The seventh day of our Scotland road trip took us to the beautiful Isle of Skye. Starting from Ullapool, we drove south for about two hours until we reached the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle. After exploring the castle, we continued our journey to the Isle of Skye, where we stayed in a holiday home with sea views*. We stayed on Skye for two nights, enjoying breathtaking hikes, an exciting boat trip, stunning waterfalls, and fantastic restaurants in the island’s capital, Portree.
Isle of Skye Attractions Contents
Bed & Breakfast, Hotel, or Holiday Home? Our Holiday Home on the Isle of Skye with Sea Views near Lealt Falls
The Isle of Skye is one of the most popular regions in Scotland, known for its breathtaking landscapes. The island offers everything that makes the Highlands so special: green hills, rugged mountains, bays, beaches, lochs, and the sea. Visitors can enjoy some of the best hiking trails, impressive castles, and whisky distilleries.
The availability of accommodation is very limited compared to the high demand. If you want to stay on the Isle of Skye, you should definitely book early.
Initially, we were planning to book a hotel, a bed & breakfast, or a holiday home in Portree*. The island’s capital is the lively hub of Skye. It has a small harbor as well as many restaurants, bars, and pubs. Although we started looking early, there were no accommodations available in the city.
Our Holiday Home near Lealt Falls on Skye
Since accommodation options were very limited, our decision was made quickly. We booked a lovely holiday home, located 20 minutes north of Portree. The location was perfect. The Lealt Falls House* is just a five-minute drive from the impressive Old Man of Storr.
Only a few hundred meters from the house are the Lealt Falls. From the living room and garden, you can enjoy sea views and watch the sunrise. We really loved staying at Lealt Falls House and highly recommend it.
Eilean Donan Castle: Dramatic Castle in a Stunning Setting on the Way to Skye
The spectacular Eilean Donan Castle is located just outside the Isle of Skye. If you’re driving to the island, you will inevitably pass by the castle. It’s definitely a highlight of any Scotland road trip. You may have already seen Eilean Donan as a scenic backdrop in films such as “Highlander,” “Elizabeth,” “Braveheart,” or James Bond’s “The World Is Not Enough.”
The castle sits on a small promontory that becomes an island at high tide. When the tide was in, we could only reach Eilean Donan Castle via the picturesque stone footbridge. Its location surrounded by water makes it a true photographer’s paradise and gives it an unparalleled charm.
Inside Eilean Donan Castle
About 100 years ago, the castle was restored by the MacRae clan and is now a museum that offers fascinating insights into life in the past. The 15th-century dining hall is the highlight of the interior. Also impressive is the war memorial dedicated to the MacRae clan soldiers who fell in World War I. From the castle courtyard, you can enjoy a stunning view over the loch, which you definitely shouldn’t miss.
A small restriction to keep in mind: as in many Scottish castles, photography or filming inside the castle is not allowed. So, if you want to see the interior of the castle, you’ll need to visit it in person.
Our conclusion: Eilean Donan Castle really impressed us. If you’re traveling through the West Highlands, a visit to this castle should definitely be at the top of your list.
Portree: Charming Harbour Town and Hub of the Isle of Skye
During our stay on the Isle of Skye, we visited Portree at least once a day. This was because our accommodation was only about 20 minutes from the island’s capital, and there were no shops or restaurants near us. The holiday home was beautifully remote, nestled between mountains and the sea. In Portree, we had dinner at restaurants, did our grocery shopping, and explored the town. The Portree harbour was also the starting point for our boat trip through the Raasay Sound.
Note: If you plan to visit a restaurant in Portree, make sure to reserve a table in advance. Without a reservation, the chances of getting a table are very slim.
Sea Eagles and Wildlife Boat Tour from Portree along the Stunning Coastline of the Isle of Skye
On our road trips, a boat tour is almost always part of the itinerary. Since many boat tours in the Highlands are not yet available in late March, we decided to take one from Skye.
We chose a two-hour catamaran tour from Portree that promised a wildlife experience. As you can see in the video and photos, we were really lucky with the weather. Although it didn’t rain, it was quite cold out on the water. So, if you’re planning a boat trip in spring, make sure to dress warmly.
Unfortunately, our hopes of spotting sea eagles were not fulfilled that day. However, visiting a seal colony against the picturesque backdrop of Holoman Bay made up for it. Taking photos of the seals wasn’t easy, as they were hard to distinguish from the rocks in the distance.
The true highlight of the tour was the journey through Raasay Sound. Here, we admired stunning landscapes, plenty of sheep, and impressive basalt cliffs.
Isle of Skye Attractions: Our Highlights and Recommendations
The island offers so many breathtaking natural landscapes that it can be hard to choose. In addition to our boat tour through Raasay Sound, we decided to hike along the Fairy Pools and take on the spectacular hike to the Old Man of Storr.
Hiking Along the Fairy Pools: A Spectacular Tour on the Isle of Skye
Fairy Pools Hike: A Must-Do Adventure on the Isle of Skye
The hike to the Fairy Pools is an absolute highlight on the Isle of Skye. If you visit the island, this tour is a must. We did the hike at the end of March and would like to share some useful tips with you.
The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Google Maps may indicate a walking time of only 20 minutes, but realistically, you should plan at least 45 minutes for the way there. With photo stops and time to enjoy the scenery, it will likely take about an hour. Overall, you should allow around two hours for the hike.
The route covers approximately 3.7 kilometers. About half of the trail is a well-maintained gravel path, while the other half involves rocky terrain, mud, and small streams. If you are traveling with children, it’s best to leave the stroller in the car or stick to the easier first part of the trail.
