The Complete Guide to the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye in Scotland is known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque villages and dramatic coastline. Named from the old Norse sky-a, meaning cloud island, a reference to the often mist covered Cuillin Hills. It is a popular destination in Scotland due to its dramatic scenery and outdoor activities. Here we help you plan a perfect trip to this Inner Hebridean island, with our complete guide to the Isle of Skye.

GUIDE TO THE ISLE OF SKYE

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE ISLE OF SKYE

Most people visit the Scottish Highlands between May and September. Avoiding the peak months of July and August is sensible if you’re not tied to the school holidays. During these months accommodation and restaurants will be fully booked and there will be a lot of cars on the roads.

April, May, June and September are good months to visit the Isle of Skye. The temperatures may be a little cooler, but there will be fewer visitors, and the weather is often dry at these times. We visited the Isle of Skye in April and most days were dry, although it was very cold. Clothing for all weathers is needed on the Isle of Skye!

It is possible to visit the Isle of Skye in winter but it will be cold and there is likely to be snow on higher ground.

GETTING TO THE ISLE OF SKYE

There are two main options for getting to the Isle of Skye.

1. Across the Skye Bridge, a road bridge, which connects the Isle of Skye to the mainland. There is no fee to cross the bridge. It takes just under an hour to reach Portree from the connecting road bridge.
2. By ferry from Mallaig (on the mainland) to Armadale. If you are travelling in the busier summer months it is recommended to book your ferry tickets in advance. The ferry is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. Ferries run all day and the journey takes 40 minutes. From Armadale it is about one hour and thirty minutes drive to Portree.

If flying into the United Kingdom to visit Skye, the closest airports are Glasgow, Inverness, and Edinburgh. Most people hire a car to drive to the Isle of Skye.

GETTING AROUND SKYE

A car is best for getting around the Isle of Skye. Another option would be to book a tour.

BEST THINGS TO DO ON THE ISLE OF SKYE

Old Man of Storr  The Storr is a rocky outcrop on the Trotternish Peninsula of the Isle of Skye.

Quiraing  As part of the Trotternish ridge the Quiraing has been formed by a massive landslip which has created high cliffs, hidden plateaus and pinnacles of rock.

Neist Point  A viewpoint on the most westerly point of Skye, complete with a lighthouse. A great place to watch the sun go down.

Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls  A popular stopping point between Portree and Staffin, a spectacular falls over Kilt Rock, named as it resembles a kilt, with vertical basalt columns.

Fairy Pools  A series of cascading waterfalls and beautifully clear pools on the River Brittle, at the foot of the Cuillin Hills.

Talisker Whisky Distillery  The oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillin Hills.

Fairy Glen  A delightful miniature landscape of grassy, cone-shaped hills, created by a landslip, a fascinating and otherworldly place to visit. Located on the Trotternish Peninsula.

Loch Coruisk  An inland fresh-water loch, ringed by the Cuillin Hills, the most beautiful of locations.

Claigan Coral Beaches  White sandy beaches on the Isle of Skye.

Rubha Nam Brathairaen (Brother’s Point)  A beautiful peninsula with dramatic coastal scenery.

HIKING ON THE ISLE OF SKYE

If you want to get out amongst the spectacular scenery on the Isle of Skye hiking is the best way of doing just this. There are numerous hikes for all ages and abilities on Skye, taking in the stunning scenery and dramatic landscapes.

Fairy Pools  An easy walk, suitable for everyone, along a series of beautiful, icy clear pools and cascading falls. Approximately 2.5 km. Allow about 1 hour for a visit here.

Quiraing  A 7 km (4.5 miles) circuit through the Quiraing. This hike takes you up and over the pinnacles, for amazing views of this spectacular landscape. Allow approximately 2 hours for this hike. The path is rocky, and at times narrow, with some steep drops.

Old Man of Storr  The circular hike around the Old Man is 7 km. This hike takes you right around the Old Man giving you amazing views of this spectacular landscape. Allow approximately 2 hours for this hike. The path is well made although steep in places.

