The moody atmospheric isles of Scotland beckon with history, legends, and folklore. Everywhere you turn you're immersed in old Scottish culture. Here's what you need to know for your trip to the Isle of Skye.
Tips for the Isle of Skye
Stay overnight! The Isle is well known and a major draw for tourists - some of whom will be trying to pack an entire island into one day. My suggestion is to spend at least two nights and two to three days. You'll get a nice sense of the island, be able to see the major points of interest, and you won't feel rushed through it all.
This is an Isle where you really do need a car to see everything. There is a bus route, but I suggest hiring a driver or booking with a tour operator for part of your trip. (Unless you're really comfortable with driving on the left side of the road).
There are some areas of the Isle where you won't have cell reception - and you may need an actual...wait for it...PAPER MAP! I know - 🤯. Get a map from the Visitor's Center in Portree before you start off on any journey. Your hotel may also have maps for you. (If you're younger than Gen X you can call me, and I'll teach you how to read a map before you go). 😜
The Trotternish Loop is worth it. It's a 50 mile look around the Northern part of the island that includes tourist attractions and stunning scenery.
The weather changes rapidly - be sure to pack waterproof shoes with good traction for hiking, a rain jacket, and layers - that way you can take on or off whatever is necessary. Depending on the weather and the wind it can get chilly quickly - and then before you know it the sun is out again.
Bring bug repellant - the midges travel in gangs and can swarm quickly!
Map out your route ahead of time - and leave some extra time in case you need to change plans based on the weather. So much of the Isle is great to see when it's foggy and cloudy - really, it just adds to the atmosphere. But there are a few places that are more difficult to trek to when it's rainy - so be flexible with your plans!
Tourist Attraction Tips:
Try to get to the Fairy Pools in the early AM - it's your best bet for feeling magical and avoiding the crowds that come later.
Fairy Glen is a nice stop that is typically less crowded than the Fairy Pools - and it's an easy hike.
Expect crowds at the Old Man of Storr - it's super touristy - but worth it.
What to See on the Isle of Skye
Explore Scottish culture on the way there with a stop at historic Eilean Donan Castle - located on the main tourist route to the Isle.
Go back in time (did anyone else just hear Huey Lewis in their heads or was it just me??) when you explore a reconstructed old Highland village at the Skye Museum of Island life.
Stroll through the picturesque harbor village of Portree - filled with quaint shops and restaurants.
Wander the Armadale Castle (ruins), Gardens & Museum of the Isles - known as the spiritual home of the Clan Donald. The castle is currently roped off, but you can still explore the beautiful gardens and museum, and see the ruins from a bit of a distance.
Taste Scottish whiskey on a distillery tour. There are two distilleries on the Isle of Skye (Talisker and Torabhaig), and some tours include the one on the Isle of Raasay as well. They're located in magnificent settings - so you can take a cool tour, taste some whiskey, and see stunning surroundings.
For a relatively small space the Isle of Skye has a high number of galleries and art studios, and you can follow a "Creative Trail" put together by Art Skye that takes you all over the island where you can see incredible craftspeople at work, and view a wide array of art.
Get outdoors! Go hiking or climbing - visit the Old Man of Storr, explore Neist Point, wander the Fairy Pools, and maybe the Fairy Bridge.
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
Cuillin Hills Hotel
Cuillin Hills Hotel sits on 15 acres and has incredible views over Portree Bay to the Cuillin Mountain range. At this hotel, that has been owned and operated by the same family for 25 years, you'll have an easy 10 minute walk into the Portree town center - the capital city of the isle. Boat trips around the isles leave from Portree harbor - located only half a mile from the hotel - so it's a great location to be a home base for day trips as well. The hotel has 39 individually styled contemporary rooms, has an award winning restaurant, and they're working to make sure everyone stays healthy - even introducing outdoor igloos equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, midge repellent, candles, and speakers.
Sligachan Hotel
If you're looking to be more centrally located on the Isle, the Sligachen Hotel is a great option. It has a dramatic location in the Red and Black Cuillins, with Loch Sligachan right out front. The hotel first opened in 1830 and quickly became a favorite for those hiking the mountains. Today the hotel houses a small museum dedicated to climbing with guest information that dates back to the 1830's. Purchased by the Campbell family in 1913, the hotel has been passed down through four generations. I love the sense of history and tradition throughout the hotel mixed with the contemporary decor of the 21 guest rooms.
No matter where you stay or how you choose to explore - you'll feel the magic of Scotland - and I know you'll want to be back to see another Isle.
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