiting the castleher. - Verlorenes Fairy GlenFairy Glenn was a place I've wanted to visit for years. Famed for its many spiraling hills carved by grazing sheep, Fairy Glenn is both mysterious and inviting. It was the most beautiful picnic spot on our 5th anniversary trip. We had a great time hiking through the hills, sitting among the ferns and enjoying the various viewpoints the area has to offer. Parking is free but scarce. So make sure you arrive early and avoid crowds like we did. There is also a beautiful fish pond and benches, making it a wonderful place to relax, meditate, do yoga or enjoy nature.
- Svøm in Fairy PoolsFairy Pools was another place I've always wanted to visit and where we decided to renew our vows. After renewing our vows, we went for a swim in the beautiful turquoise waters, fed by the melting snow of the surrounding Cuillin Hills and natural springs. It was crystal clear, fresh cold and so invigorating. The only thing I regret about this place is that we didn't have more than half a day to hike and swim. Don't go here without buying mosquito repellent first. They're everywhere, completely ignoring you when you're wearing them and eating you alive when you're not. We saw some people not covered in red itchy welts and it was brutal. Find out all about visiting the Fairy Pools, where to park, when to visit, what to bring and more in my guide to visiting the poolsher.
- Marvel at the kilt skirtKilt Rock is an incredible seaside rock formation, weathered by centuries as sea waves pounded the shore and eroded the rock. Along the rocks grow some of the loveliest purple heathers, delicate ferns and other highland plants and grasses. The view from Kilt Rock is simply breathtaking. On a clear day like the one we had when we visited you can see for miles and admire Scotland's natural beauty. We visited the whales and dolphins during the season when they give birth and saw some in the distance jumping out of the water because they like to take their babies to shallow waters to feed them and learn survival skills away from predators. It was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen in my life and the beauty of it all brought tears to my eyes! Scotland is amazing!
- Admire the Mealt FallsIf you were to look to the left of where the photo above was taken you would see Mealt Falls, one of Scotland's most powerful and spectacular waterfalls, cascading straight into the sea. The water fed by Loch Mealt (hence the name) flows down to the beautiful basalt columns seen below in the photo above. At approximately 60 meters high, this awe-inspiring force of nature causes the water to tumble, throwing rainbows at just the right angle and adding an incredible sense of wonder to an already stunning landscape. Both Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls are accessible from the same parking lot and visitors only need to walk a short distance to see both. If you're lucky, you might even spot a puffin here! The cute sheep wandering about and making short work of the tall grass above the waterfall are not visible in the photo above.
- Visit the Neist Point LighthouseContinue along the cliff path shown above to reach one of Scotland's most famous lighthouses. We didn't get much closer to the light than where we stood for this shot, but it was a beautiful spot to gaze at the cliff edge and keep an eye out for breaching whales or dolphins!
- Enjoy the breathtaking views of Portree, the capital of SkyePortree is the first stop for many people entering the Isle of Skye. Portree, Skye's capital and largest city, is a great place to refuel, grab a bite and water and serves as a gateway of sorts to the beautiful, wild Highlands. During your stay in the city, be sure to head to the waterfront to enjoy the beautiful mountain views, admire the many pastel-colored building facades, watch the fishing boats come and go, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. My Portree Travel Guide will be published soon.
- He wandered to the CuillinsThe Cuillin Hills surround the Fairy Pools. So if you head for number 3 on this list, you're almost at the Cuillin Hills! These hills cover almost 90 square miles of highland and are popular camping and hiking areas. However, be warned that while many of the hills are easy to hike, some can be very dangerous. Loose rocks and slippery ground can very easily lead to injury or worse if you are inexperienced. Be sure to stick to the marked trails, let someone know where you're going, and pack what to bring if you plan to return and you'll have a great time.
