The Isle of Skye
9 Must-See Locations on the Isle of Skye & 9 Interesting Facts
The Isle of Skye is THE most visited Scottish island by far and brings thousands year after year. It’s no surprise really, the Isle of Skye is a magical place that’s likely to steal your heart and have you longing to return as soon as you leave.
From the heading picture on this page, you’ll see the Old Man of Storr and the legendary landscape surrounding it. Much of Skye is a geological wonder; dynamic mountain ranges combined with the mythical and mystical are what make it so alluring.
Skye is renowned for its striking landscapes, which include the striking Cuillin mountain range, sweeping moors, sea cliffs, and sandy beaches. The island's scenery even inspired author J.R.R Tolkien, who used Skye as inspiration for his fantasy world. From lush green valleys to barren, windswept terrain, the diversity of Skye's landscapes is unparalleled.
In this article, we explore nine of the must-see locations across Skye. From fairytale glens to roaring waterfalls, ancient castles to picturesque harbors, Skye offers adventures for every type of traveler. Each destination highlights the island's awe-inspiring scenery and gives a taste of what makes Skye so magical.
There’s more history on Skye than you’ll be able to explore in a lifetime but, with our help, you’ll see the very best of the island and leave with memories that last a lifetime.
Neist Point and Lighthouse on the Isle of Skye
Neist Point (pictured above) is located on the most westerly tip of the Isle of Skye. This dramatic headland is home to towering cliffs over 300 feet high that plunge down into the turbulent waters of the Minch below. Perched on the cliffs is the Neist Point Lighthouse, which has been warning passing ships of the treacherous rocks since 1909.
One of the main draws of Neist Point is the breathtaking views it offers of the surrounding landscapes. On a clear day, visitors can see across to the Outer Hebrides and the mountains of Rum and Eigg. The best time to visit for incredible views is in the late afternoon when the sunset casts a golden glow over the cliffs and sea. Early mornings are also ideal for spotting wildlife like grey seals, dolphins, and minkewhales that frequent the waters.
The windswept cliffs and isolated location of Neist Point make it an incredibly atmospheric place to visit on the Isle of Skye. Walking out to the lighthouse to take in the far-reaching vistas is an unforgettable experience.
Dunvegan Castle - Clan MacLeod
Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the stronghold of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, it was first built in the 13th century and has been expanded over the centuries to create the stunning castle visitors see today.
The castle is most famous for being the seat of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod and contains many treasures related to the clan's history. The Fairy Flag is one of the most mythical heirlooms, said to have been gifted to the clan by fairies and has the power to save the clan three times.
Other highlights include the Dunvegan Cup, a ceremonial drinking vessel from the 15th-16th century, and Rory Mor's Horn, gifted to chief Rory Mor MacLeod by King James IV.
Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr is one of the Isle of Skye's most iconic sights. This towering pinnacle of rock juts dramatically out of the surrounding landscape, rising over 160ft into the sky. The Old Man is part of the Trotternish Ridge, formed by ancient landslides that created bizarre rock formations and pinnacles.
There is a 2.5 mile hiking trail that winds up from the main road to the base of the Old Man. The trail climbs steadily uphill through vivid green hills dotted with sheep. The surrounding vistas showcase the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye. The hike takes about 1.5 hours roundtrip.
The Old Man itself is composed of conglomerate rock full of fragments of seashells and fossils. This points to its origins as an ancient seabed from the Jurassic era, around 160 million years ago. Since then, it has been shaped by massive landslips, freezing conditions, and erosion into the craggy pinnacle seen today. It’s a glimpse into the powerful geological forces that have sculpted the landscapes of Skye over millennia.
The iconic image of the Old Man of Storr makes it a can't-miss destination for any visit to the Isle of Skye. Just be sure to come prepared with hiking boots and warm layers (as with most of Scotland).
Duntulm Castle
Duntulm Castle is a ruined castle located on the most northerly point of the Trotternish peninsula on the Isle of Skye. It was originally built in the 14th century as a stronghold of Clan MacDonald and served as their seat until they moved to Dunvegan Castle in the 15th century.
Today, Duntulm Castle lies in ruins, but the remains showcase the once formidable structure. Visitors can see remnants of the tower house as well as the curtain wall that surrounded the castle complex. The ruins are precariously perched on steep cliffs overlooking The Minch strait, providing incredible views.
Duntulm Castle can only be reached by a short walk across uneven grassland from the roadside. I love sitting within the ruins and imagining what life would have been like all those years ago within the castle walls on this wild island.
Fairy Glen
Fairy Glen is an otherworldly landscape located on the Trotternish Peninsula of the Isle of Skye. This magical place is known for its unique rock formations and natural beauty. The area features a series of small hills and valleys, creating a dramatic landscape.
As you walk through Fairy Glen, you'll come across striking cone-shaped hills formed from volcanic rock. These hills are covered in grass and heather, making them appear like something out of a fairy tale. The way the landscape twists and turns almost doesn't seem real—it's easy to see why people believe fairies live here!
he best way to experience Fairy Glen is to walk through it. There's a circular hiking trail that takes you through the heart of the landscape. It's an easy 1-mile loop that takes about an hour to complete. The trail starts from the car park off the Trotternish Loop road.
