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ISLE OF SKYE
The Ultimate Independent Travel Guide
Welcome
to Near and Far Adventures
We’re David and Annie, we are passionate about exploring the world, discovering new places and sharing our real travel experiences to help inspire your next adventure.
Here you’ll find our Isle of Skye travel guide, along with interactive maps, practical travel tips, things to do, road trip ideas and plenty of inspiration to help you plan your own unforgettable journey on the isle of Skye, in Scotland.
We visit every destination ourselves and only recommend hotels we'd happily book with our own money. Every recommendation is based on location, value, and overall experience.
Where is the Isle of Skye?
The Isle of Skye lies off Scotland’s northwest coast and is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides. Famous for its dramatic mountains, rugged coastline and ancient landscapes, Skye has a long and fascinating history shaped by Gaelic culture, Norse influence and the powerful Clan MacLeod.
From ancient settlements and medieval castles to the island’s famous connection with Bonnie Prince Charlie, Skye offers a glimpse into Scotland’s rich and sometimes turbulent past.
Top Sights - Isle of Skye
Explore Skye
- with our interactive maps
When is the best time to visit the Isle of Skye?
The best time to visit the Isle of Skye is generally between May and September, when the days are longer and the weather is often milder, making it ideal for scenic walks, boat trips and exploring the island by car. May and June can offer beautiful spring scenery and fewer visitors than the peak summer months, while July and August bring warmer temperatures but also busier roads and more expensive accommodation.
We visited recently in July, we found that although it was a peak month it wasn't as busy as we were expecting. The car parks for the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing do fill up fast. We decided to visit the Quiraing in the morning, and the Old Man of Storr late afternoon. This meant that when we walked to the Old Man of Storr the route was quite quiet and we got a car parking space really easily. September is another lovely time to visit, with autumn colours beginning to appear.
Whenever you go, pack waterproofs and warm layers, as Skye’s weather can change quickly! This year many of our days were in pouring rain.
10 Must-See Places on the Isle of Skye
Watch our top 10 places to visit on the Isle of Skye, from scenic walks and unforgettable boat trips to breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems.
The Isle of Skye is full of incredible experiences. Join us as we share our favourite places and help you plan your own unforgettable Scottish adventure.
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The best way to explore the Isle of Skye is to divide your time into different areas, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery without spending your whole holiday in the car.
Example 3 day Itinerary
Day 1: explore the spectacular Trotternish Loop, taking in the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Quiraing and Fairy Glen.
Day 2: head west towards Dunvegan, visiting Dunvegan Castle, Coral Beach and the beautiful coastline around the northwest of the island.
Day 3: explore southern Skye, with stops around the Cuillin Mountains, Sligachan, the Fairy Pools and Armadale Castle before continuing towards the Sleat Peninsula.
Trotternish Loop
The Trotternish Loop is one of the most spectacular drives on the Isle of Skye, taking you through a landscape of dramatic mountains, rugged coastline, waterfalls and some of the island’s most famous landmarks. The circular route covers around 50 miles (80 km) and is packed with places worth stopping for, including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, the Quiraing and Fairy Glen. The beauty of the drive is that the scenery changes constantly, from sweeping coastal views to towering rock formations and green Highland landscapes.
Allow a full day to enjoy the route properly, as you'll want plenty of time to stop, take photographs and explore some of the short walks along the way. When we drove this route we left early and spent 9 hours exploring this side of the island. Of course you can take your time and do the loop over a couple of days.
We did the loop clockwise, some say you get better light going anti clockwise. Our decision was based on our children at the time who were very keen to see the fairy glen, it was also a hot day so we wanted to end the day with the Old Man of Storr.
Trotternish Loop Stop 1 - Fairy Glen
Despite its magical appearance, the Fairy Glen is entirely natural and was shaped by powerful geological forces over thousands of years. The distinctive landscape was created largely by ancient landslides, with huge sections of rock shifting and settling on the slopes of the Trotternish Peninsula. Glacial activity, weathering and erosion then continued to shape the area, creating its unusual collection of rounded hills, rocky outcrops and hidden hollows. One of its most recognisable features, Castle Ewen, is a natural rock formation rising above the glen. Today, this extraordinary landscape looks almost otherworldly, but its fascinating shapes are the result of geology rather than anything supernatural.
