Located off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Skye is known for its nature and dramatic scenery. I actually consider Scotland to be the PNW of Europe, but with a lot fewer predators (no need to worry about crossing a wolf or a bear on a hike here!). Whether the promise of breathtaking hikes, the serenity of its secluded beaches, or the charm of its quaint villages draws you, the Isle of Skye makes for an amazing nature trip on this side of the Atlantic. Below I’ve listed my top 10 things to do on the Isle of Skye, detailing the range of experiences this Scottish gem has to offer.
About the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye, located off Scotland’s west coast, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Famous for the dramatic peaks of the Cuillin Mountains and the unique rock formations of the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr, Skye offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the British Isles. The island’s history is steeped in Celtic and Norse legends, with ancient castles and historic villages dotting its rugged terrain. Skye’s mountainous landscape, picturesque lochs, and serene beaches make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts, embodying the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
The Isle of Skye Weather
Generally, the best time to visit the Isle of Skye is between May to September, due to the warm weather. July and August tend to be the months for the absolute best weather, and the Isle of Skye sees a sharp influx of visitors during this time. I really recommend against visiting during the summer months though as the isle becomes extremely crowded, so much so that it can be hard to find parking for many of the activities. Which brings me to my next point…
Summer = midges
What the heck is a midge? Midges are little flies that bite and typically live near marshes or water, sort of like mosquitoes. Midges love Scotland because of the rainy weather, and you can find swarms of them in the Highlands during the summer. Despite this, summer is still a popular time to visit Scotland, and if you are still set to book your trip during the warmer months, I’d suggest arriving prepared. Check out the official midge forecast and this Midges in Scotland: Ultimate Guide 2024 blog by Call to Adventure UK.
April to May and September to October are considered the shoulder seasons for visiting Scotland in general. We took our trip to the Isle of Skye at the end of February and got extremely lucky with the weather. The risk was so worth it though because in the end, the isle was practically empty and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves!
Below are the average highs and lows of Portree, the largest city on the Isle of Skye.
- April: High of 52ºF/11ºC and low of 41ºF/5ºC
- May: High of 57ºF/14ºC and low of 45ºF/7ºC
- June: High of 61ºF/16ºC and low of 50ºF/10ºC
- July: High of 63ºF/17ºC and low of 54ºF/12ºC
- August: High of 63ºF/17ºC and low of 52ºF/11ºC
- September: High of 57ºF/14ºC and low of 50ºF/10ºC
- October: High of 54ºF/12ºC and low of 45ºF/7ºC
What to Wear on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is a very outdoorsy vacation, so you need to pack things that will support activities like hiking, swimming (depending on the season), and most likely rainfall. What you wear largely depends on the season you are visiting during. Below I’ve detailed a list of things that I was glad I brought with me on my trip:
- Hiking shoes or sneakers with solid grip — you do NOT want to do any of the largest hikes in sandals. I have these hiking boots from Sorrel that I love.
- Comfortable, lightweight clothing that you can sweat in
- Layers — especially if you are hiking during the transitional months. Your hike may start off chilly, but 30 minutes into it you will start to get hot. I wore this Outdoor Voices pullover that was perfect for the chillier weather.
- Raincoat — no matter where you go in Scotland, you should prepare for some rain! Do not forget to pack a raincoat.
What To Do in the Isle of Skye – 10 Things Not To Miss in the Isle of Skye
#1 Hike the Quiraing
The Quiraing is a geological formation on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, renowned for its dramatic landscape sculpted by landslides millions of years ago. This hike will take you through towering cliffs and lush green valleys — all while offering breathtaking views of Scotland’s countryside. Hiking the Quiraing is truly an unforgettable experience, and though I’m not the most outdoorsy person — this was one of my favorite activities we did on the Isle of Skye. While the duration of the hike can vary depending on the route taken and individual pace, a typical hike through the Quiraing should take around 2 to 3 hours to complete. The hike is about 6.8km total and is easy-medium in difficulty.
If you want to read more about my experience hiking the Quiraing, you can read my guide to hiking the Quiraing here.
#2 Hike to Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr is an iconic rock formation on the Isle of Skye, renowned for its striking pinnacle that towers over the Trotternish Ridge. This hike is one of Skye’s most popular, and has stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Sound of Raasay and the Cuillin mountains. The trail begins near the town of Portree and ascends through grassy slopes and rocky terrain, providing a moderately challenging adventure suitable for most hikers.
The hike to the Old Man of Storr typically takes about 1.5 – 2 hours round trip. The trail is approximately 2.4 miles (3.8 kilometers) long, with an elevation gain of about 920 feet. While this hike is shorter than the Quiraing, it is definitely more difficult, and I was surprised at the continued steepness, especially at the beginning. To see Old Man of Storr in the flesh though is worth it, and I recommend hiking either at sunset or sunrise to get the absolute best views of Old Man of Storr.
#3 Stop at Bride’s Veil Falls
Brides Veil Falls, also known as Bride’s Veil Waterfall, is a picturesque waterfall located near the village of Uig. The name derives from the cascading water resembling a bride’s flowing veil. The falls are part of the River Rha, which flows down a series of rocky steps, creating several small but enchanting waterfalls. The area around Brides Veil Falls is lush and green, offering a serene spot for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Skye.
A bonus about visiting Brides Veil Falls is the fact that it is extremely accessible. There is a small car park right next to the falls and it only takes about 5 minutes to walk up to it (in fact, you can see the falls directly from the car park!). The falls are not particularly large, but they are beautiful and take only about 20 minutes to visit. Brides Veil Falls is also on the way to other nearby attractions, such as the Fairy Glen and the Quiraing, so you can easily combine this with your other activities.
