Isle of Skye is the largest island in Scotland's Inner Hebrides chain and was the highlight of our road trip through Scotland. This verdant paradise is exactly what road trip dreams are made of: wild, rugged landscapes, adorable shaggy cows, crumbling castle ruins, and friendly local people all make this place a truly magical visit. The best part is that you can easily traverse the entire island by car in about two to three days, with plenty of stops, hikes, and sights to keep you entertained.
here are my top five tips for a trip to ISLE OF SKYE:
1: fairy pools
The one-lane road that leads into this popular site is a stunning attraction in its own right (though beware that there is traffic in both directions, meaning you will almost certainly have to deftly maneuver around incoming cars at times). After winding around a lush green valley for several miles, you will eventually be deposited at a small parking lot. Pay the fee and then take a short, downward hike to a series of cascading waterfalls that create clear blue pools. The Fairy Pools are the perfect spot for a swim or a short hike, and try to arrive early (or late) to avoid potential crowds.
2: eilean donan castle
Scotland's mystical energy and dramatic landscapes make it an eerie yet beautiful destination. Eilean Donan castle, which sits just east of Skye, is a perfect example of this descriptor. Originally built in the 13th century, this moody castle is situated on a sea loch and was lovingly restored in the modern era. It now serves as a pleasant museum for Highland Clan life. In addition to admiring the many artifacts on display, you'll learn about centuries of mythology in Scottish and Gaelic culture. And not to spook you, but...the castle is apparently haunted by a few (friendly) ghosts as well.
3: hidden gem viewpoint
We found this spot accidentally, and it ended up being my favorite stop on the whole island. Skip some of the busy eastern coast viewpoints that are cluttered with charter bus groups and instead search "Old Ruins" on Google Maps (it should be just southeast of Balmaqueen). The ruins themselves aren't really the attraction here as they are fairly unremarkable, but the treasure lies just a few minutes uphill a rocky path: stunning sheer cliffs that drop straight into the Atlantic Ocean. The only other visitors you're most likely to encounter are grazing sheep.
4: old man of storr
The trail leading up to the Old Man of Storr is the most popular hike in Skye: a relatively moderate 2.75 mile climb that leads up to a dark, rocky pinnacle overlooking the coast. Provided you have clear weather, you can expect some sweeping views across the island and Sound of Raasay. Given the popularity and relative accessibility of this hike, it is best to come as early as possible to avoid crowds. Be sure to wear appropriate clothes and shoes that can stand up to rapid changes in weather (because it is Scotland, after all).
5: bride's veil falls
If you like chasing waterfalls (sorry, I had to), then a stop at Bride's Veil Falls is a must. Note that these falls aren't quite as tall, powerful, or dramatic as what may typically come to mind when you think of a waterfall, but that doesn't necessarily make them any less beautiful. Instead of a steep drop-off, these falls spread out across a more gently sloped and grassy expanse, similar to a veil. A stop here shouldn't take too long, though I wouldn't blame you if you accidentally become mesmerized by the moving waters.
you can't always do it all, so one thing I WISH I had done:
Hike the Quiraing. The Quiraing is a famously scenic hiking path situated in the northern part of the island known as Trotternish. We simply ran out of time to complete this rocky and grassy trek, but I wish we could have fit it in.