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Author: Barry Pickard
Contents
The Fairy Glen
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stand on the edge of the world, with the wind whipping through your hair and the scent of the sea filling your lungs? If you’re dreaming of such an experience, then the Isle of Skye is calling your name.
I’ve spent countless days exploring every nook and cranny of this magical island, and I’m here to share my insider tips and personal experiences with you. From the rugged peaks of the Cuillin Mountains to the enchanting Fairy Pools, Skye offers a sensory feast that will leave you spellbound.
Imagine the sound of waves crashing against ancient cliffs, the sight of heather-covered hills rolling into the distance, and the taste of fresh seafood caught just hours before. This isn’t just another travel guide; it’s your ticket to discovering the hidden gems and must-see spots that make Skye truly unforgettable.
So, are you ready to uncover the secrets of Skye? Whether you’re planning your first trip or looking for new adventures on this stunning island, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in and explore the best things to see and do in Skye together. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these things to see and do in Skye appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the stunning attractions you should visit on the Isle of Skye, or indeed, a general tour of Scotland.
Things to See and Do in Skye
Talisker Distillery
Perhaps surprisingly, the Talisker Distillery is only one of two distilleries on the Isle of Skye (although a new one has recently opened on the neighbouring island of Raasay). The tasting notes for this single malt scotch whisky highlight the peppery taste with a hint of the sea and is moderately peaty. It is with good reason that it has been referred to as "the lava of the Cuillins". Not quite to my taste, but the tour is interesting and informative, and there can’t be many better experiences than sitting looking out over Loch Harport with a wee dram by your side.
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
Tours book up well in advance during the Summer months, so make sure to make your tour reservation as soon as possible.
If you are driving, don't let this stop you taking the tour. If you tell the tour guide, they will provide you with small bottles to store your tasting drams, so that you can enjoy them later.
After soaking up the Angels Share at Talisker, head up the hill at Carbost to The Oyster Shed. This farm shop come seafood takeaway is a great stop if you are visiting the distillery. Sample the fresh oysters in the shop and treat yourself to the seafood platter from the takeaway. You will be blown away by the local delicacies, as well as the stunning landscape in front of you as you eat at the Shed’s patio area.
Talisker Bay Beach
A fifteen-minute drive from Carbost will take you to a hamlet at the head of Talisker Bay. The road ends here, so park up wherever you can find a space on the verge. A further fifteen-minute walk along a good pathway will take you to the Talisker Bay Beach. It is a beautiful beach of stones and sand, best visited at low tide. Strangely, the shores of Talisker Bay contain both black and white sand on the beach. It’s a reminder that this area was volcanic, activity which created the Cuillin mountains. Another beautiful feature of the bay is the impressive waterfall on the northern side.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Try and time your visit for low tide to get the best appreciation of this stunning bay.
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The Fairy Pools
Much about the Isle of Skye is magical, so it makes sense that several of its attractions have mystical names and the vivid colours of the pools suggest an unnatural origin. The waterfalls of the the Fairy Pools were not in full speight during my visit and are even more spectacular after a period of rain (which, unfortunately, can be a regular occurrence in Skye!). The pools are also a popular place for wild swimmers, although I was only daring enough to take my socks and shoes off and dip my feet into the water. I can attest to the fact that even towards the end of Summer, the pools were freezing!
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
This is one attraction where it really pays to get there either very early or late on in the day, due to its popularity. There is a sizable carpark, but it fills up quickly.
It takes around 20-minutes to get from the carpark, along the River Brittle and up past to the beginning of the many blue and green hued pools, with another 20-minutes or so to get to the end of waterfalls.
Elgol
The village of Elgol nestles on the shores of Loch Scavaig towards the end of the Strathaird peninsula. It is a long and winding road from Broadford, but it is worth doing for the views from this quaint harbour village over to the Cuillin mountains. Elgol is also the jumping off point for trips to the mysterious Loch Coruisk. A small ferry will take you across the short stretch of sea to below the loch, then it is a swift hike up to one of the most celebrated views in Scotland.
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
Elgol was used as a hideaway for Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746 after the Battle of Culloden. The cave where he is said to have waited for a boat to the mainland (“Prince Charlie’s cave”, or “Uamh Phrionnsa”) can still be visited today, a short walk to the south of the village.
