The Perfect Day On The Isle of Skye
Written by Graeme Johncock
The Isle of Skye is a magical place, rightly considered one of the best places to visit in Scotland. It’s much larger than many people first expect, but it can still get very busy at peak times. As somebody who shows a lot of people around the island, here’s how I avoid the crowds to spend the perfect day on Skye!
Sligachan Old Bridge
The first stop is always Old Sligachan Bridge with spectacular views of both the Red and Black Cuillin Mountains. It’s the perfect way to start the day thanks to an old legend that claims if you submerge your face in the water for 7 seconds, without wiping it dry after,...
Fairy Pools
It takes around 25 minutes to drive from the Old Bridge to the Fairy Pools along a narrow, winding road. Aim to be there as close to 9am as possible to beat the crowds and enjoy the walk alongside the water towards the mountains. The river falls into a series...
Lunch In Carbost
Partly retrace your steps and then turn off for Carbost where you’ll find a perfect collection for a lunch stop. Caora Dubh for coffee, Talisker Distillery for a whisky and the Oystershed for lunch. My top recommendation is the Oak Smoked Salmon and chips!
Dunvegan Castle
Refuelled with Scottish seafood, it’s a 30 minute drive around the coast to Dunvegan Castle. Still home to the Chief of Clan Macleod, this ancient fortress is packed with history and legends. Keep your eyes open for the Fairy Flag hanging on the wall, the prized possession of the Macleods....
Rha waterfall
Another 30 minute drive with incredible coastal scenery takes you to Uig and a hidden spot of natural beauty. A few minutes’ walk from a small car park takes you to the Uig Community Woodland where the impressive Rha Waterfall crashes down amongst the trees. On warm days the pool...
Kilmuir Cemetery
Just a 15 minute drive north around the Trotternish Peninsula takes you to Kilmuir Cemetery. That’s where you’ll find the soaring cross dedicated to Flora MacDonald, saviour of the Jacobite leader Bonnie Prince Charlie. Further into the graveyard, a mail-clad warrior marks the resting place of Angus Martin of the...
Duntulm Castle
Almost at the very tip of the peninsula, a 10 minute drive takes you to the ruins of Duntulm Castle. Once the main base of Clan MacDonald on Skye, it’s said to be one of the most haunted castles in Scotland. Margaret Macleod has been seen weeping as her husband...
Quiraing Viewpoint
20 minutes of driving through an increasingly dramatic landscape takes you up to the Quiraing viewpoint. The road is very steep, narrow and winding with hairpin bends, so should only be taken by confident drivers. The reward is one of the best views in all of Scotland! It only takes...
Portree
Driving back south to finish your day around Skye, it takes 30 minutes to arrive in the main town Portree. It’s the perfect base to explore the island and the pretty coloured houses by the harbour are best viewed from beside the road across from the Scorrybreac Restaurant. Portree is...
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