#4 Check out Mealtfalls (Kilt Rock Waterfall)
Kilt Rock Waterfall, also known as Mealt Falls, is the Isle of Skye’s most famous waterfall. This waterfall plunges dramatically over 60 meters (about 200 feet) down the cliffs into the sea. The cliffs are named Kilt Rock due to their resemblance to a Scottish kilt, with vertical basalt columns creating a pleated effect, interspersed with bands of Jurassic sandstone.
The waterfall is fed by the nearby Mealt Loch and is easily accessible via a short walk from a car park off the A855 road. Visitors are greeted by an impressive viewpoint offering panoramic views of the waterfall, the cliffs, and the expansive sea below. The combination of the unique geological formations and the cascading water creates a breathtaking sight, especially on windy days when the spray is blown into misty patterns.
#5 Visit Eilean Donan Castle
Would it be a trip to Scotland if you didn’t visit at least one castle? Eilean Donan Castle is not directly on the Isle of Skye, but your bound to pass it as you’re entering the Isle. Perched on a small island where three sea lochs meet in the Scottish Highlands, Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic and picturesque castles. Built in the 13th century, it originally served as a defense against Viking invasions. The castle has undergone various reconstructions, with the most significant restoration in the early 20th century, preserving its medieval charm. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a favorite filming location, symbolizing Scotland’s rich heritage.
We recommend booking tickets ahead of time as they are slightly cheaper online and spaces tend to get filled up. Tickets cost £12.00 for adults, £11.00 for seniors (aged 60+), and £6.50 for children aged 5-15. Children under 5 can enter for free. A family ticket, which includes admission for two adults and up to three children, is priced at £35.00. To book your tickets, you can visit the official Eilean Donan Castle website.
#6 Visit the Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are a series of enchanting, crystal-clear pools and waterfalls located in Glen Brittle. These natural pools are fed by the River Brittle as it descends from the Cuillin Mountains, creating a picturesque setting with the pools and the mountains as the backdrop. The walk to the Fairy Pools begins at a car park and takes you through a scenic trail that winds through rugged terrain and grassy moors. Since we were visiting during winter, there were no swimming opportunities, but in warmer weather, there are plenty of spots on this hike that would make for a great place to take a dip. Overall, the hike to the Fairy Pools is relatively easy and flat, and is pretty accessible for most people. The hike takes about 40 minutes each way.
#7 Make a Stop at Portree
Portree is the isle’s largest town, and where most accommodation is for the Isle of Skye. Portree is relatively central to most activities in the Isle of Skye as well, so it makes for a particularly great base when exploring the isle. Portree serves as the island’s main hub, offering a range of amenities including shops, restaurants, and accommodations. Below is a quick list of some of my favorite spots in Portree:
- ÒR (the Grn) — A great place for souvenirs, you can find books, homewares, and crafts.
- the Isle of Skye Candle Company — located a little outside of town, they offer an array of locally produced souvenirs from candles to soaps to artwork. There is also a small café inside as well.
- Birch — popular brunch spot in Portree that offers coffee, baked goods and a cozy vibe.
- Photograph Portree harbour — walk through the town towards Bosville Terrace and you’ll find an excellent vantage point of the pastel houses (just like my photo above!).
#8 Check Out Neist Point Lighthouse
Neist Point Lighthouse is located on the westernmost tip of the Isle of Skye, and is one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks. Built in 1909, this historic lighthouse sits atop dramatic cliffs and offers stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse itself, designed by David Alan Stevenson, is now automated, but it remains an iconic symbol of the Isle of Skye’s maritime history.
The walk to Neist Point is a highlight for many visitors, and is about a 40 minute (sometimes pretty steep) walk. You are almost certain to have some very close encounters with some sheep though, so this makes the walk feel a lot shorter! I recommend taking plenty of breaks to take in the coastline, and to take photos of the lighthouse from afar. The combination of the striking lighthouse, the sweeping ocean views, and the dramatic cliffs make Neist Point a photographer’s paradise and a must-visit destination for many visitors.
#9 Guarantee a Highland Coo Sighting at Hector’s Highland Coos
Seeing a Highland coo is often a must-do on pretty much any trip to Scotland, but they aren’t just roaming around all over the isle like you’d think. It’s not likely that you’ll find a Highland Coo just roaming around on any of the popular hikes, so you need to know where to find them.
The pictures above were taken at Hector’s Highland Coos, which has a car park on Google Maps. It is completely free to visit, and is basically just a plot of open land where the cows can graze. You can’t touch the cows or anything, but if you’re lucky, they’ll be next to the fence where you can see them up close.
If you’re looking for a really fun Isle of Skye experience, you can actually book to stay on the plot of land that hosts these cows. Lodge on the Loch is officially the residence where these Highland Cows graze, and you can wake up to the view of the Red Cuillin hills and these Highland coos.
Some other towns where you can see Highland coos are Duirinish and Plockton, which will sometimes have cows just roaming the streets. We visited both on our way into the Isle of Skye and unfortunately didn’t see any cows.. though I am glad we tried!
#10 See the Iconic Fairy Glen
The Fairy Glen, located near Uig on the Isle of Skye, is a mystical landscape resembling a miniature, enchanted world. This whimsical area features lush, green grassy mounds, unique rock formations, and a distinctive, spiral-shaped hill known as Castle Ewen. Despite its name, the Fairy Glen is not associated with any traditional folklore, and it turns out that the circle of rocks was created by some tourists a few years ago. Nevertheless, there is still an other worldly atmosphere at the Fairy Glen and I believe it is definitely worth a visit. Make sure you climb up to the top of one of the hills to get a good 360 view of the surrounding area!
