Thursday September 12th 2019
It’s not always easy to know where best to visit when you come to Skye, and some of the most worthwhile and beautiful places to visit aren’t even in the usual tourist guides. We want you to make the most of your holiday here, and that’s why we’ve come up with this detailed guide to help you on your travels around the island.
Before you go
To begin with, it’s best to consider the length of your trip. Skye is not a day trip; allow enough time to explore it (ideally a week) and you will not regret it!
Also keep in mind that you are going to Scotland so don’t forget to bring a warm clothes and raincoat even in the summertime!
1. Make your first pictures even before crossing the Skye Bridge and stop at the famous Eilean Donan Castle. As one of the most iconic places of Scotland, is recognised all around the world. Walk over the old stone bridge to the castle at the point where three great sea lochs meet and enjoy the beautiful views of the majestic scenery.
2. Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles has something for everyone! Enjoy colourful gardens with stunning views, romantic castle ruins, an adventure playground and activities for kids, Cafe Gasta, two gift shops and much more. Find more information at https://www.armadalecastle.com.
3. Hike to the non-touristic southernmost point of Skye – Point of Sleat. The trip is around 5 miles/8 kilometers in total and it’s easy accesible for every hiker. At the end there is a sandy beach waiting for you together with some wonderful rock formations and a lighthouse. Park your car and begin from the end of the public road at Aird of Sleat.
4. Christ’s Church (Cill Chriosd) is a ruined former parish church. Explore it together with the surrounded graveyard or take a walk to the cleared village of Boreraig. You can find walking description here https://www.isleofskye.com/skye-guide/top-ten-skye-walks/boreraig.
5. If you like getting wet in the river you will love Torrin Pools! It’s known just by the locals so it never gets crowded. Pass the village of Torrin and you’ll see the river on your right. Park on the side of the road, follow the river up and find a pool just for yourself.
6. Blaven (Bla Bheinn) is recognised as one of the most beautiful and photogenic mountains in Scotland. At 928m high, it’s accessible to a competent hillwalker, requiring no mountaineering skills or equipment to get to the top by this route. But don’t expect an easy walk! Detailed walking description can be found here https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/blabheinn.shtml.
7. Loch Coruisk is the most magnificent Scottish freshwater loch surrounded by the Black Cuillin mountains. You can access it by boat from Elgol (don’t forget to book) or on foot from Sligachan (approx. 7-8 miles). Find more information here https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/lochcoruisk.shtml.
8. The Fairy Pools is a magical place of outstanding natural beauty at the foot of the Cuillin mountains. If you don’t mind the cold water you can swim in the pools and trust me – it’s really fun!
9. Visit the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye – Talisker Distillery. Don’t forget to book a guided tour to learn about the process of making whisky. As a bonus, it’s set on the shore of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins.
10. Neist Point Lighthouse on the most westerly headland of Skye is an iconic destination. Enjoy stunning cliff scenery, a lighthouse and views to the Outer Hebrides. In summer months keep an eye out for minke whales.
11. Dunvegan castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. It’s built on a rock in an idyllic lochside setting. This place is essential when visiting the Isle of Skye.
12. Claigan Coral Beach is located just a few miles north of Dunvegan. It’s made from crushed white coral which makes the water look tropical blue when the sun comes out. It’s a truly magical place, perfect for a family picnic or romantic evening walk.
13. The Fairy Glen just few miles out of Uig looks like a Quiraing landslip in miniature. Cone-shaped hills make the place fascinating and otherworldly looking. It gets busy in summer days so we would recommend coming early morning or late evening to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the place.
14. Duntulm Castle is a set of ruins in a dramatic landscape. You can’t get to the ruins themselves as there is a risk of falling rocks but the view from the nearby beach is maybe even better!
15. Quiraing is an icon of Scotland! The complete hill circuit is about 6,5 km/4 miles long and it takes you around the Prison, Needle and other features. This place is another “must” when visiting the Isle of Skye.
16. Just a quick stop south of Staffin. A viewpoint allows a magnificent sight over the Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock. This is one of the top tourist locations on the Trotternish area.
17. Brother’s Point (Rubha nam Brathairean) is a dramatic headland marking the easternmost point of Trotternish. Hardly known, it’s a fantastic little walk and you will just love it! Time it right and you’ll find it to be the perfect place for a picnic lunch.
18. You can see the Lealt Falls following the short walk from the parking place. Just sit at the top of the cliff and enjoy the view.
19. Old Man of Storr is famous for its magnificent scenery and views. It’s a popular spot for hikers, hill walkers and photographers. If you leave the crowd behind and walk right under the “Old Man” you can enjoy amazing views all by yourself!
20. Portree (Port Righ) is the main village on Skye. Discover its pretty harbour, great restaurants and small local shops surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
21. The view of the Cuillin with the Sligachan Old Bridge in the foreground is a Scottish classic. Take a walk along the river and enjoy some spectaculars views. As a reward, you can enjoy dinner at the Sligachan Hotel.
22. Cross over to the Isle of Raasay and enjoy a guided whisky tasting in Raasay Distillery. More in to a Gin? Don’t worry, they handcraft it as well. Find more information at https://raasaydistillery.com.
23. The village of Broadford is the second largest on Skye. You find here lovely gift shops as well as a Co-op and Gas Station which makes it ideal last stop on your way home.
24. There are so many amazing places on Skye! Don’t be afraid to go beyond the tourists sites and get lost in the beautiful nature – there is so much to discover!
Check out our accommodation options and get ready for your oncoming adventure. If you would like any further information, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team on stay@r-escape.co.uk.
Thank you to all photographers for their lovely pictures:
Nr. 3 , 12, 18 John Allan (cc-by-sa/2.0 – https://www.geograph.org.uk/profile/3863) – make sure to check out his website https://www.theskyeguide.com/ full of great information about Skye.
Nr. 1, 8, 15, 16, 17K-Dronewww.kdrone.co.uk
Nr. 2 John Proctor (cc-by-sa/2.0 –geograph.org.uk/p/1566943)
Nr. 4 Rude Health (cc-by-sa/2.0 – geograph.org.uk/p/3686550)
Nr. 5 Leanne Roden (cc-by-sa/2.0 – geograph.org.uk/p/5008158)
Nr. 6 Didier Silberstein (cc-by-sa/2.0 – geograph.org.uk/p/5788378)
Nr. 7 Angus (cc-by-sa/2.0 – geograph.org.uk/p/267213)
Nr. 9 Russell Anley
Nr. 11 Dunvegancastle (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Nr. 12 Pelle Sten (cc-by-sa/2.0 –flickr)
Nr. 19 Frank Winkler
Nr. 20 Marcus Bernet (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Nr. 22 Anne Burgess (cc-by-sa/2.0 –geograph.org.uk/p/5759640)
