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The Isle of Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides, off Scotland's northwest coast, and is known for some of the most striking landscapes in Britain. Jagged mountains, sea cliffs, basalt pinnacles and sheltered lochs fill an island shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glaciers. Gaelic culture remains part of daily life, and the clan seat of the MacLeods has stood here for centuries.
Portree, the main town, has a colorful harbor and serves as a base for the Trotternish peninsula, where the Old Man of Storr rises above the road and the Quiraing presents a dramatic landslip walk. Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls drop straight into the sea, and the grassy hummocks of the Fairy Glen lie near Uig. To the west, Dunvegan Castle and Gardens remains home to the MacLeod chiefs, and Neist Point offers a lighthouse at the island's edge. Inland, the Fairy Pools lie in clear streams below the Black Cuillin, whose ridges can be seen from Sligachan. Talisker Distillery produces whisky on the shores of Loch Harport.
Skye suits hikers, photographers and drivers who enjoy narrow roads. Popular car parks fill quickly in summer, and accommodation should be booked well ahead. Weather changes fast, so plans need flexibility.
WiserMap travel guideIsle of Skye Scotland Old Man of Storr and Fairy PoolsPlan your Isle of Skye trip: the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Fairy Pools, Neist Point, Dunvegan Castle, Portree and the Cuillin, with tips on roads and timing.Read the guide
The Old Man of Storr is a tall rock pinnacle on the Trotternish ridge north of Portree, one of the most photographed spots in Scotland. A well-made path climbs about two hours round trip to the base of the rocks, with views to the Isle of Raasay. The car park charges a fee and fills by mid-morning, so go early.
The Quiraing is a huge landslip on the Trotternish ridge, with cliffs, pinnacles and hidden plateaus such as the Table. A loop walk of about four miles starts from the car park on the single-track road above Staffin. Part of the path crosses steep slopes. Avoid it in high winds or poor visibility.
The Fairy Pools are a chain of clear blue pools and small waterfalls on the River Brittle in Glen Brittle, below the Black Cuillin mountains. A walk of about 40 minutes each way follows the stream from a paid car park. Some brave the cold water for a swim. Stepping stones cross the stream, so wear waterproof boots.
Elgol is a small village at the end of a long single-track road, with one of the finest views of the Cuillin across the water. Boat trips from Elgol cross to Loch Coruisk, a remote loch ringed by mountains, often with seals on the way. Book the boat in advance and allow time ashore for a short walk.
Kilt Rock is a tall sea cliff north of Staffin whose basalt columns and sills look like the pleats of a kilt. From a fenced viewpoint you also see Mealt Falls, a waterfall plunging straight off the cliff into the sea. It is a quick roadside stop with free parking. Combine it with the Quiraing nearby.
Neist Point is the most westerly point on Skye, a narrow headland with a lighthouse at the end and towering cliffs. A steep concrete path with steps leads down and out to the lighthouse in about 40 minutes each way. Whales, dolphins and seabirds can be seen. It is famous for sunsets, so stay late in summer.
The Fairy Glen is a strange small valley of grassy cone-shaped hills, ponds and rock towers just outside Uig in north Skye. Short informal paths lead up to Castle Ewen, a rock outcrop with views. Please do not move stones or build stone spirals. Uig has the ferry port to the Outer Hebrides and a small brewery.
Portree is the main town on Skye, best known for its harbor lined with houses painted in pastel colors. It has shops, restaurants, the island's main supermarket and the Skye Live music festival. Boat trips to see sea eagles leave from the pier. It makes a good base for the Trotternish loop.
Armadale on the Sleat peninsula is where the ferry from Mallaig lands. The Armadale Castle ruins have woodland gardens and the Museum of the Isles, which covers Clan Donald and Highland history. Sleat is known as the Garden of Skye for its greener landscape, and Torabhaig distillery is nearby.
Dunvegan Castle has been the seat of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for about 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Inside is the Fairy Flag, said to have magical powers. The formal gardens are lovely, and boat trips from the jetty visit seal colonies in summer.
Sligachan sits at the foot of the Cuillin mountains, with an old stone bridge, a hotel and a classic view of the jagged Black Cuillin and rounded Red Cuillin. Legend says dipping your face in the river brings eternal beauty. The Cuillin ridge is serious climbing; walkers can follow the glen paths.
Talisker is the oldest working distillery on Skye, at Carbost on the shore of Loch Harport. Guided tours show the stills and explain how its peaty, peppery single malt whisky is made, with tastings at the end. Tours are popular and often sell out in summer, so book online. Drivers get samples to take away.
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