The Fairy Glen is a 27 min drive from Portree, the road is narrow and has passing places. There is a small carpark which is right next to the paths that lead you through the Fairy Glen. We found it very peaceful and it was a great place to explore.
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Stop 2 - Quiraing
The Quiraing is one of the most spectacular landscapes on the Isle of Skye and a highlight of the Trotternish Loop. The full circular walk is approximately 4 miles (6.5 km) and takes around 2–4 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views. The shorter walk takes you to the needle and back in around 50 min. We walked to the needle and back and the views were incredible. It was a beautiful day so you could see for miles.
The extraordinary landscape was created by a huge landslip, caused by the movement of massive layers of rock along the Trotternish Ridge. The area consists of ancient lava flows sitting above weaker Jurassic sedimentary rocks, creating an unstable combination. Following the retreat of the glaciers after the last Ice Age, enormous sections of the mountainside slipped and moved downhill, creating the pinnacles, cliffs, valleys and isolated rock formations we see today. The Quiraing is considered the largest landslip of its type in Britain, covering around 8.5 square kilometres, and the landscape is still moving slowly today.
The Quiraing car park is 28 min drive from the Fairy Glen, it is accessed mainly via small roads with passing places. There is a large car park that you need to pay for. It does fill up quite quickly so we decided to do this early in the day.
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Stop 3 - Skye Museum of Island Life
Skye Museum of Island Life in Kilmuir is a fascinating place to discover what life was really like on the Isle of Skye more than a century ago. The museum is made up of a collection of eight traditional thatched cottages, each giving an insight into different aspects of island life, from crofting and farming to traditional crafts and everyday living. The Old Croft House was occupied until 1957, making the experience particularly interesting as you can see how generations of islanders lived in these simple homes. Opened to the public in 1965, the museum was created to preserve a way of life that was rapidly disappearing.
There is a small carpark and it's easy accessible from the main road. We paid an entrance fee of £8 per adult. Children under 15 yrs are free. Its open Mon - Saturday 10am - 17:00.
Stop 4 - Duntulm Castle
Duntulm Castle sits dramatically at the northern tip of the Trotternish Peninsula, overlooking the sea towards the Outer Hebrides. The castle dates mainly from the 14th and 15th centuries, although there may have been an earlier fortified site here. Its position, with steep cliffs on three sides and a defensive ditch protecting the landward approach, made it a naturally strong location.
Duntulm became an important stronghold of the MacDonalds of Sleat, following centuries of rivalry between the MacDonalds and MacLeods for control of Skye. In the early 17th century, Sir Donald MacDonald of Sleat was required to repair and occupy the castle, and further additions were made, including another tower. At its height, Duntulm was an impressive fortified residence, with the main tower rising to four storeys.
It's a quick stop and a short couple of minutes walk to access the castle, which is free of charge. Parking is limited at the side of the road.
Stop 5 - An Corran Beach
An Corran Beach is a beautiful and often quieter stretch of coastline on the Trotternish Peninsula, making it a lovely place to stop while exploring the Isle of Skye. The beach is particularly famous for its dinosaur footprints, which were discovered in the rocks along the shore and are believed to have been left by dinosaurs around 165 million years ago during the Middle Jurassic period. At low tide, you can explore the rocky shoreline and look for the distinctive footprints in the stone. We did find this tricky as there are shapes that appear to be footprints, but are actually just natural shapes in the rock. We still loved exploring and the children found fish in the rockpools.
Parking is limited, but people are constantly coming and going so we did find a space easily. You can also lauch kayaks and stand up paddle boards here on a good day.
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Staffin Dinosaur Museum (optional stop)
The Staffin Dinosaur Museum is a fascinating stop for anyone interested in Skye’s prehistoric past. The museum showcases fossils and displays telling the story of the dinosaurs that once roamed the island, including the famous dinosaur footprints discovered along the nearby coastline. You can learn about the different species that left their tracks here millions of years ago and how these remarkable footprints have helped reveal what Skye was like during the Jurassic period. It is very small but we really enjoyed looking at all the fossils.
