Why you NEED to visit the Isle of Skye this Winter
The Isle of Skye is possibly one of the most popular places to visit in Scotland, and it really is no surprise! The distinctive scenery, magical fairy pools, charming towns and the rugged mountains are simply incredible, and a must see when travelling to Scotland. Understandably, Skye attracts the most visitors across the summertime and warmer months, but in our expert opinion, making the trip during winter is actually an extremely exciting and fantastic time to go! Here are just some of the reasons why…
The dramatic landscapes
We all know Skye is famous for its unique and breathtaking landscapes, it’s a truly magical place, and throughout the winter months, they take on a whole new lease of life. The flurry of snow and frosty conditions really enhance the dramatic and rugged terrains across the entire Isle, which is a completely different visual experience compared to summer.
The moody and cinematic atmosphere of Skye in winter is an experience like no other, a perfect time for capturing incredible pictures, so embrace the cold, and take in the magic of a winter Skye!
Experience Skye this winter on an amazing 3-day tour!
The place to yourself!
Far fewer people will be travelling to Skye over the winter (unless they all see this blog and take us up on the suggestion!), but this means that you can explore and experience the natural beauty of Skye almost by yourself! There will be way less crowds and big tour groups roaming around, which means all of the iconic attractions will be much more peaceful, and you can take your time to just revel in the wonder of the landscape with no rush! We think this is one of the best things you could ever experience on the Isle of Skye, just you and the breathtaking landscape - what’s not to love?
Cosy up with a a dram and some comfort food!
Possibly one of our favourite things to do in Scotland throughout winter in general is enjoying a wee heat and a dram after a long day exploring the great outdoors - and Skye is a fantastic and charming place to do this!
The town of Portree, the local distilleries, and all of the hospitality options on the island are fantastic! Indulge in hearty scottish cuisine such as Haggis and Cullen Skink, and after a cold day, it feels all the more rewarding
Tempted yet? Take a look at our fantastic 3-day winter Isle of Skye tour!
Unique Wildlife
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, visiting Skye across the winter is a must! During the quieter months, you are way more likely to spot seals, red deer, whales, sea eagles and many other fantastic species on and around the island. Catching a glimpse of them against the frosty landscape is much easier, and due to the lack of big crowds, the flora and fauna will be far more visible to the lucky small ones.
Another bonus, is that there won’t be any midges (surely that’s got to be the biggest selling point??)
Stargazing and Northern Lights hunting!
During the winter, Skye has some of the darkest skies in all of Europe, with very little light pollution across the whole Isle. Under clear and ideal conditions, the Isle of Skye is a great place for looking at the stars, another magical part of a festive trip here! If you are lucky, you might also spot the Aurora Borealis on some occasions, which is a remakable experience. Day light in Skye over the winter is usually from around 9am-3pm, which is quite a small timeframe - but don’t let the darkness outside stop you from exploring the beauty in the skies above!