- Visit Hector's Highland Coos
One of the top things on my Scottish wish list was seeing the adorable Highland Cows (or 'Gurr' as they are known in Scotland) and I was so sad not to be able to find them in the wild. On our fifth day on the Isle of Skye we happened upon Hector's Highland Coos and after a quick google search to confirm we could visit and it wasn't private property I jumped at a huge hit with beautiful Highland Coos happily grazing in the mist. We generously donated to the box at the front of the stable because we were so grateful to be able to see these little animals and spent some time admiring and photographing them. They all looked so happy and healthy and had so much room to roam that we couldn't see the end of their pastures. So come along and admire these gorgeous little cuties. I recommend bringing a telephoto lens so you can get great close-up shots of the enclosure, which may be far from the fence. - Wandel QuiraingIf you're brave enough to drive up this fearsome serpentine hill using only one lane, head to the Quiraing, a series of landslides (some of which can still slide and occasionally block roads) to hike and experience some of the most incredible scenery throughout Scotland. From above you can see the sea (on the left in this photo) and meandering paths that make you feel like you are part of the Lord of the Rings community. The views alone are worth the 1-2 hour hike up here and if you fancy a stroll for a few hours there is probably no better place in the UK to do it. Be sure to stay away from the edges of the many steep hills. As I said before, the earth is unstable. Some people have been injured or killed for getting too close to the edges, not realizing how unstable the ground is. If you walk on regular trails, then everything is fine.
Eilean Donan Castle has an incredible history dating back almost 1500 years. Although what stands today is a reconstruction completed in the early 20th century, it is a testament to Scotland's perseverance and desire to remember and celebrate its past. Read all about Scotland's most photographed castle in my guide to visiting the castle
Fairy Glenn was a place I've wanted to visit for years. Famed for its many spiraling hills carved by grazing sheep, Fairy Glenn is both mysterious and inviting. It was the most beautiful picnic spot on our 5th anniversary trip. We had a great time hiking through the hills, sitting among the ferns and enjoying the various viewpoints the area has to offer. Parking is free but scarce. So make sure you arrive early and avoid crowds like we did. There is also a beautiful fish pond and benches, making it a wonderful place to relax, meditate, do yoga or enjoy nature.
Fairy Pools was another place I've always wanted to visit and where we decided to renew our vows. After renewing our vows, we went for a swim in the beautiful turquoise waters, fed by the melting snow of the surrounding Cuillin Hills and natural springs. It was crystal clear, fresh cold and so invigorating. The only thing I regret about this place is that we didn't have more than half a day to hike and swim. Don't go here without buying mosquito repellent first. They're everywhere, completely ignoring you when you're wearing them and eating you alive when you're not. We saw some people not covered in red itchy welts and it was brutal. Find out all about visiting the Fairy Pools, where to park, when to visit, what to bring and more in my guide to visiting the pools
Kilt Rock is an incredible seaside rock formation, weathered by centuries as sea waves pounded the shore and eroded the rock. Along the rocks grow some of the loveliest purple heathers, delicate ferns and other highland plants and grasses. The view from Kilt Rock is simply breathtaking. On a clear day like the one we had when we visited you can see for miles and admire Scotland's natural beauty. We visited the whales and dolphins during the season when they give birth and saw some in the distance jumping out of the water because they like to take their babies to shallow waters to feed them and learn survival skills away from predators. It was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen in my life and the beauty of it all brought tears to my eyes! Scotland is amazing!
If you were to look to the left of where the photo above was taken you would see Mealt Falls, one of Scotland's most powerful and spectacular waterfalls, cascading straight into the sea. The water fed by Loch Mealt (hence the name) flows down to the beautiful basalt columns seen below in the photo above. At approximately 60 meters high, this awe-inspiring force of nature causes the water to tumble, throwing rainbows at just the right angle and adding an incredible sense of wonder to an already stunning landscape. Both Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls are accessible from the same parking lot and visitors only need to walk a short distance to see both. If you're lucky, you might even spot a puffin here! The cute sheep wandering about and making short work of the tall grass above the waterfall are not visible in the photo above.
Continue along the cliff path shown above to reach one of Scotland's most famous lighthouses. We didn't get much closer to the light than where we stood for this shot, but it was a beautiful spot to gaze at the cliff edge and keep an eye out for breaching whales or dolphins!