Stop 6 - Kilt Rock & Mealtfalls
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls are among the most spectacular viewpoints on the Trotternish Peninsula. Kilt Rock takes its name from its striking appearance, with the layers of basalt columns and contrasting rock formations resembling the pleats and colours of a traditional Scottish kilt. Standing around 90 metres above the sea, the cliffs were formed by ancient volcanic activity and the layers of rock are part of Skye’s fascinating geological history.
Mealt Falls drops from the cliffs towards the sea, fed by Loch Mealt above the viewpoint. Although amazing we did find the best views of the actual falls are seen via the drone as the view is limited from the viewing platform.
Stop 7 - Brothers Point
Brother's Point (Rubha nam Brathairean) is a spectacular coastal viewpoint on Skye's Trotternish Peninsula, with rugged cliffs, sea views and dramatic rock formations. The walk from the roadside is around 2 miles (3.2 km) there and back and usually takes about 1–1.5 hours, depending on pace and how long you spend enjoying the views.
The route is relatively short but can be muddy and uneven, so sensible footwear is recommended. It’s a lovely alternative to some of Skye’s busier attractions and well worth adding to a Trotternish Loop itinerary.
Stop 8 - Leat Falls
Lealt Falls is a spectacular waterfall on the east coast of the Isle of Skye, where the River Lealt plunges through a dramatic gorge towards the sea. A short walk from the car park leads to a viewing platform with impressive views of the waterfall and surrounding coastline. It’s an easy and worthwhile stop when exploring the Trotternish Peninsula, particularly when combined with nearby attractions such as Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr. This stop only takes a few minutes.
Stop 9 - Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr is one of the Isle of Skye’s most famous landmarks and a highlight of the Trotternish Peninsula. The circular walk is around 3.8 km (2.4 miles) and usually takes 1.5–2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend taking in the spectacular views. The trail climbs steadily from the car park towards the dramatic rock formations, with panoramic views across the surrounding landscape. It can be steep, rocky and muddy in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended, particularly after wet weather.
The car park is located off the main road and is easy to access. It does get very busy during peak summer months, so It's advised to go early in the morning or later afternoon to beat the rush. We went in the late afternoon and it was so lovely. There are toilets near the car park.
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Where to stay on the Isle of Skye?
Portree
Portree is the islands capital, it's a small colourful harbour town which is at the heart of the Isle of Skye, making it a fantastic base for exploring the island.
You can wander along the picturesque waterfront, enjoy the local cafés and restaurants, and discover the shops before heading out to explore Skye’s dramatic landscapes. On a rainy day we found a great bookshop, pottery shops, and the kids found a little sweet shop.
There are also excellent hotels also located on the trotternish peninsular, giving you access to a beautiful side of the island.
Sligachan
If you're looking for a campsite surrounded by Skye's dramatic mountain scenery, Sligachan Campsite is a fantastic option. Set beneath the Cuillin Mountains, it's a great base for walkers, campers and road trippers exploring the island. The site offers tent, motorhome and caravan pitches, hot showers, laundry facilities and Wi-Fi, with the historic Sligachan Hotel and its restaurant nearby. It's also ideally positioned for exploring different parts of Skye by car. We stayed here and highly recommend it. https://www.glensligachan.com/sligachan-campsite/
Hotels - Isle of Skye
Accommodation on the Isle of Skye can book up surprisingly quickly, particularly during the popular summer months, so it’s worth planning ahead and reserving your hotel, guesthouse, campsite or self-catering accommodation well in advance. Portree and other popular areas have limited accommodation compared with the number of visitors Skye attracts, meaning the best-located properties can disappear quickly. Booking early also gives you a wider choice of locations and prices, especially if you want to stay for several nights.
$$$
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On the Isle of Skye, Flodigarry Hotel and Flodigarry Restaurant offers accommodation in a country house sitting on a hill and offering sea views towards the Torridons and Scottish mainland. The hotel and 18th-century cottage are surrounded by ancient woodland and gardens on the Quiraing. Individually decorated, all rooms offer en-suite facilities and a TV. They are located in the main house or in Flora Macdonald’s cottage, just a few minutes’ walk away.
$$ (located on the trotternish loop, North of Portree)
Follow in Bonnie Prince Charlie’s footsteps and escape to Monkstadt 1745 Luxury Lodge on Skye.
Unwind in one of our luxurious four-poster suites, all thoughtfully designed with your comfort in mind. Roll-top baths and all the modern luxuries you could need to relax in style.
