The Isle of Skye is one in all Scotland’s most visited locations – and justifiably so.
A part of the Inside Hebrides islands off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Skye is stunningly stunning. It presents wild, windswept landscapes, fairy story waterfalls and lochs, a dramatic shoreline, historic castles, abandoned seashores, nice food and drinks and, after all, a heat Scottish welcome.
We have now visited the Isle of Skye a number of occasions and it’s one in all our favorite locations within the U.Ok.
You may see the highlights of the island in 1 day however to completely discover all of the gems that the Isle of Skye has to supply (and at a leisurely tempo), we suggest spending not less than 2 -3 days on Skye.
We assure you gained’t remorse it!
The way to get across the Isle of Skye
Driving your personal automobile is one of the simplest ways to discover the Isle of Skye.
Having your personal automobile will allow you to get off the crushed observe or cease if you wish to for images or for a scenic stroll. You may set your personal timetable in response to the climate or crowds and it’s additionally helpful cowl to flee to when it rains on Skye (and it rains so much!).
Attending to Skye from the Scottish mainland is simple. You may drive over the bridge from the Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland to Kyleakin in south-east Skye.
Alternatively, in case you’re travelling south to north, you possibly can take your automobile over on the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale within the south of Skye.
Nonetheless you select to achieve Skye, we suggest travelling each methods (by ferry and by bridge) to maximise your Isle of Skye expertise. Ensure you ebook your ferry properly prematurely of your journey because it will get booked up, particularly in peak season.
Learn our information – The way to journey from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye excursions
If self-driving shouldn’t be for you, there are many glorious and complete Isle of Skye excursions to select from.
Most island excursions cowl the highlights talked about in our itineraries beneath however you’ll have much less time at every location. In the event you ebook a non-public tour, you possibly can all the time ask to tweak the itinerary to incorporate locations you want to go to.
Isle of Skye street journey itineraries
Please observe that each one driving occasions beneath are approximate. You will want to drive slower in dangerous climate and will need to drive slower in peak season attributable to different site visitors on the roads.
Plus, in case you get caught behind a tractor or a herd of sheep it could possibly take for much longer to achieve your vacation spot!
A 1 day Isle of Skye Itinerary
If doable, keep on the Isle of Skye the night time earlier than embarking on this 1 day itinerary. Our itinerary begins from Portree which is a 1 hour drive north of Kyleakin and 1.10 hours north of Armadale.
This itinerary entails plenty of driving with restricted trip of the automobile so set off as early as you possibly can.
If you’re travelling in winter months, you’ll have shorter sunlight hours so remember that you just would possibly must condense this itinerary.
Morning
Begin your morning with breakfast in Portree and a quick stroll round this gorgeous coastal city. To avoid wasting time later within the day, refill on a picnic lunch and snacks while in Portree.
Drive north for quarter-hour on the A855 to achieve Skye’s iconic landmark, the Outdated Man of Storr, a 55-metre excessive pinnacle of basalt rock. Get pleasure from a 1 hour stroll taking within the dramatic surroundings.
An extra 15 minute drive brings you to the general public viewpoint for Kilt Rock and Mealt falls.
Kilt Rock is a jaw dropping 90-metre-high cliff wall of hexagonal basalt rock columns. Mealt Falls plunges over it dropping 55 metres within the sea beneath. You’ll wish to cease and take images right here so enable round half-hour to your cease.
Drive one other 10 minutes north to the spectacular surroundings of The Quiraing, one in all Skye’s most visited places. Look out for the parking zone and begin of the strolling path which is round 2.5 miles from the village of Staffin.
The total Quiraing loop stroll takes round 2 hours however you are able to do as little or as a lot as you want to slot in together with your 1 day Skye itinerary.
Get pleasure from your picnic lunch or proceed driving throughout the inland of the island to the village of Uig (20 minutes away) for a brief lunch cease.
Afternoon
After lunch, drive for 40 minutes to Dunvegan Fort, the oldest repeatedly inhabited fortress in Scotland. It’s a 40 minute drive with out stops however it would be best to make stops to benefit from the surroundings so allocate round 1 hour for the drive.
