The Isle of Skye is one of one of the worlds top bucket list “must visit” destinations and there are plenty of reasons why, with the breathtaking views, magnificent mountains, castles, waterfalls, glens, beaches, sea cliffs and wildlife.
Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides. It stretches just over 50 miles from north to south and wherever you are on the island, you are never more than 5 miles from the sea. It’s a magnet for walkers, nature lovers, photographers, romantics, historians, whisky and food lovers and you will always be made to feel very welcome with typical warm and generous West Highland hospitality. Rather than just listing all the well-trodden tourist spots I’ve included a few not so well trodden that will provide lasting memories and wonderful photo opportunities too.
1 – The Cuillin Mountains
Undoubtably the most dominant feature on the Island is the Cuillin, a 60 million year old mountain range with a 12km continuous ridge containing 11 Munro’s (peaks over 3000ft) and 16 other summits. You can view the Cuillin from many points on the island but if you want to get up close, Sligachan gives a great view of the west end of the ridge, and Glen Brittle runs along the back of the southerly part of the ridge. You need to be an experienced walker and scrambler to walk and climb here, and I’d always advise the services of a qualified guide to take you to the ridge. https://skyeguides.co.uk/
2- The Quiraing
Located in the Trotternish Peninsula just to the North of Portree, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The forming of this huge landslip has been created over millions of years and to this day it remains geologically active. It moves a few centimetres every year and the road is continually worked on to repair the cracks that open as a result of the movement. The landscape is unique and has attracted many Hollywood film makers to use its natural beauty in their story telling. It is truly magical and I’ve never seen any other landscape quite like it. There are several great walks that can give you quite stunning views of the area and out to the island of Raasay, and on a clear day to Torridon on the mainland.
3 – Elgol and Loch Coruisk
Elgol sits proudly on the Strathaird Peninsula which is situated to the south west of the island and accessible by road from Broadford. On the road down the peninsula, you get fabulous views of Bla Bheinn from Loch Slapin, a beautiful mountain and outlier to the Black Cuillin. You gain height above the Loch and cross the peninsula to drop down into Elgol. There are fantastic view from here out to the small isles of Canna, Rum and Eigg. From here the real highlight is taking the Misty Isle Boat trip https://mistyisleboattrips.co.uk/ across Loch Scavaig to the mouth of the Cuillin and Loch Coruisk. This puts you at the very heart of the ridge and the views are truly awe inspiring. 60 million years of history rising 3000ft from the shore.
4 – Dunvegan Castle and Neist Point Lighthouse
There are two castles that you must visit when in Skye and Lochalsh, Dunvegan and Eilean Donan, more of the latter below! Sitting majestically overlooking Loch Dunvegan the Castle was built in the mid 1200’s and 800 years later it remains the family seat of the Macleod clan, the oldest inhabited Castle in Scotland. The islands fairy origins may well have been started here with the clans’ flag “The Fairy Flag” a 4th century heirloom of the clan chiefs. The gardens are stunning and a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch.
You should also take a trip out to Neist Point and its famous lighthouse. Built in 1900 it’s the most westerly point of the island and commands superb views over to the Outer Hebrides. Sunset is a great time to visit as the views out to the west are a photographer’s dream. Check out https://www.dunvegancastle.com/
5 – Balmacara Estate and Plockton
The Balmacara estate is the heart of the Lochalsh peninsula. The national trust for Scotland own and run the Estate and it is a superb experience if you are interested in conservation, the environment and wildlife. Over 15 miles of walks and an opportunity to see one of the largest crofting communities on any highland estate, and there’s a visitor centre at the heart of the community in Balmacara Square. Plockton often referred to as “the jewel of the highlands” also sits within the estate and is a beautiful village on the shores of Loch Carron. There’s excellent local seafood to be eaten here in a number of Hotels, Inns and eateries.
6 – Eilean Donan Castle
At the meeting of Loch Alsh, Loch Duich and Loch Long, proudly sits the majestic Eilean Donan Castle. There’s been a castle on this rugged outcrop since the 13th century, and it has seen its fair share of action over the centuries, including its near destruction by the English forces at the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite uprising in the mid 1700’s. However, rebuilt over 100 years ago it was home to the Macrae clan who are still constables of the Castle and today it is a wonderful visitor attraction that can be explored, and its history revisited. It can be very busy in the season so it’s advisable to book your tour.
7 – Old Man of Storr
My guess would be that there are more photographs taken of these pinnacles than any other location on the Island, in fact it’s probably one of the most photographed landscapes in the world. The Old Man of Storr and its mystical look and feel were created by the same landslips that formed the Quiraing. The centre piece is a 50-metre vertical rock, and you will not miss it. There are several relatively short and easy walks up to the Old Man and if you are steady on your legs, get out and have a wander through this magical plateau. The picture opportunities when you are up around the rocks are superb.
8 – Whisky Distilleries
Scotland’s national drink is very well represented in the Inner Hebrides with Skye, Raasay, Mull, Jura and Islay all producing wonderful whiskies. Skye has two distilleries and Raasay one. Talisker has been sitting in Carbost on the shores of Loch Harport for over 200years and has a pedigree to match. I’ve tried a few of their whiskies including the 8/10/18 and 25 year old -the 18 was delicious, ex bourbon and sherry cask and I believe it won the best whisky in the world in 2007.
Torabhaig is the islands newcomer, but it promises to be an outstanding distillery based on its inaugural release, and they have much spirit in cask – a must visit down on the Sleat Peninsula.
Raasay has its first distillery, and you can get over to the island on the ferry from Sconser, it’s a short 25-minute journey. The distillery building is stunning, a real triumph of exceptional design. Their first whisky is lightly peated having been matured in rye whisky, oak and red wine casks. They do a fine gin too – The Raasay hotel is a great stop for fresh fish and shells.
9 – Portree
This is the islands capital and year-round it is a bustling small town sitting on the shores of Loch Portree. It’s a lovely place to wander around and be sure to go down by the harbour, there’s something I really like about watching the comings and goings of maritime life and maybe stopping in for a few oysters too! Be warned in the summer months Portree gets super busy particularly when the cruise ships come by. Somerled Square is the heart of the town and there’s a very good tourist information site here. There’s plenty of hotels, Cuillin Hills, Royal, Bosville and just 10 minutes outside the town is the upmarket Skeabost Hotel formally a shooting lodge built in 1871, great beds food and lovely grounds. The town has plenty of bars, cafés and bistro’s and if you’re looking for locally produced goods including arts and crafts, try The Isle of Skye Soap Company and The Isle of Skye Candle Company.
10 – Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
If the heavens have opened and it’s been raining non-stop for a few days (there’s always a good chance of that on Skye!) then you must visit the Kilt Rock and Mealt falls. The rock is a fascinating sight made of Dolerite which is a crystalised textured rock that has formed columns that can look a bit like the pleats on a kilt, and when the light catches those crystals, you can see colour – it is amazing and equally it’s the wonder of how nature has shaped these over thousands of years that fascinates me! The Mealt falls are striking, and they result from the river overflow from the Mealt Loch. The river drops off the edge of the cliffs vertically for 180 feet to the shore and sea below. There’s a car park, path and viewing platform too.
Skye Luxury Touring – host private experiences touring the Isle of Skye, the West Highlands, and the Outer and Inner Hebrides in luxury executive vehicles. Tailoring itineraries is what we do, so you and your party can take in all that you want to see and do.
Interested? Then get in touch and let’s talk!