Portree is the first stop for many people entering the Isle of Skye. Portree, Skye's capital and largest city, is a great place to refuel, grab a bite and water and serves as a gateway of sorts to the beautiful, wild Highlands. During your stay in the city, be sure to head to the waterfront to enjoy the beautiful mountain views, admire the many pastel-colored building facades, watch the fishing boats come and go, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. My Portree Travel Guide will be published soon.
The Cuillin Hills surround the Fairy Pools. So if you head for number 3 on this list, you're almost at the Cuillin Hills! These hills cover almost 90 square miles of highland and are popular camping and hiking areas. However, be warned that while many of the hills are easy to hike, some can be very dangerous. Loose rocks and slippery ground can very easily lead to injury or worse if you are inexperienced. Be sure to stick to the marked trails, let someone know where you're going, and pack what to bring if you plan to return and you'll have a great time.
If you're brave enough to drive up this fearsome serpentine hill using only one lane, head to the Quiraing, a series of landslides (some of which can still slide and occasionally block roads) to hike and experience some of the most incredible scenery throughout Scotland. From above you can see the sea (on the left in this photo) and meandering paths that make you feel like you are part of the Lord of the Rings community. The views alone are worth the 1-2 hour hike up here and if you fancy a stroll for a few hours there is probably no better place in the UK to do it. Be sure to stay away from the edges of the many steep hills. As I said before, the earth is unstable. Some people have been injured or killed for getting too close to the edges, not realizing how unstable the ground is. If you walk on regular trails, then everything is fine.
I hope you find these suggestions for 10 incredible things to do and see on the Isle of Skye useful when planning your trip. I cannot begin to describe how much my husband and I enjoyed our time in Scotland and I want these guides to be of help to all my readers in planning the very best trip to this beautiful region of Scotland. As always, all images are solely my own - I hope you enjoyed them!
Safe travels!
Annie Fairfax
Follow me for more :@AnnieFairfax
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FAQs
What is famous about the Isle of Skye? ›
The Isle of Skye is known for its rugged landscapes, medieval castles, picturesque fishing villages, it's history and the outstanding scenery. Skye is connected to Scotland's northwest coast by both the Skye Bridge and the Malaig – Armadale ferry and is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.
How many days do you need in Isle of Skye? ›A minimum of two days is ideal. On a map, the Isle of Skye may look small, but there is a lot to do here. Even if you only have a day to spare, you still have enough time to see the best of the island. Those with three days or more have enough time to cover the majority of the Isle of Skye.
Is Isle of Skye worth it? ›One of the many reasons why everyone should visit the Isle of Skye is because of its historic distilleries. Not only should tourists on the Isle of Skye visit the Old Man of Storr and the quaint old villages, but they should also visit the distilleries of the isle.
What is the most beautiful village in the Isle of Skye? ›1. Portree, Isle Of Skye. The Isle of Skye is famed for its rustic beauty and the town of Portree, the capital of the island is no rarity. Formerly a fishing village, Portree is surrounded by rolling hills and overlooks a beautiful loch.
Was Game of Thrones filmed in Skye? ›Rubha an Dùnain, an uninhabited peninsula on the isle of Skye. Game of Thrones has filmed in Scotland once before, for the pilot episode, when the Castle of Doune stood in for Winterfell.
What are 3 facts about Skye? ›- There are more sheep than people. There are around 100,000 sheep from a variety of breeds. ...
- Skye's biggest town has a population of just over 2,000. It's called Portree and it's also the isle's capital. ...
- It used to be one of the heaviest Gaelic-speaking areas in Scotland.
Best Time to Visit the Isle of Skye
The weather is the best between May and September. However, the summer months, in particular July and August, are peak season.
Reasons to Visit the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Skye is the most famous of Scotland's islands, a beautiful place of myth and legend. The spectacular scenery offers countless attractions for climbers, hikers, and recreational walkers.
Why do people go to Skye? ›This tourist destination in the Scottish landscape is a place of natural magnificence and traditional mystique. Undoubtedly, the Old Man of Storr is Isle Of Skye's most beautiful landscape and a breathtaking sight to behold in the area.
Is the Isle of Skye magical? ›The Isle of Skye is a magical destination of misty, mountainous landscapes and miles of rugged coastline to explore.
