What to do in Isle of Skye, Scotland
If you’re coming to the Isle of Skye Scotland, don’t miss these unbelievable sights! From surreal natural landscapes to ancient castles, the Isle of Skye has it all!
About the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is one of the islands of the Hebrides in the northwest of Scotland. Full of dramatic landscapes, ancient ruins, quaint villages, friendly people, unpredictable weather and more sheep than people, the island is a world of its own that hasn’t changed much in the last several hundred years.
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
There are plenty of small hotels and Airbnbs throughout the island, which is small enough to stay anywhere and still have easy access to all the sights. Finding a place to stay is surprisingly affordable. I stayed in a small hotel in Uig for $60/night. It was nothing fancy, but had everything I needed.
Getting to the Isle of Skye- Is there a bridge to the Isle of Skye?
Yes there is a bridge! The Isle of Skye is easily accessible by car via the Skye Bridge which connects it to mainland Scotland. It’s about a 5 hour drive from Edinburgh, about 3 hours from Inverness and 3 hours from Glasgow.
Take a Tour of the Isle of Skye
If you’d rather not worry about driving to the island or on the island, you can take a tour through Rabbies. They will pick you up in Edinburgh and take care of all the details, all while entertaining and educating you in small tour vans.
Driving on the Isle of Skye
Driving on the Isle of Skye can be a little tricky. First of all, you’ll be driving on the left of course, and almost all the roads are “one track roads” meaning that both directions share one lane. There are passing places which are labeled with “passing place” every few hundred feet. If you see a car coming and you’re near a passing place, pull over to the left. If the passing place is on your right, stop on the left hand side of the road and let the oncoming car pass through the passing place. Do not cross over and pull into a passing place on the right!
What to See on the Isle of Skye
You could honestly wander around the Isle of Skye without a set itinerary, just taking in all the sights and be totally satisfied. The uniqueness and color of the landscape is just breathtaking! Here are some of the most amazing things to see on the Isle of Skye:
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Kilt Rock
This giant sea cliff which resembles a kilt with pleats is a sight to behold, especially at sunrise when the sun reflects off the rocks. This is easily accessible with a parking lot overlooking the rock.
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The Quiraing
This supernatural mountainous area must not be missed. You can park and observe its beauty (bring your camera) or you can walk the Quiraing which is amazing!
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Old Man of Storr
Created by a massive ancient landslide, this large pinnacle rock can be seen for miles around on a rare clear day. You can take the 6.5 mile hike up to the top if you’re up for it.
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Neist Point
The stunning cliffs at Neist Point alone are worth the trip there, but you can also walk down the path and view the lighthouse.
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Dunvegan Castle
This Castle has been owned by the Chief of Clan McLeod for centuries. The Chief and his family still visits the castle. You can tour the grand castle, but the true magic of Dunvegan Castle lies in its gardens and wooded pathways.
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Portree
The capital of the Isle of Skye, Portree is a quaint and colorful town with great restaurants. Be sure to eat at Marmalade and try the sticky toffee pudding, which the chef has perfected over the last 20 years!
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Fairy Pools
One of the most photographed places in Scotland, the Fairy Pools take a bit of effort to get to. About a mile walk through stunning scenery, you will be greeted with blue pools and waterfalls.
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Eilean Donan Castle
While not technically on the Isle of Skye, you will pass Eileen Donan Castle on your way to the island and it is not to be missed.
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Flora MacDonald Memorial Grave
Take a drive up to Kilmuir Cemetery and visit Flora MacDonald’s memorial. Flora MacDonald was a famous Jacobite woman who aided Bonnie Prince Charlie in escaping following the battle of Culloden. She dressed him as a woman and smuggled him onto the Isle of Skye. Coincidentally, I found her grave while searching for my ancestors’ grave which is just a few feet away!
Don’t miss these incredible sights on the Isle of Skye, but whatever you choose to do, you won’t be disappointed. There’s no place like it on Earth!
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15 comments
What an incredible place!! Can one swim in those Fairy pools? I can see my daughter swimming away regardless of how cold the water may be, lol.
Just stunning pictures, thank you! I will be linking this post to ours when we write our blog on our adventures here xx
Stunning photos and great info!
Can’t wait to make it there. My family left there and headed to PEI Canada years ago. It looks amazing. Thanks for sharing.
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The Isle of Skye is much farther from Glasgow than 3 hours! It is at least 4.5 hours and closer to 5 if you get stuck behind slow traffic.
Thank you Maggie! That is good to know! And yes definitely easy to get stuck behind a slow lory!