Immerse yourself in our rooms, indulge yourself at our restaurant, where we offer you the best local produce and afterwards enjoy a wee dram in the Whisky Room.
$$ (Whole Chalet perfect for group / family. located on the trotternish loop, North of Portree)
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Spacious Accommodation: Faodail House offers a spacious holiday home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property includes a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and comfortable seating spaces.
Guests can relax in the private garden or enjoy the hot tub. Free WiFi is available throughout the property, ensuring connectivity during the stay. The holiday home features free on-site private parking, a washing machine, and a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances. Additional amenities include a fireplace, walk-in shower, and a cosy seating area.
Best Castles to visit on the Isle of Skye?
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle, the historic home of Clan MacLeod for centuries, sits on the shores of Loch Dunvegan and combines fascinating history with beautiful gardens and spectacular views.
Armadale Castle
Armadale Castle, once the ancestral home of Clan Donald, offers something different, with its atmospheric castle ruins surrounded by extensive gardens and woodland, as well as the Museum of the Isles. Both are well worth adding to your Skye itinerary for a taste of the island’s rich clan history and beautiful landscapes.
- how to get there
Isle of Skye
How to get to the Isle of Skye from Glasgow and Edinburgh
The Isle of Skye is connected to mainland Scotland by the Skye Bridge, so you can drive onto the island without taking a ferry. The bridge connects Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland with Kyleakin on Skye and is part of the A87. It makes travelling to Skye by car particularly straightforward, especially if you're coming from Glasgow, Edinburgh or elsewhere in the Highlands. There is no toll to cross the Skye Bridge.
You can also reach Skye by ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, which is a scenic alternative if you're travelling along the Road to the Isles.
You can also travel by train, bus or organised tour, but having your own car gives you much more flexibility to visit remote viewpoints, scenic walks and little villages.
We recommend Discover Cars an online comparison site to get good deals on car hire in the UK.
Our Isle of Skye Travel Planner Is Coming Soon!
We’re creating an in-depth Isle of Skye itinerary planner designed to make organising your adventure much easier. Packed with practical information, destination guides, in depth itineraries, travel tips, maps and advice based on our own experiences, it will help you plan your trip with confidence.
Sign up now to be the first to know when our Isle of Skye travel Planner launches and get access to this new resource as soon as it’s available.
Where to eat on the Isle of Skye?
The Isle of Skye has some fantastic restaurants and places to eat, from fresh local seafood and relaxed cafés to memorable dining experiences showcasing the island’s incredible produce. With so many options to choose from, we’ve picked three places that stood out to us and that we would recommend considering during your visit. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed family meal or somewhere a little more special, these are three great places to add to your Isle of Skye itinerary.
The Three Chimneys is one of the Isle of Skye’s best-known dining destinations, offering an intimate setting and a menu centred around fresh Scottish produce.
Located near Colbost on the west coast of Skye, the restaurant makes the most of the island’s natural larder, with locally sourced seafood, meat and seasonal ingredients featuring prominently. It’s a particularly memorable choice for a special meal while exploring the island, although booking ahead is strongly recommended.
£££ - Fine Dining
£££ - Fine Dining
Skye Monkstadt 1745 Restaurant offers a memorable dining experience in a beautifully restored historic setting on the Trotternish Peninsula.
The restaurant combines the character and atmosphere of the 18th-century Monkstadt House with a menu inspired by the island’s natural larder, showcasing seasonal Scottish produce and locally sourced ingredients. With its intimate surroundings and focus on quality rather than a quick meal, it makes a lovely choice for a special meal.
££ - Seafood Restaurant
Sea Breezes is a popular seafood restaurant in the heart of Portree, making it a convenient stop while exploring the Isle of Skye. The menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced seafood, with dishes such as scallops, mussels, prawns and locally caught fish. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a good choice for families and travellers looking for a satisfying meal without the formality of Skye’s fine-dining restaurants. With its harbour-side location, it’s also a lovely place to enjoy some of Skye’s famous seafood after a day of exploring.
10 Things You Need to Know Before You Go
Coming soon to youtube- In this video we share 10 essential things to know before visiting the Isle of Skye.
Driving on single track roads and passing places.
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