Travel bucket list idea:
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
The so-called ‘Old Man of Storr’ is an Isle of Skye landmark
Skye is the largest of the Hebridean islands (48 miles by 25) – and the only one attached to the mainland by a handy bridge.
Despite the fairly remote location, there are plenty of reasons to make a beeline here. The raw grandeur of the landscape, dominated by the dramatic Cuillins range, draws munro-baggers, hikers, mountain bikers – and movie-makers; its credits include Macbeth and blockbuster fantasy, The BFG.
The Trotternish Peninsula in the island’s north is home to some of the most striking landscapes in Scotland, easily accessible from the island’s ‘capital’, the wonderfully colourful village of Portree located on its eastern coast.
The Isle is also a place of pilgrimage for gourmet travellers schlepping to the Three Chimneys or Kinloch Lodge, the home of doyenne of Scottish cookbook writing, Lady Claire Macdonald.
And then there’s the history; Bonnie Prince Charlie famously fled over the sea to Skye after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden, and 13th-century Dunvegan Castle was the traditional seat of Clan MacLeod.
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
A short drive north of Portree on the Trotternish Peninsula is the 720m-high ‘Storr’, a large rocky outcrop that dominates the landscape. On the Storr’s steeper eastern slope you’ll find the famous ‘Old Man’ of Storr – a 50m high rock ‘tooth’. Great for a drive-by, or stopping for a walk.
Good for age: 8+
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
This family-run, manor house hotel offers a combination of stylish comfort and warm hospitality from owner Isabel. If you don’t stay, then go for the outstanding gourmet food – using fresh local ingredients and traditional Highland recipes. There’s a whisky bar with over 120 different bottles.
Good for age: 18+
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
Another geological highlight of the Trotternish Peninsula is Kilt Rock, an impressive 90-metre cliff constructed of odd-unusual basalt blocks. Close by is the plunging Mealt Waterfall, fed by Mealt Loch. See them from the same observation point, 17km north of Portree and just south of the village of Staffin.
Good for age: 4+
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
This famous pool, fed by the River Brittle that cascades in via a series of enchanting waterfalls, is a popular destination for walkers and wild swimmers (prepared to brave the cold). It’s a 2.5km, 40-minute return walk from the nearest car park through Glenbrittle Glen. You can also walk to it from Dunvegan Castle.
Good for age: 4+
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
This 13th-century castle – restored in the 19th century – was the traditional seat of Clan Macleod, one of the Highland’s most celebrated clans. It’s filled with Highlands clan history – portraits, weapons, and assorted clan memorabilia and heirlooms.
Adult price: £15
Good for age: 4+
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
This little shack up a bumpy track near Talisker Distillery is the place to go for freshly shucked oysters straight from the oyster farm in tidal Loch Harport. It’s rough and ready with a lean-to and picnic tables and a sea-loch-view to die for.
Good for age: 18+
Isle of Skye , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
Skye punches above its weight in terms of foodie enclaves and chef Michael Smith’s Scottish seafood restaurant in the village of Stein on the Waternish peninsula – is one of the Michelin-starred highlights.
Good for age: 18+
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
Foodies have been making a pilgrimage to this legendary restaurant, founded by Scottish food heroes, Shirley and Eddie Spear, for over three decades for its famous eight-course tasting menu. There are comfy bedrooms if you want to stay.
Adult price: £50
Good for age: 18+
The Skye bridge makes it the most accessible of Scotland’s islands to visit (bad weather affects many ferry crossings in Scotland). It’s off the northwest coast and easy to explore independently by car. Having your own transport is useful. There’s no train station on the island but you can catch the train from Glasgow to Mallaig (6 hours) then take the ferry or the train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh (2.5 hours) and a bus across the bridge.
If you’re visiting for the scenery (as opposed staying for the food), you could take a guided tour from Inverness. Tours take a full day (10 hours +) but often also stop at the magical Eilean Donal Castle, ticking off two sites in one.
Book ahead in summer. It’s so popular the island is sometimes reported to be ‘full’, with tourists asked to stay away if they haven’t booked accommodation.
Skye is a year-round destination, its wild, brooding landscape even more atmospheric in autumn or winter – without the crowds.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
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