Which part of Skye is best? ›
Portree is the best area to stay on the Isle of Skye! This is the main town on the island and where you'll find the biggest concentration of great restaurants and hotels like Cuillin Hills Hotel.
What clan lives on the Isle of Skye? ›Two principal clans ruled the Isle of Skye for centuries, and Clan MacLeod & Clan MacDonald both have castles on the island. Of the smaller clans, the most notable is Clan MacKinnons.
How long is the walk to the Fairy Pools? ›The walk to the pools uses the same route there and back. The complete return distance to the first main waterfall and pool is 2.4km, with the average time to complete the walk being 40 minutes (with no stops).
Do I need a car on Isle of Skye? ›You can easily travel to the Isle of Skye without a car.
We took the steam train from Fort William to Mallaig and the ferry from Mallaig to Skye. If you travel from Inverness to Skye, the trip is much more straightforward as there is a direct bus to the island.
The Isle of Skye is an island set off the west coast of Scotland and is known to be a good location for aurora sightings in Scotland – especially to the north of the island. There are many remote regions which are away from light pollution, so you won't struggle to find somewhere quiet to sit and wait.
Where was Harry Potter filmed? ›The eight beloved movies were shot both at Warner Bros's studios and on location all over the U.K. in England, Scotland, and Wales. From the Dursley family house to the lake at Hogwarts, many of the filming locations are open to the public.
What is the main town on the Isle of Skye? ›Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye, is a bustling port and a thriving cultural centre. Set round its natural harbour and fringed by high ground and cliffs, the town is a popular tourists' holiday destination and the harbour continues to be used by fishing boats as well as pleasure craft.
Where was House of Dragons filmed? ›The majority of House of the Dragon was filmed in Spain, Cornwall and Derbyshire, with most of the show's action taking place in King's Landing.
What is a person from Skye called? ›Add to cart. For customers from further afield, a 'Sgiathanach' is a person from Skye.
What language do they speak in Skye? ›However, Eilean Iarmain is by no means the only part of Skye where Gaelic culture can be experienced: "Gaelic is strong throughout the island – and certainly in the north of Skye, there are speakers and families that have always spoken Gaelic," Lucilla said.
What was the incident in Skye? ›
A 47-year-old man has died and three others injured after a series of incidents on Skye and in Wester Ross during the morning of Wednesday, 10 August. Police were initially called to the Tarskavaig area on Skye shortly before 9am after a report of a 32-year-old woman having been seriously injured at a property.
What is the hottest month in Isle of Skye? ›July is the hottest month on the Isle of Skye, with average temperatures ranging from 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 20 degrees Celsius).
What time of year is best stargazing Isle of Skye? ›The best time to stargaze on the Isle of Skye is from September through to April, as this is when the sky is at its darkest.
How much does it cost to go to the Isle of Skye? ›| Car with up to 4 passengers | £18.00 |
|---|---|
| Minibuses | from £30.00 |
| Motorbike | £10.00 |
| Return | £15.00 |
| Foot passenger | £3.00 |
The basic building blocks of the Highland diet were traditionally oats and barley; hardy vegetables such as kale, turnips and potatoes; dairy products; all kinds of seafood and occasionally lamb or mutton. These might be supplemented by wild plants such as nettles, sorrel, seaweed and berries.
What are the big five on the Isle of Skye? ›Scotland's Big Five of golden eagle, red deer, red squirrel, otter and harbour seal can all be found within 25 miles of Fort William On this safari it's possible to see them all on the same day.
Can you walk around the Isle of Skye? ›The Isle of Skye is a walkers' paradise. From family walks on the spectacular coastline to dramatic scrambles in the Cuillin mountains, the most challenging in Britain, the island provides fantastic walking for everyone.
Is the Isle of Skye Irish or Scottish? ›Skye is the largest and most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.
What is Skye weakness? ›What is ophthalmoplegia? Ophthalmoplegia is the paralysis or weakness of the eye muscles. It can affect one or more of the six muscles that hold the eye in place and control its movement. There are two types of ophthalmoplegia: chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia and internal ophthalmoplegia.
