Known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and medieval castles, the Isle of Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides. A coastline of rocky outcrops, hidden lochs and mountainous interior all lend themselves to hours of exploration and discovery.
To help, we’ve highlighted our top 10 places to discover during your visit.
Dunvegan Castle
For nearly 800 years this beautiful castle has been the stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod and is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.
Originally designed as a fortress to keep people out, today you can tour an award-winning castle and Highland estate steeped in history and clan legend, delight in the beauty of its formal gardens and take a boat trip to see the Loch Dunvegan seal colony.
Talisker Distillery, Carbost
The oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport in the village of Carbost. Talisker House takes its name from the Norse name for the mountain Thalas Gair or Sloping Rock. Founded in 1830, one of its greatest fans was Robert Louis Stevenson. If you fancy tasting a forty-year-old, 102° proof malt, then this trip should not be missed.
Fairy Pools
The iconic pools and falls can be found at foot of the Black Cuillins near Glenbrittle. For those brave enough, they are ideal for wild swimming as well as for admiring from dry land.
To reach the first of the pools, there’s a short 2.4km walk on a well-trodden path with a few river crossings. Car parking is available although it can get quite busy so would recommend going first thing or later on in the day.
Three Chimneys
A Scottish culinary icon, the Three Chimneys restaurant is known for making the absolute most of the rich natural bounty which Skye, Land and Sea have to offer.
The world’s freshest and most beautiful ingredients to take centre stage but all of them are lovingly curated with the finest techniques of ancient Nordic and haute Scottish cuisine.
Old Man of Storr
Legend has it that Old Man of Storr was a giant who had lived in Trotternish Ridge and when he was buried, his thumb was left jutting out the ground, creating the famous jagged landscape.
One of the most famous walks on Skye, The Storr walk uses the same path up and down, starting & returning at the same point (the carpark). It covers a distance of 3.8km, with the average time to complete the walk being 1 hour 15 minutes (with no stops).
Quiraing
Along from the Old Man you’ll find one of the most stunning drives in Scotland. The drive passes though some of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland, winding through the landscape between the towns of Uig and Staffin. It’s a must-drive for anyone who enjoys the natural scenic landscapes. Part of the Trotternish ridge it has been formed by a massive landslip which has created high cliffs, hidden plateaus and pinnacles of rock.
At the top, there is a car park to stop and admire the view. If you fancy stretching your legs, the Quiraing walk is a loop, returning you to the same point (the carpark). It covers a distance of 6.8km, with the average time to complete the walk being 2 hours (with no stops).
Neist Point
Neist Point is one of the most famous lighthouses in Scotland and can be found on the most westerly tip of Skye near the township of Glendale. From the path you will see stunning views of the high cliffs and the lighthouse itself, at sunset the view is made even more spectacular making this a top destination for landscape photographers.
Kilt Rock
So named for the towering basalt columns that make up the cliff, which are said to resemble the pleats on traditional Scottish plaid, Kilt Rock is a breath-taking site. From atop these vertical cliffs your eye follows the thundering waterfall as it plunges down into the sea below. The horizon seems to stretch forever and with the iconic Skye skyline as your backdrop there are few more photogenic locations.
