Isle of Skye: Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr and a Road Trip Route
The best things to do on the Isle of Skye: the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, Fairy Pools, Neist Point, Portree, Dunvegan Castle, wildlife, where to stay and tips.
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The Isle of Skye off Scotland's west coast is a place of jagged mountains, sea cliffs, waterfalls and legends. It's one of the UK's most spectacular landscapes – and increasingly popular, so a little planning helps. These are the best things to do on Skye, with a route and practical tips.
The Trotternish Peninsula
1. The Old Man of Storr
A rock pinnacle rising above the cliffs north of Portree, reached by a steep 1–1.5-hour return hike. Go early for fewer people and soft light.
The path climbs steadily through a muddy, rocky slope, and then the huge black pinnacle rises out of the mist, with lochs and islands spread out below. The car park fills early – start at dawn for the best light and fewest people.
2. The Quiraing
A landslip landscape of pinnacles and grassy plateaus at the north end of Trotternish. The loop walk takes two to three hours, with views over the sea to the mainland.
The trail runs along the edge of a giant landslip, past rock towers and green ledges, with the wind roaring and sheep grazing on impossible slopes. The views change with every step.
3. Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
A short stop to see a waterfall plunging straight into the sea from basalt cliffs that look like the pleats of a kilt.
From the viewing platform, a waterfall plunges straight off the cliff into the sea, and the basalt columns look like the pleats of a kilt.
4. Fairy Glen
A miniature landscape of cone-shaped hills and ponds near Uig – stay on the paths and don't build stone circles, which damage the site.
Small grassy hills, ponds and rocky towers make a miniature, magical landscape – climb Castle Ewen for the view, but please don't move the stones.
West and south Skye
5. The Fairy Pools
Crystal-clear blue pools and waterfalls below the Cuillin mountains in Glen Brittle. Brave swimmers take a cold dip. Arrive early – the car park fills quickly.
Crystal-clear, blue-green pools and waterfalls tumble down from the Cuillin mountains. The water is icy cold, even in summer – brave swimmers dive in, everyone else dips a toe.
6. Neist Point
Skye's most westerly point has a lighthouse and dramatic cliffs. It's one of the best places for sunset, and whales and dolphins are sometimes seen.
At the westernmost tip of Skye, the lighthouse stands at the end of the cliffs, and at sunset the sea turns gold; you may see whales and dolphins.
7. Dunvegan Castle
Home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years, with gardens and seal-watching boat trips.
The castle has been the seat of the MacLeod clan for 800 years, and you can take a boat trip from the gardens to see the seals lazing on the rocks.
8. Talisker Distillery
Skye's famous whisky distillery on the shores of Loch Harport offers tours and tastings.
The smell of peat smoke and malt fills the air, and the tasting reveals the smoky, salty whisky of the island.
Portree and beyond
9. Portree
Skye's main town has a colourful harbour, seafood restaurants and the island's best range of shops.
The colourful houses along the harbour make the perfect postcard, and the pubs and fish restaurants are cosy on a rainy evening.
10. The Cuillin and Elgol
The black Cuillin ridge is a serious mountain range for experienced climbers. For a gentler experience, take a boat from Elgol to Loch Coruisk, one of Scotland's wildest spots.
From Elgol's shore, the jagged black peaks of the Cuillin rise straight out of the sea – take a boat to Loch Coruisk for the wildest scenery on the island.
A three-day route
- Day 1: Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing.
- Day 2: Fairy Pools, Talisker and Neist Point for sunset.
- Day 3: Dunvegan Castle, then south to Elgol or the ferry from Armadale.
Practical tips
- Book early: accommodation and car hire sell out in summer.
- Single-track roads: use passing places and let others overtake.
- Midges: bring repellent from June to September.
- Weather: waterproofs are essential at any time of year.
- Getting there by train: combine with the West Highland Line or the Caledonian Sleeper.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need on Skye?
Three days lets you see the Trotternish loop, the Fairy Pools, Neist Point and Dunvegan without rushing.
How do you get to the Isle of Skye?
By car over the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh, by ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, or by train to Kyle of Lochalsh or Mallaig and then bus.
When is the best time to visit Skye?
May, June and September offer long days and fewer midges than July and August. Book accommodation months ahead – Skye fills up in summer.
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