Trip Preview: Isle of Skye
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
Updated: May 4
The Isle of Skye is known for some of the most dramatic landscapes in Scotland, with rugged coastlines, sweeping valleys, and unique rock formations. During this portion of our trip, we’re planning to explore the island primarily by car, focusing on a few key scenic routes and natural landmarks.
Getting There & Exploring the Island
We’ll be driving from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye, which is a longer travel day but also part of the experience. The drive itself passes through sections of the Scottish Highlands, offering changing scenery along the way.
Once on Skye, having a car is essential. Many of the island’s most well-known spots are spread out, and the roads themselves are part of what makes the experience memorable.
The Western Highlights
While on Skye, we plan on visiting places like Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Fairy Pools.
Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and sits along the water, offering both history and scenic surroundings. It’s a quieter, more remote-feeling stop compared to city castles.
Neist Point Lighthouse is known for its coastal views and cliffs. The walk out to the lighthouse is part of the experience, with wide-open views over the ocean and a good chance to see some of Skye’s rugged coastline.
The Fairy Pools are a series of clear blue pools and waterfalls at the base of the Cuillin mountains. They’re one of the island’s most popular natural attractions and are known for their unique color and setting.
The Northern & Eastern Highlights
We’re also planning to explore the northern part of the island, including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, as well as the Quiraing.
The Old Man of Storr is one of Skye’s most famous landmarks—a tall, jagged rock formation that rises dramatically from the landscape. The hike up offers impressive views over the surrounding area.
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls are located along the coastline and are often visited together. The cliffs resemble the pleats of a kilt, and the waterfall drops directly into the sea below, making it a quick but scenic stop.
The Quiraing is a landslip known for its unusual terrain and panoramic views. The hike here is a bit longer, but it’s often considered one of the most unique landscapes on the island.
Exploring Portree
We’ll be staying in Portree, the largest town on the island and a central base for exploring.
Portree is known for its harbor, colorful buildings, and access to nearby attractions. It also serves as a convenient place for meals and downtime between longer sightseeing days.
Overall, our time on the Isle of Skye is focused on natural beauty and scenic exploration. With a mix of coastal views, hikes, and historic sites, this part of the trip is shaping up to be one of the most visually striking portions of our journey.
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