Loch Coruisk The full circuit around the loch is 7 km and takes 3.5 to 4 hours. The path is rough and very boggy, with numerous river crossings.

Claigan Coral Beaches  An easy walk, suitable for everyone, along a well trodden pathway to the white beaches. Total distance 4 km, which takes apart 1.5 hours.

Bla Bheinn  A strenuous 8 km hike up an isolated peak in the Cuillin Hills.

The Skye Trail  This seven day, long-distance hike, 128 km in distance, is gaining popularity among those wanting to challenge themselves against the spectacular mountain and coastal scenery of Skye.

READ: Top 6 Family Friendly Hikes on Skye

WHERE TO STAY ON THE ISLE OF SKYE

Most people choose to stay in either Portree, the largest town on the island, or Broadford, as we did. There is a mix of small hotels, bed and breakfasts and self catering accommodation on the island. Here are some recommended places to stay:

BROADFORD

Moeraki  This is where we stayed. A four bedroom house, right by the sea, in Broadford. We would very much recommend a stay here while on Skye.

Tigh Holm Cottages   Two bedroom self catering cottages, located in Broadford.

PORTREE

Skeabost View Pods  Situated in the countryside outside Portree these pods provide perfect accommodation for couples. All units have a kitchenette, heating, a private bathroom and a patio with river and mountain views.

If you are travelling in the busy summer months ensure you book accommodation several months ahead, as the island does get booked up!

WHERE TO EAT ON THE ISLE OF SKYE

Here are some of our favourite restaurants and cafes from our week on the Isle of Skye.

Red Skye Restaurant  Located in the Old School House built in 1876 in Upper Breakish. We spent a lovely evening here as a birthday celebration for Flynn.

The Old School Restaurant  Located just down the road from Dunvegan Castle in the village of Dunvegan, and specialising in local produce from Skye and Scotland.

Blue Shed Cafe  Located on the road to Elgol from Broadford, this small cafe, is a wonderful place to stop for tea and cake or a freshly prepared lunch.

Sea Breezes  A wonderful seafood restaurant overlooking the delightful harbour in Portree.

CafeSia  Pizza restaurant in the village of Broadford. We recommend the chocolate pizza for dessert!

The Elgol Shop  Don’t miss the Elgol Shop for great soup and cakes, after a boat ride out to Loch Coruisk.

The Three Chimney’s Restaurant  A world-renowned Scottish restaurant with accommodation, situated in beautiful surroundings beside the sea. We didn’t eat here – maybe next time! The Three Chimney’s Restaurant is located in Colbost, between Neist Point and Dunvegan.

VISITING THE ISLE OF SKYE WITH KIDS

The Isle of Skye is a giant outdoor playground and suitable for children of all ages. They will love exploring the magical Fairy Glen in search of fairies, taking a boat ride to Loch Coruisk, playing on the white sandy beaches at Claigon and being outside in the dramatic scenery that is Skye. We had a wonderful week on Skye.

READ: Top 12 Things To Do on the Isle of Skye with Kids

HOW LONG TO SPEND ON THE ISLE OF SKYE

We would recommend spending at least three days on the Isle of Skye. It is possible to tour some of the best sites on Skye in one day, but that would be a very short time to spend on this beautiful island.

WEATHER ON THE ISLE OF SKYE

A lot is said about the Scottish weather! The weather is typically best between May and September, although whatever the time of year, it can be very changeable. Scotland is well known for it’s rain. April and May tend to be the driest months, although you can get rain at any time! From October onwards the weather can be unpredictable. There can be snow on the hills from the end of October onwards and it can be very cold.

During our April visit we had some lovely sunny days, although it was cold, but one day we had driving rain and hail, and on another day it was snowing!

FOR MORE ON SKYE:

Hiking the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye

Exploring the Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye

A Boat Trip to Loch Coruisk on Skye

Hiking the Old Man of Storr on Skye

Have you been to the Isle of Skye? What are your favourite things to do or places to see?

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