Issue Five · Page 86Autumn and Winter 2022–23 · page 86The Isle of Skye - Discovering the Nooks & Crannies.
Come for the scenery, which ranges from the dramatic, peak-clustered shorelines of the north to the imposing Cuillin Hills of the south. Come for the world-class walking, the vivid history, the dynamic arts and crafts scene, the luxurious lodges and B&Bs, and the diverse wildlife. Come for the visceral thrill of feeling the wind in your hair, the rocks under your feet and the sound of the sea in your ears. This is Skye, and you need to see it for yourself.
WordsBen LerwillPhotographySimon Hird
The guide.
You could forgive Skye for having an ego. It’s said that Scotland’s top three tourist destinations are Edinburgh, Loch Ness, and the 50-mile-long rhapsody of moors and mountains that we know better as the Isle of Skye. But while the second largest of Scotland’s islands (behind only Lewis & Harris – but you knew that) is emphatically no secret, it’s popular for very good reason.
Much of the island’s appeal is down to its devastatingly rugged landscapes – towering ridges, contorted peaks, sheer cliffs and sparkling lochs – with the rocky range of the Cuillin Hills one of many focal points for hikers and climbers. This all makes it a stirring place to spend time, although there’s far more to it than outdoor adventure. Artisans, food producers, crofting museums, castles and a whole range of easy-to-linger pubs and restaurants have helped Skye to evolve into a brilliant all-round destination.
The places in this guide are for members.
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Your own guide to the Isle of Skye.
Tell us when you are coming and who with. We build your days round where you sleep, from the places on this page and the rest of the region, with the drives worked out. Print it and take it in the car.
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