29/09/2020

Isle of Skye: Top 10 must see places & best views on this breathtaking Scottish island

Quiraing Isle of Skye best views must-see places Scotland accommodation cottages
The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye - a simply stunning place and this particular view point is surprisingly quite easy to get too!



Top 10 must-see places on the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye in Scotland is one of the most beautiful little islands on this planet of ours, and if you wish to visit the lovely Scottish Island - then here are the 10 must-see places on the Isle of Skye, with their location highlighted on the map below.


Map courtesy of Wanderlog, a trip planner on iOS and Android




#1. The Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye


old man of storr isle of skye must see things best views cottage portree fairy pools accommodation fairy glen skye
I'll start with my personal favourite place in the Isle of Skye, which is a walk to the Old Man of Storr with breathtaking views. It's a very impressive and unique rocky-out crop in the North East of the Isle of Skye and more accessible than you think. It can be done in a 2 hour trip trip walk and I have produce this blog post to give more information on walking to the Old Man of Storr, including where I think the best views of the Old Man of Storr is (and where the above photo was taken) - to find out more visit hikingphotographer.uk//old-man-of-storr-walk


#2. The Fairy Pools of Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye

fairy pools isle of skye must see things best views cottage portree fairy pools accommodation fairy glen skye
Any list of things to see on the Isle of Skye will have the Fairy Pools of Glenbrittle in it and many people visit the Isle of Skye to see the beautiful cascading waterfalls and various pools filled with crystal clear water from the Cullin mountains. If you are up for it they are ideal for a refreshing bit of wild swimming - and one of the most magical places to wild swim in the UK. Personally, whilst a beautiful place, I think it's a little over-hyped and many people will be a little disappointed after viewing highly photoshopped photos online of turquoise water and clear blue skies. But, when in Rome and all that, if you have time - give it a visit :-) 




#3. Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, Isle of Skye


mealt falls kilt rock isle of skye must see things best views cottage portree fairy pools accommodation fairy glen skye
Seeing the impressive waterfalls of Mealt Falls is another must-do activity and something that is really accessible as the car park is a couple of minutes walk from the viewing platform where this photo was taken. I'd recommend visiting this place at the same time as visiting The Quiraing (see below) 


#4. The Quiraing


The Quirang is a stunning landscape on the Trotternish ridge created from a massive landslip around 10,000 year ago. There are lots of great walks around this area - but if you are pushed for time (like I was) you can drive up the winding road to the Quiraing Car Park (Post code IV51 9LB) and walk a couple of hundred meters along the footpath to this particular view point. 


#4. The Black Cullin from Sligachan


back culling isle of skye must see things best views cottage portree fairy pools accommodation fairy glen skye
The Black Cullin Mountains are a dream for serious hikers and they attract the adventurous like a magnet. Whether you are feeling adventurous or not - you can get a superb view of these foreboding mountains from Sligachan, which is on the main road (A87) on the east of the Island. It's home of the Hotel of the same name, and if you a driving to Portee you will pass this place and its worth stopping to admire the view.    



#6. Portree, Isle of Skye


Portree accommodation isle of skye must see things best views cottage portree fairy pools accommodation fairy glen skye
Portree is the largest town on the Isle of Skye and many people choose to base themselves here when visiting. It's pretty harbour with colourful houses is a popular Skye image and away from the harbour are plenty of good pubs and restaurants, some serving fresh seafood that is caught daily here. We loved the seafood served at the Cuchullin Restaurant. 



#7. The Cullin from Elgol, Isle of Skye


Elgol cottages isle of skye must see things best views cottage portree fairy pools accommodation fairy glen skye
The small fishing village of Elgol often gets overlooked when people visit the Isle of Skye - but for me some of the best views on the Isle of Skye can be seen here where the Cullin Mountains looks mightily impressive. It's a photographers dream and because of the ever changing weather conditions it looks different every day. There are also Boat Trips when the weather is fair and if you have time be sure to visit Elgol!


#8. Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, Isle of Skye

Dunvegan castle isle of skye must see things best views cottage portree fairy pools accommodation fairy glen skye
Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continually inhabited castle in Scotland and has been home to the seat of the Clan Macleod since the early 1200s. It sits right on the coast and has stunning gardens around it. For  bit of history give it a visit!


#9. Neist Point Lighthouse, Isle of Skye

Nesit Point lighthouse
At Nesit Point Lighthouse you'll get stunning views of the dramatic Skye coastline, and as the most westerly point of the island it's great place to watch the sunset. If your lucky you might also glimpse some of the regions beautiful marine life, such as a minke whale.



#10. Just explore Isle of Skye itself!Isle of Skye


road trip isle of skye must see things best views cottage portree fairy pools accommodation fairy glen skye
There are lots of amazing places to see on the Isle of Skye, and it's hard to do a list of 10 - so just explore all over the isle and follow the winding roads and footpaths. Beyond the more well-known views there is stunning scenery around every corner and you might also bump into a Highland cow or three!




and make sure you visit Eilean Donan castle!


Whilst not on the Isle of Skye, if you are driving to/from the Isle of Skye - be sure to stop off at the 13th century Eileen Donan Castle on the A87 on the mainland, which is one of the most recognised castles in Scotland and might well appear on more shortbread tins than any other castle!




Well there we are! There are of course more than 10 amazing things to do on the Isle of Skye but this is a little taster, and certainly enough to fill up your itinerary if you are on a short-trip. I hope you have found this inspiring to make you want to visit this breathtaking Scottish Island and useful in planning your trip to Skye! 

isle of skye must see things best views cottage portree fairy pools accommodation fairy glen skye
I hope you enjoyed this blog post on the Top 10 must-see places on the Isle of Skye, if you have any places you enjoyed visiting I'd love to know about them!



Post by Stuart Hodgson 
'The Hiking Photographer'


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