Isle of Skye: Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr and a Road Trip Route

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

7. Dunvegan Castle

Home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years, with gardens and seal-watching boat trips.

8. Talisker Distillery

Skye's famous whisky distillery on the shores of Loch Harport offers tours and tastings.

Portree and beyond

9. Portree

Skye's main town has a colourful harbour, seafood restaurants and the island's best range of shops.

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.

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.