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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 05 December, 2022
Expert travel writer: Lucy Gillmore

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.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

Skye is a year-round destination, its wild, brooding landscape even more atmospheric in autumn or winter – without the crowds.

Dunvegan Castle exterior - A beautiful castle of golden stone set into the hills
Experience

Dunvegan Castle

Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

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.

Best for ages: 4+ | £15

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Aerial view of the dramatic coastline cliffs with a large waterfall pouring into the sea
Experience

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

Another geological highlight of the Trotternish Peninsula is Kilt Rock, an impressive 90m 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.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

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Exterior of front of Kinloch Lodge
Experience

Kinloch Lodge

Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

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.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Loch Bay Restaurant
Experience

Loch Bay Restaurant

Isle of Skye , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

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.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

3-Day Isle of Skye Inverness Highlands and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh

3-Day Isle of Skye Inverness Highlands and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh

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Scotland is a big place and with so many amazing places to explore you’ll be right to be excited about your 3 day Isle of Skye, Inverness & ...

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Isle of Skye, The Highlands and Loch Ness- 3 Day Group Tour from Edinburgh

Isle of Skye, The Highlands and Loch Ness- 3 Day Group Tour from Edinburgh

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Discover one of Scotland's most beautiful islands, the Isle of Skye, on a fantastic 3-day tour. See Eilean Donan Castle, visit Loch Ness, tr...

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3-Day Budget Backpacker Isle of Skye and the Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

3-Day Budget Backpacker Isle of Skye and the Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

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The Skye High is a wee gem. Ideal for travelers short on time who want to get the most out of their trip to Scotland. All the best stuff is ...

£225 | Rating 4.83 / 5 [241 ratings]

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3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

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Discover the Highlands and the magical Isle of Skye with its outstanding natural beauty, Viking history, and ancient myths and legends. This...

£285 | Rating 4.89 / 5 [161 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Kinloch Lodge

Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[28.2 miles]

A romantic, yet family-friendly 16th-century hunting lodge, surrounded by spectacular landscapes. It’s an ideal base for exploring the incomparable Isle of Skye – and the in-house restaurant is outstanding.

Official star rating:

Three Chimneys

Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[30.7 miles]

Legendary restaurant with rooms in an old crofter’s cottage, set on the remote shore of Loch Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Scottish Highlands

Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)

Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition.

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