If you’re travelling between April and mid-October you possibly can spend an hour exploring the fortress (the house of the MacLeod Clan) and their spectacular 5 acre formal gardens. If the fortress is closed, you possibly can nonetheless get view of it from the street.
From Dunvegan, drive an additional half-hour to achieve Neist Level Lighthouse, probably the most westerly tip of the Isle of Skye. Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, it’s a photographer’s dream.
It’s a 2.2km stroll to achieve the lighthouse so you are able to do as little or as a lot as you want relying in your timings. Word that the trail again to the automobile park is steep in locations.
Drive for 1 hour again to Portree through Feorlig and Bracadale to finish your northerly loop of the Isle of Skye or detour at Sligachan to achieve Armadale or Kyleakin.
Isle of Skye 2 day itinerary
This itinerary entails much more strolling than the 1 day itinerary so ensure you carry sturdy closed toe sneakers with you.
Day 1
Morning
Begin your morning with a leisurely breakfast in vibrant Portree and a quick stroll across the coastal city.
Drive half-hour southwest of Portree to the Fairy Swimming pools, a collection of crystal clear swimming pools set in opposition to a spectacular highland backdrop.
The return stroll to the primary pool is round 2.4 km and can take round 1 hour however you possibly can prolong your stroll to discover additional up the river to see extra swimming pools. We’d suggest permitting not less than 2 hours to your go to.
Drive northwest for 20 minutes (detouring off the A863 onto the B8009) to go to the Talisker Distillery in Carbost, the oldest working distillery on the island.
Take a 1 hour tour to find Talisker’s historical past and manufacturing processes. You’ll additionally get 3 dram tastings of Talisker’s award profitable single malts. Drivers will likely be given ‘driver’s drams’ to remove to get pleasure from as soon as the driving day is over.
Afternoon
Have lunch in Carbost or return to Portree for lunch earlier than heading north to the Outdated Man of Storr.
You should have sufficient time left immediately to do the complete 2.5 miles / 4 km path which can take round 1.5 – 2 hours relying on stops. It’s properly value doing if you’ll be able to.
Afterwards, you possibly can select to remain regionally or drive quarter-hour again to Portree for the night time.
Try our complete information to lodging in Skye for all budgets right here.
Day 2
Morning
Make an early begin to beat the crowds and drive to the viewing level for Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls.
In case your go to coincides with a low tide, pop to Staffin Seaside to see its 3 toed dinosaur print embedded in rock.
Drive to The Quiraing the place you’ll have time to do the complete strolling path loop (round 2 hours).
Afternoon
Cease for lunch in Uig earlier than making a brief 6 minute driving detour to the Fairy Glen.
This uncommon, other-worldy panorama options cone-shaped grassy hills and basalt rocks shaped over 100,000 years in the past. It’s value spending a while wandering round right here in case you can.
Drive for 1 hour to Dunvegan Fort. If it’s open, enable not less than 1 hour to go to earlier than heading west for half-hour to Neist Level Lighthouse. Enable not less than 1.5 – 2 hours to stroll to the lighthouse and again.
Return to Portree through Feorlig and Bracadale or proceed driving to Armadale or Kyleakin.
3 Day Isle of Skye Itinerary
Day 1
Similar as day 1 of the two day itinerary
Day 2
Morning
Similar as day 2 of the two day itinerary.
Afternoon
Drive from The Quiraing to the small Rubha Hunish automobile park for a stroll to probably the most northerly tip of Skye.
The path to Rubha Hunish is round 6.2 km and can take round 2 hours to finish however once more, you are able to do as a lot or as little as you want. The path is tough and steep and will be uncovered in locations so take care the place you stroll.
In the event you make it to the top of the path in good climate, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Skye’s northern shoreline and possibly even the Outer Hebrides islands of Lewis and Harris.
This north coast is a famend spot for chook watching so don’t overlook your binoculars.
If the climate is dangerous, we don’t suggest making an attempt the stroll. As a substitute, benefit from the coastal surroundings and drive additional on to the fifteenth century ruins of Duntulm Fort earlier than heading to the Fairy Glen close to Uig.
