8 things you don’t want to miss on the Isle of Skye
It is no wonder that Skye is always high up on any Scotland travel list. Lonely Planet even celebrates the island for being one of the most beautiful in the world. To make sure that you don’t miss out on any of the amazing things to see here, we have created this shortlist. We promise you: you will not be disappointed!
1. Hike the Quiraing range
A beautiful drive from Uig to Staffin takes you up to the mystical Quiraing range. This makes it one of the best roads of Scotland to drive on. If you want to get the full experience though, we highly recommend you to get out of the car at the Quiraing car park, and start walking! The breathtaking landscape is unrivalled. Just like the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Glen, the Quiraing range has an unearthly beauty to its hills. It is not far north from the main town of Portree, making the drive and the hike a perfect day trip from there. Tip: read our short hikes blog!
2. Feel tiny next to the Old Man of Storr
When you start your hike up from the car park, there is no clue to what kind of landscape you will get into once higher up the hills. From the moss covered rocks a huge rock pinnacle stands out: the Old Man of Storr. Getting to the foot of the Old Man and looking up this impressive rock makes you feel tiny and insignificant. The view east over the Raasay sound is stunning. But it is walking through the rock pinnacles and feeling the ancient landscape that makes this hike one of the most impressive in Scotland!
3. Dive into the Fairy Pools
Not to be confused with the Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools are on the other side of Skye. On the south-west corner of Skye, at the foot of the Cuillin Hills, runs river Brittle. At the Fairy Pools this small, meandering river forms a playful collection of tiny waterfalls and crystal clear blue pools. A twenty minute walk from the car park takes you to the magical pools. There you can enjoy a picnic or just sit down to take in the natural beauty. Only the brave dare to jump into the cold mountain stream water!
4. Stare down the ocean from Neist Point
Get comfortable at the always windy cliffs of Neist Point. These wind and sea battered cliffs on the most western edge of Skye can bless you with the best sunset view on the island. A perfectly picturesque lighthouse completes the view over the ocean. A short, easy walk brings you right to the lighthouse, but to be honest: the best view is from atop, near the car park. On a very clear day you may even spot one of the outer Hebrides islands from here. Sit down and enjoy the sunset!
5. Enjoy a whisky at Talisker distillery
A great place to warm up holding a lightly peated whisky in your hands! The distillery is beautifully set in a bay, and the on site tour is a great introduction to the art of whisky making. Although the taste of whisky is a very personal thing – Talisker in our taste nears perfection! The whisky is still made in the traditional way, and the passionate story tellers at the distillery make you feel the rich, nearly 200 years old history. Visit Talisker here!
6. Walk up the Cuillin Hills
A Scottish island is not really complete without a Munro to climb! The Cuillin hills are the tallest mountains on the island, reaching up to 992 meters (3255ft). The grey, barren ridge contains a total of 12 Munros with multiple ways to get up there. Unlike the Trotternish hills or the Quiraing range, the Cuillin hills have not got the lush, green appeal to it. It is the sheer impressiveness of the dark range that seems to rise out of nowhere that gives the place a whole different feel to it. And of course, on a clear day the view over the rest of Skye is absolutely brilliant.
7. Visit the cosy town of Portree
Get to the main town of Skye to relax a bit, enjoy a good cup of coffee. Or have a fresh fish ‘n chips! Portree’s colourful sea front houses pose a very pretty sight. Although most fisherman boats have been replaced by small sailing yachts nowadays, the town still has an authentic feel to it. During the summer months there is much liveliness in Portree, since it is a great place to start and end your Isle of Skye day trips from.
8. Be enchanted in the Fairy Glen
Last but not least, you should definitely not leave the Fairy Glen undiscovered. The moment you step into the landscape, there is no doubt as to how the glen got its mystical name! The short, bumpy grass covered hills seem to come straight out of a scene in a fairytale movie. This landscape is the result of ancient landslides, and offers a picture perfect beauty. When combined with a visit to the Quiraing range and the Old Man of Storr you will treat yourself to a busy but incredibly rewarding day!
