The Isle of Skye is a fantastic place, with foggy alpine scenery and miles of rough shoreline to discover. The biggest island in Scotland has many picturesque features. Such as historic castles. Glistening Fairy Pools, and the towering cliffs of the Old Man of Storr.
Explore Skye by going on a boat tour in search of seals and puffins. Walking along a rocky beach surrounded by towering cliffs. Just strolling along one of the island’s many lovely pathways. Put on your most comfortable pair of walking shoes and keep reading to learn about the top activities on the Isle of Skye.
Old Man of Storr
From the 2012 Ridley Scott film Prometheus.
The Old Man of Storr, perched on Skye’s Trotternish Ridge approximately 6 miles from Portree. An old rock sculpture of otherworldly grandeur. The tall rocks, according to folklore, are the unearthed bones of a giant who formerly resided on the ridge.
It takes about an hour and a half to climb up and down the Storr. Along the path that winds through grassland and up to the rocks. Where one may take in breathtaking views of the surrounding environment and the sea. The trail becomes more rocky and steep as one reaches the cliffs, so tread carefully and wear strong shoes.
The Fairy Pools
A wild mountainous landscape, a small waterfall leads.
The Fairy Pools live up to its enchanted moniker on the clear River Brittle. Where a succession of brilliant blue rock pools and waterfalls may be found. The first waterfall is located around 1.5 miles into the hike and along the way. You’ll have to ford a few rivers and go over some rocks, but the reward is spectacular vistas of the Black Cuillins.
During the summer months, the Fairy Pools see an influx of visitors because of its open and free nature. If you want to escape the crowds, you should go in the spring or fall instead of the summer, or very early in the morning. If you’re planning on going for a swim, you may want to carry a wetsuit since the pools can become rather chilly.
Talisker Beach
Calm shores and breathtaking panoramas.
Travelers passing through Carbost town on Skye’s west coast on their way to the neighboring Fairy Pools. The choice is to make a diversion to the beautiful Talisker Beach. The beach, which can be reached in about 20 minutes, is largely rocky but does have a strip of grey sand visible at low tide.
The beach’s picturesque backdrop of towering cliffs and sea stacks is perfect for taking pictures or just taking in nature’s beauty. To warm up after a brisk stroll on the beach. Visitors may stop by the Talisker Distillery and sample some of their award-winning whiskey.
Skye Boat Cruise
Reports of seal sightings and WWII shipwrecks.
Take a thrilling ride on one of Skye’s passenger boats or yachts to see seals. Dolphins, puffins, and more of the region’s plentiful wildlife. Trips last anywhere from a few hours to a whole day, and boats leave from many locations over the island, including the capital of Portree.
The nature reserve archipelago of St. Kilda offers visitors even more stunning views. Including sea cliffs and sea stacks as well as Britain’s biggest puffin population. Seaprobe Atlantis offers tours that include a visit to a WWII shipwreck in a glass-bottom boat.
Boreraig
A deserted township in Strath Swordale on the north shore of Loch Eishort in the parish of Strath.
Entering the deserted town of Boreraig is like taking a step back in time to 1853. Landowners evicted crofting villages to make way for lush land on which to raise sheep. Even though the people have long since left, these stone houses serve as a stark reminder of a bygone era of need in Scotland.
Boreraig, perched on the north side of Loch Eishort, is accessible through a little diversion from the Marble Line Path. A repurposed railroad grade that links the marble quarries of Broadford and Strath Suardal.
The Road to Elgol
South Skye is a perfect place to take a picture.
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Elgol hamlet and the surrounding terrain have some of the most stunning scenery in all of Skye. Being located on the edge of Loch Scavaig and offering views of the Cuillin mountains. The 14-mile drive from Broadford to Elgol is breathtaking. The Red Cuillins, small fishing towns, and the remnants of Christ Church, or Cill Chriosd.
Several trails into the Red and the Black Hills begin in Elgol, and the town itself is home to several quaint bed and breakfasts and cafes.
Dunseith Castle
Fortress of the Darkness, in Mythology
Dunscaith Castle, while in ruins since the MacDonalds clan abandoned it in the 17th century. Nonetheless makes for a formidable sight high above the sea on the Sleat peninsula. The location of the castle was a natural stronghold. Perched atop a cliff and providing defense for the many local tribes and kings from ancient times.
Dunscaith is renowned in Irish mythology as the location where C Chulainn studied martial skills with Scáthach the Shadow, a famous warrior woman. Reaching the castle from the road between Ord and Tarskavaig requires a 20-minute stroll through the nearby Tokavaig neighborhood.
Point of Sleat
Picturesque location dubbed the “Garden of Skye”
The Point of Sleat walk is a great option for those looking for a moderate trek with stunning coastline views. It allows hikers to spend a few hours exploring the southernmost extremity of Skye.
From the main thoroughfare in Aird of Sleat, follow signs towards a lighthouse at the end of a rocky peninsula. Traveling through a combination of paved roads and rugged pathways across moorland and up hills. Give yourself plenty of time to relax on the sands of Camas Daraich. Maybe even take a plunge if the water isn’t too freezing. In all, it’s a trip of around 5 kilometers.
Isle of Raasay
Whisky tastings and hiking paths.
Anyone looking for a truly back-to-nature getaway may take the 25-minute boat voyage from Sconser to the tiny island of Raasa. Explore its wooded trails, seaside walkways, and abandoned railway lines. Keep an eye out for sea eagles and the Raasay vole as you traverse the island’s stunning rocky landscape.
Dun Caan is the tallest peak on the island of Raasay, and from the summit. Hikers can see the Cuillin Mountains on Skye and the surrounding waters. The Isle of Raasay Distillery is a whiskey producer where you may go on tours and try some of their wares for a little local pleasure.
Edinbane Inn
An old farmhouse discovered 9 miles from Dunvegan Castle.
A trip to Scotland would be incomplete without participating in a cèilidh. A traditional social gathering characterized by hours of vibrant music and dancing. The Edinbane Inn on the Isle of Skye is the perfect place to learn the basics of cèilidh since they provide weekly classes with traditional music every Sunday.
Feel free to join in, even if you don’t know the routines of the dances. Since everyone who brings their musical instrument is welcome to perform. Sessions are conducted every Sunday from 3 to 5 pm. While live events featuring local artists take place on Tuesday and Friday nights, often from 9 to 11 pm.