Keep within the native space in a single day.
Day 3
Morning
There’s plenty of driving immediately so begin early to suit every part in. If the climate is sweet, we suggest selecting up a picnic lunch to get pleasure from alongside the way in which and to avoid wasting time.
Drive from Uig to Dunvegan Fort (half-hour). If the fortress is open, enable 1-2 hours to your go to.
From Dunvegan, drive to Coral Seaside (25 minutes) and spend a soothing hour strolling top-of-the-line seashores on the Isle of Skye.
Coral Seaside is constructed from tiny particles of crushed white coral so the seaside seems to be pure white which additionally helps to provide the ocean a turquoise Caribbean hue. If it’s a sunny day, you’ll discover it onerous to depart this stunning seaside. We find it irresistible right here and in summer time, it’s an excellent picnic spot.
Afternoon
From Coral Seaside, drive to Neist Level Lighthouse (1 hour). Enable 1.5 – 2 hours to stroll to and from the lighthouse.
Drive to Carbost earlier than taking a tour of the Talisker Distillery (not less than a 1 hour drive). Enable an extra hour to your tour.
Drive again to Portree (30 minutes), making a fast cease at Sligachan Bridge, or proceed on to Kyleakin or Armadale for the ferry to the mainland.
Ideas for visiting the Isle of Skye
- Self driving is one of the simplest ways to discover Skye. Alternatively, be part of a small group tour or prepare a non-public tour. There’s very restricted public transport on the island.
- Use Tripiamo to organize to your street journey. Their complete driving guides are particularly designed to show worldwide travellers what they should know to confidently and safely drive overseas. We promise utilizing a Tripiamo information will prevent time and stress!
- Be careful for sheep on the slender winding roads, a few of which will likely be single observe.
- Parking is proscribed on Skye and parking areas at foremost points of interest replenish rapidly. Arrive early to safe your spot and use Parkopedia to seek out out there parking on the island.
- Most automobile parks settle for bank cards however carry some money simply in case. We suggest downloading the RingGo app prematurely of your go to as a number of Skye automobile parks use this.
- Guide eating places prematurely of your go to. Skye is a small island with restricted eating choices so if there may be someplace particularly you want to eat, we suggest reserving lunch or dinner reservations forward of time. We suggest the Edinbane Inn between Portree and Dunvegan and The Oyster Shed in Carbost. Additionally, don’t miss the superb Harbour Fish and Chip store in Portree.
- Guide your Isle of Skye lodging prematurely. Motels, B+B’s and tenting pods replenish rapidly, particularly in peak season.
- You gained’t discover many grocery retailers on Skye so reap the benefits of having your personal automobile and refill on meals, drink and snacks earlier than arriving on the island.
- Put together for all weathers. You should count on rain so ensure you pack a water-proof jacket and durable, waterproof sneakers with good grip for strolling. We additionally suggest maintaining a tally of the climate forecast while on the island because the climate can change rapidly.
- Be ready for midges. Peak midge season is between Could and September which, sadly, is the height season for guests. Midges are most prevalent in good climate (they don’t like wind!), round water sources and within the early morning and night. Ensure you carry insect repellent – and a few chew reduction – to the island with you notably in case you go to in peak season.
- Look out for Highland cattle; you’ll see them in fields as you drive alongside. If you wish to pull over to take a photograph, ensure you park in a protected place which won’t hinder site visitors.
- The Isle of Skye will get very busy in U.Ok college holidays, notably throughout July and August. Keep away from these months in case you can.
- Most locations on Skye take bank cards however carry some spare money simply in case. Some retailers might have minimal card spends.
- Obtain Google Maps forward of your go to. Cellphone indicators will be weak or non-existent in rural elements of Skye so it’s a good suggestion to have a backup possibility, simply in case.
- In the event you take a automobile to the island, replenish with gas on the mainland first. It’s cheaper and can prevent looking for gas when on Skye.
Hopefully our tried and examined driving itineraries on the Isle of Skye will assist you get probably the most out of your go to to the island – and prevent time and stress.
We assure you’ll love the Isle of Skye as a lot as we do and can depart planning to return.