What does the name Skye mean? ›Popularity:776. Origin:Scottish. Meaning:island of clouds; winged. Nature-inspired and prone to puns, Skye is a gender-neutral name of Scottish origin that exudes a light, breezy nature. Yet far from living up in the clouds à la the Old Norse ský, Skye is grounded in the Scottish island of the same name.
What is the myth of the Isle of Skye? ›
According to legend, a Clan MacLeod chief married a fairy princess, giving rise to many fairy place names on the Isle of Skye. There's a five kilometre walk along the Fairy Pools for an incomparable view of the formidable Cuillins.
Is The Fairy Glen worth it? ›Despite it being quite a small place there are plenty of magical things to do at the Fairy Glen Scotland that make it worth a visit.
Who is Lord of Skye? ›Lord Macdonald leads the far-flung Clan Macdonald as High Chief, and he and Lady Macdonald also preside over their own fair and hospitable corner of the “Garden of Skye.”
Where are the dinosaur footprints on Skye? ›The easiest and most accessible place to see dinosaur footprints is An Corran Beach near the village of Staffin. You can park at the beach, and it's just a short walk down the slipway to find the section of rock with the best examples of footprints.
How long does it take to drive around Isle of Skye? ›If you're wondering how long it takes to drive around the Isle of Skye, the answer is not very long. You could drive around the whole island in about 3 to 5 hours if you didn't stop, but that defeats the purpose of visiting. The island is full of amazing places to visit, which is remarkable given its size.
What is the famous rock on the Isle of Skye? ›The 'Old Man' is a large pinnacle of rock that stands high and can be seen for miles around. As part of the Trotternish ridge the Storr was created by a massive ancient landside, leaving one of the most photographed landscapes in the world.
Why is Scotland called Skye? ›Skye takes its name from the Norse for 'misty isle', and we can confirm that this description is absolutely spot on. The island is famed for its mental microclimate, which regularly pops out double rainbows, diagonal rain, and atmospheric shrouds of mist.
How many castles are in Skye? ›There are seven castles located on the Isle of Skye. They range from ruined remains to grand houses filled with historical artefacts. Let's have a look at the most popular attractions.
What is the oldest castle on the Isle of Skye? ›My family and I would like to extend a very warm Highland welcome to our home. I hope that you will be able to visit Dunvegan Castle & Gardens on the Isle of Skye. Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of clan MacLeod for 800 years.
What does Skye mean in Scottish? ›Updated May 26, 2023. Popularity:776. Origin:Scottish. Meaning:island of clouds; winged. Nature-inspired and prone to puns, Skye is a gender-neutral name of Scottish origin that exudes a light, breezy nature.
What is the Isle of Skye myth? ›
On Skye, it is said a villager called O'Sheen saved the life of a brownie with the two becoming firm friends. O'Sheen died from a broken heart following the death of his wife and the devastated Brownie took it upon himself to chisel two rocks - one in memory of O'Sheen and a smaller one to remember his wife.
What is the famous rock on Skye? ›The 'Old Man' is a large pinnacle of rock that stands high and can be seen for miles around. As part of the Trotternish ridge the Storr was created by a massive ancient landside, leaving one of the most photographed landscapes in the world.
How long is Fairy Glen walk? ›Discover this 6.4-km circular trail near Skelmersdale, Lancashire. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 41 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, mountain biking, and paddle sports.
What is the main town in Skye? ›Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye, is a bustling port and a thriving cultural centre. Set round its natural harbour and fringed by high ground and cliffs, the town is a popular tourists' holiday destination and the harbour continues to be used by fishing boats as well as pleasure craft.
What does the name Karen mean? ›Karen is a pejorative term used as slang for a white woman perceived as entitled or demanding beyond the scope of what is normal.
What is the Scottish nickname for girl? ›A Scottish girl is called a LASS. Lass is a Scottish word for girl or young woman. It is used as both a given name and a nickname.
What is the legend of fairies in Scotland? ›According to Scottish folklore, these “faeries” or “little people” come in different forms and have different temperaments. They can be friendly to you or unleash their wrath if you do not respect their wishes. You could be blessed with good luck if you are kind to the Sidhe fairies.