Sligachan Old Bridge
Found at the head of Glen Sligachan, the bridge and waterfall is passed by every visitor travelling north to Portree. It is well worth stopping here to see the old stone bridge which runs parallel to the modern road. The views of the bridge with the savage profile of Sgurr nan Gillean in the background are extremely picturesque. Over the years Sligachan has become a jumping off point for mountain climbers looking to tackle the Black Cuillin, but it is a lovely scenic stop with the added bonus a drink at Seamus’ Bar nearby! If you follow the river upstream for about five minutes you will also find the Sligachan waterfall.
Read on to find out about an ancients broch, the island's giant and its most impressive castle.
Dun Beag Broch
On the way north to Dunvegan Castle, it would be easy to miss the ancient Dun Beag broch on a hill overlooking the road. Thankfully, it is signposted and there is a well-maintained carpark on the opposite side of the road. Brochs were built in the last centuries BC and the first centuries AD, but archaeologists and historians are still arguing over what these stone structures were actually used for. There are around five hundred to be found across mainly the north and west of Scotland, but were they defensive towers, homes or symbols of power? By the time I had climbed up the hill and surveyed the picturesque view and walked the ruins, my guess was that Dun Beag Broch would have made a great little defensive tower. It is thought that Dun Beag would have been at least 10m taller than it is today. The residents would have lived at first floor level and above, while the ground floor would have been used for keeping livestock.
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Giant Angus MacAskill Museum
As you enter the small village of Dunvegan, you will came across the delightful little museum that celebrates the life of Angus MacAskill, who stood 7ft8in (2.36m) tall, weighing 425lb and lived from 1825 to 1863. It is thought that he was the tallest Scotsman ever to have lived, and the tallest recorded true giant, meaning that he did not have gigantism. It is also thought that he had the largest chest measurements of any non-obese man, having a diameter of 80in (200cm). Surprisingly, Angus’ parents were of average size, as were his nine siblings. Even more amazingly was that as a baby, Angus was so small he was not expected to survive. We can only guess that he ate a lot of porridge when growing up!
Angus was 6 when his family were caught up in the Highland Clearances and they were forced to emigrate to St Ann's, Cape Breton. Angus added most of his size during his teenage years, and by his early 20s has become renowned for feats of strength, becoming known as Gille Mor, the Cape Breton Giant, or Giant MacAskill. Eventually he was recruited to take part in a travelling show, where he put on performances across North America and Europe, working alongside General Tom Thumb, the shortest fully grown man of the time. He retired back to St Ann's a wealthy man. In contrast to the man himself, the museum is only small, but it is well worth taking in on the way to Dunvegan Castle. You can even be like me and take your picture beside Angus and Tom Thumb – I’m the 6ft tall one on the left by-the-way!
Dunvegan Castle and Gardens
Claimed to be Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited castle, Dunvegan has been the seat of the MacLeod of MacLeod, chief of the Clan MacLeod for more than 800 years. Originally the site of a Norse fort, the castle dominates Loch Dunvegan. The castle has many interesting displays, no more so that the magical Fairy Flag. The flag is treasured by the MacLeod clan, and has been used as a talisman during many of their battles. The legend behind the flag tells of how one of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod married a fairy; however, after twenty years she was forced to leave him and return to fairyland, but gave him the flag, promising that if it was waved in times of danger and distress, help would be given on three occasions.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
As well as the castle, make time to explore the gardens. Despite being located in such a wild area of Scotland, the gardens are full and colourful.
The Fairy Bridge
To continue the story of The Fairy Flag, take the short drive to the Fairy Bridge – the location where, legend has it, the fairy bade farewell to the chief. There were no fairies visible on the day, but it was a beautiful little bridge to check out.
Claigan Coral Beach
Claigan Coral Beach is a spectacular sweeping bay, but it is not the views that make this beach special. Rather it is its ‘sand’, which is actually made of the skeletal remains of a rare type of seaweed called Maerl! The beach can be reached after a twenty minute walk from the car park at Claigan.
