Known for rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and medieval castles, the Isle of Skye harkens back to an older Scotland. One where nature and humanity carefully remain balanced with one another and both thrive by the effort. On a recent trip to Scotland with our group of 6, we had the pleasure of experiencing this wondrous island. Over 2 nights and 3 days, we explored far and wide and narrowed down a list of highlights just for you. Keep reading to discover our best things to do on the Isle of Skye!
Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
Hike the Old Man of Storr
Widely considered the most popular trek on the island, hiking to the top of the Old Man of Storr is certainly one of the best things to do on the Isle of Skye (and the favorite of our group as well). In a landscape full of captivating scenes and breathtaking beauty, hiking the Old Man of Storr is still certain to leave you spellbound. Formed by an ancient landslide, the Old Man of Storr is a towering pinnacle of rock that can be seen for miles around. It’s said that under the right circumstances and from a certain angle, the rocks resemble the image of a haggard old man. It really just looked like a fascinating rock formation to us lol.
This 3.4 mile round trip loop gains 1,200 feet and is considered moderate to strenuous by most. We recommend that you set aside about 3 hours for the trek. This will provide time for most to stop and enjoy some views along the way. We also recommend that you plan on starting the hike early if possible. Particularly during the summer months, this popular trail becomes quite busy and parking can become nearly impossible as the day wears on.
At the base of the hike near the parking lot sits a bathroom and small coffee/snack stand. There are no additional refreshments or covered places for bathroom breaks further up the trail so plan accordingly.
Like all Scottish trails, there are no signs or markers on the route. We recommend that you plan ahead and have internet directions screenshot on your phone just in case. Other than that, although you will see several different trails ascending the mound, they all seem to lead up to the Old Man of Storr, so it’s really a “choose your own adventure” hike for the most part. Although not for the faint of heart, adventurous travelers are often seen climbing onto the base of the Old Man of Storr itself. This does involve some scrambling so proceed at your own risk.
From the top, hikers are treated to sweeping views of the mountains, lochs, and distant islands surrounding the peak. It is widely considered a top view in Scotland and is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Skye.
Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
Experience the Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools are a series of picturesque waterfalls and crystal clear pools descending out of the Black Cuillin Mountains along the Brittle River. According to ancient lore, the pools were a destination for Selkies, who were fairy type creatures who would disguise themselves in the form of seals during the day only to shed their skin and swim by the moon in the pools at night.
Although we saw no such selkies, the pools do still act as a popular destination for adventurous travelers looking for a bit of cold water swimming. Due note that if you are intending to swim (which you really should if coming all the way out to the pools), the pools are very cold so bring a towel and appropriate clothing for the hike back to your car. Secondly, there really is not any cover for changing your clothing down by the pools so we’d recommend having your swimwear on and ready before leaving the parking area.
The hike is 2.3 miles out and back with 509 feet of gain. It’s considered easy to moderate and we’d recommend budgeting about 2 hours for the hike and swim in total. Although we’ve read that the Fairy Pools are becoming increasingly busy and touristy to a negative level, we’d say that if you have the time and are looking for some spectacular scenery and “wild swimming” the Fairy Pools remain a must do and one of the best things to do on the Isle of Skye.
Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
Visit the Fairy Glen
The Fairy Glen was surprisingly one of our favorite places in Scotland and is now one of our best things to do on the Isle of Skye. Located just minutes from our hostel (shout out The Cowshed Boutique Bunkhouse) in Uig, we happened upon the Fairy Glen just as the sun began sinking for sunset. This not only provided ideal lighting for our visit but also ensured we were some of the only people on the trail.
From the parking area, the trail first passes through sheep laden pasture land before passing by a quaint and charming pond. From here, short lush grasses cover countless rolling hills as the trail turns to stone and the Fairy Glen comes into view.
The Fairy Glen trail is a short and easy 1.2 mile loop (many visitors simply go up and back along the same trail) with only about 200 feet of gain. The Fairy Glen itself is also quite spacious and relaxing. It’s a great spot for a picnic or simply relaxing on the soft and grassy lawn. There is also a rugged rock formation that many visitors climb at their own risk. From here, panoramic views of the countryside come into perspective. There is also a small cave just across the trail from the rock formation which is fabled to provide luck should you part with one of your coins within.
Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
Hike the Quiraing
The Isle of Skye is an outdoor adventure destination of international renown. The Cuillin Mountain Range offers rugged trekking and rock climbing terrain with 12 different peaks over 3000ft. Additionally, countless other well renowned and more easily accessible trails attract visitors from all over the world. One of these renowned hikes is the Quiraing. Formed by a landslip many years ago, the Quiraing consists of high peaks, hidden plateaus, and provides some of the most stunning views in all of Scotland. It is widely considered one of the best things to do on the Isle of Skye.
Similar to the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing is popular and gets very busy. Try to arrive at the parking lot early for the best chance of securing a spot. For those of you who aren’t planning on hiking the Quiraing, just quickly stopping to take in the raw beauty and remoteness of the landscape should be a goal of all those touring the island.
The Quiraing is a strenuous 4.3 mile round trip loop with 1,253 feet of gain. The trail involves some short scrambles and steep drops. Care is needed when hiking this trail in the best of times so during very wet and windy days, consider alternative destinations.
Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
Explore Portree
Created as a fishing village at the end of the 19th century, Portree is both the largest town and capital of the island. Surrounded by hills and water, visiting Portree is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Skye and a common launch point for adventurers setting out to explore the rugged wilderness.
Parking in the town is usually easiest down by the harbor at the Portree car park. For a small fee paid at the parking kiosks, we recommend you leave your car and explore Portree on foot. The “downtown” area of Portree consists of numerous bars, restaurants, and boutique shops to peruse at your leisure. There is also the iconic “Colour House Viewpoint” along Bosville Terrace which should not be missed.
As far as recommendations go, our favorite breakfast spot was Cafe Arriba. For dinner, consider Caberfeidh Bar and Restaurant for drinks and pizza or Sea Breezes for local food and brews with seaside views!
Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
Bonus: Enjoy Dunvegan Castle and Gardens
Having remained continuously occupied by 30 generations of Clan MacCleod for over 7 centuries, Dunvegan Castle is the longest continuously occupied castle in all of Scotland. Strategically perched upon the top of a 50 foot rocky overlook, the castle is beautifully surrounded by rugged wilderness to the east and the sea loch of Dunvegan to the west.
Visitors can enjoy tours of this award winning castle, peruse the 5 acre oasis of the castle’s highly lauded gardens, or even charter a boat tour out to the resident seal colony in Loch Dunvegan. The castle and grounds are open seasonally from early April to mid October (check formal schedule HERE). You can visit for the day or consider staying the night in one of several different holiday cottages located on site. It’s a bit of a drive from the other activities on the list (and we already intended on stopping at several other castles on the mainland) which is why we didn’t make it to Dunvegan Castle during our recent trip; however, particularly for those not planning on touring other castles in the country, a trip to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens may be one of your best things to do on the Isle of Skye during your next trip!
Interested in learning more about Scotland? Click HERE for more of our posts and information on this wondrous country!
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