UK ROAD TRIP & A FIRST-TIMER’S GUIDE
The Isle of Skye, known for its beautiful natural landscape, is one of the top destinations in Scotland. Whether visiting on a short getaway or an extended stay, there are plenty of great activities and experiences on offer. The Isle has dramatic mountain ranges, stunning coastlines, great hiking trails and fascinating historical sites. After two very busy days of exploring, we have curated this list of the 8 top things to do on the Isle of Skye.
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THE OLD MAN OF STORR
One of the most iconic locations on the Isle of Skye is the Old Man of Storr. The spectacular rock formation is so perfectly balanced that it appears to be defying gravity. This area, part of the Trotternish ridge, was formed during an ancient landslide, leaving behind a dramatic yet beautiful landscape. While this natural spectacle is the biggest draw card for most visitors, the hike also offers amazing views of the ocean and the rocky cliffside.
Most people take the main trail up and back, however, there are a few paths that detour away from the crowds. Most snake around the pinnacle and eventually find their way back to the main track, perfect for a quieter return journey.
This trail is very popular, so we recommend arriving early. The car park is large but can fill up on busy days. It costs £5 for up to 6 hours, which is more than enough time to cover the 1.5-2 hour hike. There are free public toilets here too.
QUIRAING
Also a part of the spectacular Trotternish ridge is Quiraing. This trail is just as popular as the Old Man of Storr but includes more challenging sections that help lean out the crowds. Just like the aforementioned gravity-defying pinnacle, Quiraing also has a few notable sections, including The Prison and The Needle.
Arrive early to avoid the crowds at Quiraing. The car park is large but fills up quickly. It costs £3 for 3 hours of £5 for 6 hours. The loop takes around 3 hours to complete. There is also a food truck here, serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and burgers.
NEIST POINT LIGHTHOUSE
On the most westerly tip of the Isle of Skye is Neist Point Lighthouse. It is located at the end of a scenic peninsula, which is best viewed from the cliffside at the end of the road. Afterwards, you can descend down the staircase and out to the lighthouse; just be prepared for a steep climb back up.
Parking is free, but like most spots on the Isle, it can fill up quickly, leaving you to walk a bit longer to the viewpoint. There are no food or toilet facilities here.
FAIRY POOLS
If you are looking for a walk with beautiful scenery but a less strenuous route, look no further than the Fairy Pools. This path runs through the fields and along a stream with small waterfalls and rockpools, a.k.a the Fairy Pools. There are many great spots for photos, picnics and a chilly yet refreshing dip on a hot summer’s day.
The track is well-maintained and mostly flat, except for a small hill at the start. It is a short walk to reach the stream, but you can continue down the path as far as you wish. There is a large car park which also has free public toilets. Parking costs £6 for the day.
RUBHA HUNISH
Many of the top things to do on the Isle of Skye attract large crowds but this trail has somehow remained a hidden gem. Rubha Hunish is a trail that weaves through peaceful farmland to a bothy on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. On a clear day, you have 360 degrees of uninterrupted views, and you may even spot a pod of dolphins.
This was the quietest trail we walked on the Isle of Skye. The trail isn’t clearly marked the whole way, so we recommend downloading the route on AllTrails before setting off. There is a free, small car park at the start of the walk, just after you turn off the A855, opposite a red telephone box.
AN CORRAN BEACH
An Corran beach is not famous for its soft white sand or turquoise water, but it is known for something arguably more unique; dinosaur footprints. Yes, you read that correctly! In 2001, a dinosaur footprint from a meat-eating Megalosaurus was discovered in the rocks on this beach. Since then, 16 more footprints have been found around this area, and today, you can head down to the beach to search for these prehistoric footprints.
Access to the beach is free, as is parking, although space is limited.
LEALT FALLS
Lealt Falls is possibly one of the easiest sites to access on this list, and who doesn’t love a picturesque waterfall? The lookout for the falls is located on the A855, a very short walk from the parking area. Further up the wooden walkway, there is also a beautiful view out to sea and a path down to the water.
Parking at Lealt Falls is free. There is a coffee cart a short walk from the car park.
PORTREE
The top attractions on the Isle of Skye all centre around nature, but there is one town that needs to be included on this list. Portree is the capital town of the Isle of Skye and was initially built as a fishing village around 200 years ago. In the town, you will find colourful houses, cafes, seafood restaurants, boutiques and souvenir shops. There is also a tourist information centre, supermarkets, petrol stations and public transport services.
You can find short-term parking on the streets or head to the Portree Car Park on Lisigarry Ct, where you can pay for 2, 3, 6 or 12 hours of parking, the longest duration costing £4.
WHERE WE STAYED
This place was exactly what we were looking for when staying on the Isle of Skye. It is one of two rooms inside a house, with a shared bathroom and lounge space and breakfast provided. The hosts are so welcoming, and they have a very friendly little lamb named Bobby. The house is right on the coast, with amazing ocean views, perfect for sunset. It is a very peaceful area, close to a lot of walking trails but not a lot of shops or restaurants, so come prepared with food.
OUR GOOGLE MAPS
When planning our travel destinations, we pin our bucket list of sites to see and recommended places to eat and drink on Google Maps. We are then never lost for ideas when travelling, and can easily share these lists for our friends and family to use too.
Click here to see our Google Maps for Top Things To Do on the Isle of Skye.
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