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Neist Point
Neist Point is the most westerly point of Skye and crowning this scenic little peninsula is Neist Point Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1909. This finger of basalt rock has a steep path down from the road to the lighthouse and requires a little bit of care while traversing. On one of my trips here, I arrived a little before sunset and was rewarded with one of the best views I have ever experienced, with the sun setting romantically over The Minch (the stretch of water between Skye and the Outer Hebrides). The sun (and the weather!) can really make this finger of land one of the best things to see and do in Skye. The area is well known for its wildlife, although I did not manage to see any of the whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking shark which can often be seen from the point.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Most of the ten miles between Lonmore and the Neist Point Lighthouse is a single track road, with passing points, and is especially narrow for the last mile or so. This often leads to traffic jams, so arrive very early or later in the day to avoid an hour or two of frustration. Note, parking at the start of the peninsula trail is quite limited.
The Fairy Glen
To continue the Skye magical theme, explore Castle Ewen, also known as the Fairy Castle, in the Fairy Glen. Near Uig, the Fairy Castle sits above a fantastic wonderland of lumps and bumps and crazy pinnacles. Though it looks like a fortified tower, the ‘castle’ is actually a natural rock formation. Geologists have one view about this up thrust of rock, but everyone around Uig swears it was created by fairies.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
There is a small car park just as the castle comes in to view. Park here. Note that there is a small charge.
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Uig
There is not much to hold your attention in the village of Uig, but if you are looking for a nice restaurant to eat at, then The Pier Restaurant is a good choice. Afterwards, you should also check out the The Isle of Skye Brewing Company shop and their selection of multi-award-winning beers. Although no tour is available at the brewery, the well-stocked shop is worth making a quick visit to.
Skye Museum of Island Life
Head north from Uig and gain a fascinating glimpse into the past by visiting the Skye Museum of Island Life. Seven thatched cottages have been preserved as you would have found them at the end of the 18th century. Each cottage depicts a different aspect of island life, from the smithy and local shop, to the communal hall and the cosy home. The museum also includes historical archives, such as the story of Flora MacDonald, who famously helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the Battle of Culloden.
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
There are public toilets at the carpark to the museum.
Just south of the museum is an Iron age Souterrain - an underground stone tunnel-like structure that was probably built to keep food cool. It has its own small carpark, making it easy to access.
Read on to discover the grave of Flora MacDonald, the ghost of a nursemaid, and a landslip of tremendous proportions!
Kilmuir Graveyard
Less than half a mile from the museum, along the narrow road that leads from the carpark, is Kilmuir Graveyard, which is famous for Flora MacDonald's Grave. The tall cross at Flora’s grave is impressive and complete with an epitaph written by the notable author Samuel Johnson (who, with James Boswell had met Flora in life during their tour of the Highlands). This reads "Her name will be mentioned in history and if courage and fidelity be virtues, mentioned with honour." It is said that Flora's funeral in 1790 was attended by 3,000 mourners, who between them drank 300 gallons of whisky. She was buried in a shroud said to have been made from a bed-sheet in which Bonnie Prince Charlie had slept.
Tailor-Made Top Tips
While in the graveyard, we also checked out the magnificent grave marker with a carved effigy of a knight in armour that lies close to the chapel enclosure. This marks the grave of Angus Martin, or Aonghas na Geoithe ("Angus of the Wind"). Angus is said to have earned his nickname by insisting on going to sea whatever the weather, and he is believed to have married a Danish princess with whom he had seven sons.
Duntulm Castle
Continuing up the peninsula, you will come to Duntulm Castle, which sits on a commanding position and was first fortified in the Iron Age. This defensive structure was added to by the Vikings, then fell into the hands of the MacLeods of Skye, then the MacDonalds. The castle was eventually abandoned around 1730 when it was said that a nursemaid had accidentally dropped the baby son of the clan chief from a castle window above the cliffs. The ghost of the nursemaid, killed in retribution, is still said to wander the ruins.
Quiraing
The interestingly named Quiraing is an impressive geological feature, being a landslip on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish. In case you are wondering the name Quiraing comes from Old Norse 'Kvi Rand', which means "Round Fold".
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Take the narrow and winding inland road that links Uig and Staffin. You will find a small carpark at the summit of the Quiraing, from where you can walk up and along the ridge, making this one of the best things to see and do in Skye. You can take the coast road, the A855, and still get great views of the Quiraing, but this is from a distance.