As you meander through the hills and valleys, take your time to admire the scenery. Fairy Glen truly looks like a mystical realm. With its strange rock formations and vivid colors, it's easy to let your imagination run wild here. Keep your eyes peeled for fairies hiding amongst the rocks!
Portree - The most picturesque town in Scotland
Portree is the largest town on the Isle of Skye and serves as the main hub for services on the island. Known for its picturesque harbor lined with brightly colored houses, Portree offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and sea.
As the largest town, Portree has the most amenities and facilities compared to other parts of Skye. There are several markets, cafes, restaurants, B&Bs, hotels, and shops located throughout the town. The main street is home to various local businesses, craft shops, and eateries.
The scenic harbor is filled with fishing boats and yachts, providing many great photo opportunities. Visitors can watch the boats come and go or sit outside one of the restaurants along the harborfront. The harbor creates a quaint backdrop behind the row of pastel-colored buildings that line the main street.
With its convenient location, attractive setting, and useful services, Portree makes an ideal base for exploring the Isle of Skye. Travelers can browse the local shops and art galleries or replenish supplies before heading out to the next destination. The charming and lively atmosphere of Portree provides a nice contrast to the remote, rugged landscapes found elsewhere on the island.
The Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools are a series of natural pools and waterfalls located near the town of Carbost on the Isle of Skye. This scenic area is a popular spot for both swimming and hiking.
The vivid blue and green pools are fed by waterfalls cascading down from the mountains above. Visitors can walk along the trails and take a dip in the brisk but refreshing water. The pools offer an invigorating experience on a warm day, not that you’ll likely have many of those, but you never know!.
Some of the waterfalls, like those at Rhaeadr Eas, are quite powerful after heavy rain. The scenic landscape provides great photo opportunities as you can see from the picture of the pools featured.
The best times to visit the Fairy Pools are in spring, summer, and early autumn when the weather is milder. Winter days can be treacherous due to snow, ice, although that time of year does offer a sort of quiet, pristine atmosphere to the Isle of Skye.
Mealt & Lealt Falls - Isle of Skye
Lealt Falls (below) consists of two stunning waterfalls - the Upper Mealt Falls and the Lower Mealt Falls. The Upper Falls have a drop of over 100 feet into a deep gorge, creating a dramatic and powerful cascade. The Lower Falls are more peaceful and spread out over terraced rocks.
Mealt Falls (above) are equally impressive. Located just a few miles from Mealt Falls, they plunge nearly 120 feet over a sheer cliff into the below. Another name for the rock face is ‘Kilt Rock’, named for the streaking patterns of layered rock.
When should I visit the Isle of Skye?
We often get asked what month is the best for travelling to Scotland. The answer is, there is no definitive answer. It will always depend on personal preferences.
For me, I prefer early spring and late autumn to avoid the crowds of tourists that come in the summer and to appreciate the new flower and plant growth, the smells and the change of leaves in autumn. You’ll also have more chance to avoid midges - a bane on any Scotland camper’s existence.
Now that’s not to say you shouldn’t visit in winter or summer. I do love the peaceful, winter wonderland’s that is the Highlands of Scotland during winter and summer gives me the best chance for wild swimming. Or, at least, it gives me the best chance to enjoy it!
You can visit the Isle of Skye any time of year, just plan beforehand and why not take a tour with us!
9 Interesting Facts about the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebrides islands.
Dinosaur footprints can be found fairly easy on the Skye coastline.
There are 2 Scotch whisky distilleries on the Isle of Skye, the legendary Talisker and the new Torabhaig whisky Distillery.
Bonnie Prince Charlie visited the Isle of Skye to escape, after defeat at Culloden Moor in 1746 during the last Jacobite Uprising
The world’s most tattooed person is a man called Tom Leppard from the Isle of Skye.
There’s legendary creatures called “Broonies” in the waters around the Isle of Skye which helped build the Old Man of Storr (if you believe in legends)
There are more sheep on the Isle of Skye than people, with believed to be ten sheep for human resident.
That’s an estimated 130,000 woolly Sheep on SkyeAccording to legend if you put your face in the water under the Sligachan Bridge, it’s said you’ll have eternal beauty granted by faeries.
9. Just of the north coast of the Isle of Skye, in a part of the North Sea called the Minch, there are poetic Blue Men living in the water who love to wreck ships and eat the Sailors. (note to self, stay out of the water)
The 9 Must-See Locations on the Isle of Skye
Neist Point
Kilt Rock/Mealt Falls
Duntulm Castle
Dunvegan Castle
Portree
Fairy Pools
Fairy Glen
Mealt Falls
Discover the Isle of Skye on a 3-day tour where you’ll see legendary locations on the island as well as the BEST of the Highlands of Scotland.
Visit locations like; Eilean Donan Castle, Glenfinnan, Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, Glencoe and many more!
Check out the Isle of Skye itinerary here or click the picture below.