An Corran Beach (Dinosaur Footprints)
An Corran Beach, located near the village of Staffin, is most famous for its dinosaur footprints. These footprints were discovered in 2002 and date back to the mid-Jurassic period, around 170 million years ago. The prints belong to various dinosaur species, including the three-toed carnivorous Megalosaurus.
The beach itself is a beautiful spot with sandy shores and rocky outcrops, offering stunning views of the Quiraing, The Minch, and the Sound of Raasay. It’s a great place for fossil hunting, and you might even spot seals and dolphins in the area.
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
To see the dinosaur footprints, it’s best to visit during low tide, as they are located on the rocks by the sandy beach.
There is limited free parking at the beach.
Staffin Dinosaur Museum
The Staffin Dinosaur Museum was established by Dugald Ross in 1976, and houses a fascinating collection of dinosaur fossils, casts of fossils and information on the local dinosaur history. Dugald Ross, who discovered many of the fossils himself, provides firsthand accounts and insights into the finds. The museum features fossils from various dinosaur species, including Stegosaurus, Megalosaurus, Cetiosaurus, Hadrosaurus, and Ceolophysis.
Kilt Rock
Kilt Rock is a spectacular sea-cliff 55 metres (180 ft) tall, made of dolerite rock strata in many different colours (which makes the cliffs look like a kilt!). Kilt Rock boasts a dramatic waterfall created from the outflow of Loch Mealt. The viewpoint is served by a large carpark.
Lealt Falls
Further south, the Lealt Gorge and Falls are often overlooked by visitors as they hurry up to see the nearby Kilt Rock, but Lealt is a hidden pleasure of Skye and deserves to be an attraction in its own right. It is easy to drive right by the gorge, tucked as it is below the A855 road, but there is a decently sized car park for any visitors willing to stop. From the carpark, there is a narrow, but good path to a viewpoint where you can look back into the depths of the gorge and see the waterfalls which tumble down a steep slope to the floor of the gorge far below. There is now also a wooden viewing platform near the carpark that gives an excellent view.
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Read on to find out about Skye's oldest man, it colourful main town, and its newest distillery.
Old Man of Storr
Just north of Portree, there is one more iconic stop to make – The Old Man of Storr. You may remember The Old Man of Storr, a massive pinnacle of rock, from the opening scenes in Ridley Scott's 2012 feature film Prometheus, or perhaps from the multitude of images that seem to pop up on every traveller’s Instagram feed.
Once you ascend the path up to and beyond The Old Man of Storr, you are treated not only to a great shot of the rock, but also beautiful views over to the Isle of Raasay and the mainland at Applecross.
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
Plan for a two hour round trip up the steep, but good conditioned path.
There is a large carpark at the foot of the hill, but this can fill up very quickly. Note that authorities are very strict on vehicles not parking in official spaces, so expect to receive a parking ticket if you do so. Therefore, go as early as possible to beat the crowds.
Portree
A visit to the Isle of Skye is not complete without a visit to the main town of Portree. It's photogenic harbour is only about 200 years old and was created as a fishing village at the beginning of the 19th century by the then Lord MacDonald. The name Portree or Port Righ, King’s Port in Gaelic, (as on the road signs) is popularly thought to derive from a visit by King James V (of Scotland) in 1540 but the area around the harbour was called Portree or Portray long before the arrival of the king. Its name really comes from the Gaelic for Port on the Slope.
You will find a number of small convenience stores and boutique shops, as well as several restaurants, cafes and bars, although please note that many of these can be closed on a Sunday.
Torabhaig Distillery
Torabhaig Distillery has only been producing Single Malt Scotch Whisky since January 2017, but it has already become known for its unique taste, shaped by the island’s pure spring water and rugged landscape. Housed in renovated farm buildings, the stones of which had come from the abandoned Knock Castle, the distillery was purpose built within its listed walls.
I chose the regular tour, which takes around 45 minutes, where you can view the whisky making process, followed by a tasting of its Allt Gleann and Cnoc na Moine whiskies. If you have a sweet tooth, you can also book a whisky and chocolate pairing tour, or even join the Whisky Maker in the warehouse!
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
If you are looking for more nearby whisky adventures, pay a visit to The Gaelic Whiskies, in Eilean Iarmain. They have an interesting and tasty ranges of blended malts, as well as making their own range of gins.
Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum
Armadale Castle is the ancestral home of the Macdonalds of Sleat. Although now in ruins, it offers a romantic and picturesque setting, providing a glimpse into the grandeur of the past, with beautiful stonework and scenic views across the Sound of Sleat.
But it is the castle's gardens which really steal the show. Spanning 40 acres, the gardens include beautifully landscaped areas and pleasant woodland walks.
Within the grounds, there is also the Museum of the Isles, which offers a deep dive into the history of Clan Donald, Scotland’s largest and oldest clan. It features artifacts, interactive displays, and detailed historical accounts.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The Stables Cafe is an excellent choice for lunch. Pick the lamb soup if it is on the menu!
How Long Should you Stay?
I am often asked how many days you should set aside for a trip to the Isle of Skye. Of course, the correct answer is… as much time as you can afford! Being realistic, however, seven days would probably allow you (with the use of a car) to fully experience this island. But what if you only have three days? Well, don’t fret, with a bit of planning you could manage to take in many of the main attractions within that tight schedule.
What is the best month to visit Skye
June to September is the best time to visit Skye, mainly from the point of view of the weather (although this is unpredictable at the best of times in Scotland!), however, the dearth of accommodation on the island can make it difficult or expensive to book during this time. The summer months can also be blighted by midges, but, unless you are hiking in the wilder areas, you probably won't encounter these flying pests.
It is easier to book during April, May and October, and you may be lucky with the weather (one of my trips was during October and the weather was very good), but note that many of the attractions with opening times close during October and do not reopen till after Easter. Visiting during November to March can be very challenging, especially if there is snow on the roads.
How to Get Around Skye
A major issue that you will have to consider when planning a trip to the Isle of Skye is how to get around the island. It is fairly easy if you have access to a car or if you are on a coach tour, although some roads can be quite narrow and need care. However, don’t expect to see its major attractions if you want to visit using public transport.
Despite the challenges this popular island faces, don’t let that put you off from visiting. Just make sure you organise your trip well in advance and you will be rewarded by some of the best natural beauty that Scotland has to offer. Please note that due to the size of the island and the condition and amount of traffic on the roads, it takes longer than you would expect to travel around Skye. For example plan to take an hour driving from the Skye Bridge to Portree (and that's on the island's best road!).
Isle of Skye Accommodation
The first and probably most important stage in your trip to the Isle of Skye is arranging your accommodation. Demand far outstrips the accommodation capacity of this popular island, so try to book hotels in Isle of Skye at least six months in advance, or even earlier if you want to visit between June and September. There are only a handful of hotels on the island, with many small family B&Bs and Airbnb-type properties supplementing capacity. Also, you can consider staying on the mainland, in Kyle of Lochalsh, for example, which is just over the bridge to Isle of Skye.
Of the island's hotels, I can recommend The Portree Hotel, handily located on the square of the island's main town, The Sligachan Hotel, which is at the epicentre of the island's favourite hikes, the Broadford Hotel, home of the Drambuie, the Stein Inn, Skye’s oldest inn dating back to the late 18th century and the Toravaig House Hotel, just a stagger away from the Torabhaig Distillery.
However, if you are looking for a touch of luxury, consider the The Flodigarry Hotel, which is one of the best Isle of Skye hotels. This exquisite hotel not only has lavish rooms in the main Victorian house, it also has quaint cottages, modern suites and the Signature Suite, which is like a little cabin in the woods!
Conclusion
As your journey through the Isle of Skye comes to an end, I hope you’ve found inspiration and excitement in the stories and tips shared here. The island’s wild beauty and enchanting landscapes have a way of leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who visit. Whether you’ve marveled at the dramatic cliffs of Neist Point, wandered through the mystical Quiraing, or simply soaked in the serene atmosphere of Portree, Skye has undoubtedly offered you memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Related Blog Posts
If you are interested in finding out more about wide variety of interesting places to visit in Scotland, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Comment below and let me know what was your favourite Isle of Skye attraction.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these things to see and do in Skye appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the stunning attractions you should visit on the Isle of Skye, or indeed, a general tour of Scotland.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
Isle of Skye Map
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