The hike has only a slight incline and follows picturesque rivers, streams, natural pools, and numerous small waterfalls. During our visit, the weather was cold and windy, so we recommend wearing appropriate hiking gear and non-slip hiking shoes.
Remarkably, we noticed several times that the locals were walking around in T-shirts and shorts, even in cold and windy weather. It seems that Scots feel the cold much less intensely. We also saw some locals swimming and diving in the pools, wearing only swim trunks, despite the fairly chilly temperatures.
For us, the hike to the Fairy Pools is one of the most impressive experiences on Skye. We highly recommend taking this easy route.
Hiking to the Old Man of Storr: Breathtaking Views and Rock Formations
Hiking to the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye was the most fascinating experience we had in the Highlands. Although the route is generally not too difficult, it steadily ascends uphill. You’ll pass over paths, gravel, and numerous steps along the way. This hike left the biggest impression on us, and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting Skye.
The Old Man of Storr is a 48-meter-high rock pinnacle and one of Skye’s most iconic landmarks. Our accommodation was only five miles away, so we often passed by the Old Man of Storr. You can already get a good view of it from the road.
Our Hike to the Storr Lookout Point
According to Google Maps, the hike from the parking lot to the Storr Lookout Point takes 52 minutes, which turned out to be accurate. The route to the lookout is 2.3 kilometers long.
Shortly after starting the hike, you’ll encounter two paths. To reach the Storr Lookout Point directly, take the right path. The trail offers several viewpoints, including the Storr Viewpoint and one right at the Old Man of Storr. However, the best views are from the Storr Lookout Point. If you hike all the way to the lookout, you’ll walk right through the impressive rock formations.
The hike is generally not too difficult, but the path does lead steadily uphill over trails, gravel, and many steps. However, the constantly changing, breathtaking views of the rock formations and the surrounding landscape with its islands and waters make it well worth the effort. The final destination, Storr Lookout Point, is situated on an elevated plateau at 504 meters and offers a stunning panoramic view.
This walk impressed us the most and we recommend anyone visiting Skye to do the walk here. Be careful not to start the walk in the rain though.
Lealt Falls: Spectacular Waterfalls Close to Our Holiday Home
Since our holiday home* was only a few hundred meters from the Lealt Falls, we couldn’t miss visiting this natural attraction. The Lealt Falls, formed by the Lealt River, plunge 90 meters deep into a narrow gorge that leads into Raasay Sound. Viewing platforms offer breathtaking views of the upper waterfalls and the mountains to the west. Additionally, you can enjoy scenic views over Raasay Sound.
Other Exciting Attractions on the Isle of Skye
- Quiraing: Rugged rock formation with stunning sea views from the Quiraing Viewpoint.
- Fairy Glen: Bizarrely shaped hills and rocks with a magical atmosphere.
- Dunvegan Castle: Historic castle of the MacLeod Clan with beautiful gardens.
- Neist Point: A headland with a lighthouse and views of the Outer Hebrides.
- Talisker Distillery: Guided tour of whisky production.
- Sligachan Bridge: Famous bridge with views of the Cuillin Mountains.
- Elgol and Loch Coruisk: Picturesque village and boat trips to the remote Loch Coruisk.
Cultural Highlights of the Isle of Skye: Traditions, Events, and Museums
The Isle of Skye is rich in Scottish traditions and culture. The annual Skye Festival, also known as “Fèis an Eilein,” celebrates traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Armadale Castle is home to the island’s Historical Museum, offering insights into the history and culture of the island’s inhabitants. Here, you can explore artifacts and exhibits that document life on the Isle of Skye.
Flora and Fauna of the Isle of Skye: Wildlife Watching and Unique Plant Species
The Isle of Skye is a paradise for nature lovers, offering an impressive variety of flora and fauna. You can observe sea eagles, otters, and seals in their natural habitat. Coastal regions and remote bays are the best places for spotting these animals. The plant life is equally fascinating, with heather, wild orchids, and ferns dominating the landscape. The unique geological formations and mild climate create ideal conditions for a diverse range of plants, which you can explore on many scenic hikes.
Weather and Best Time to Visit the Isle of Skye: Planning Tips
We visited the Isle of Skye at the end of March and were incredibly lucky with the weather. As you can see from the photos and videos, we had blue skies and sunshine, even though it was still quite cool. If it had rained, our hikes to the Fairy Pools or the Old Man of Storr would have been nearly impossible. Generally, the best time to visit is from May to September, when temperatures are milder, and the chances of good weather are higher. The long summer days also give you more time to explore.
Conclusion: Isle of Skye Attractions
Our trip to the Isle of Skye was an unforgettable adventure that introduced us to the wild beauty and rich cultural heritage of this Scottish island. From the stunning hike to the Old Man of Storr to the magical Fairy Pools, the island offered breathtaking natural experiences. The charming towns like Portree and the historical setting of Eilean Donan Castle added the perfect finishing touch to our visit. Whether you’re seeking nature, culture, or simply relaxation, the Isle of Skye has something for everyone. We highly recommend including it in your travel plans.
Isle of Skye Attractions: The Best Providers for Your Vacation Bookings
Here, we present our preferred providers for travel bookings. It’s especially important to us that these booking platforms offer fair prices, high quality, and excellent customer service.
Booking.com* is our top choice for accommodations and rental cars* due to their fast and flexible service, wide selection, and affordable prices.
Get Your Guide* is our first choice for high-quality tours and activities while traveling.
Viator* also offers tours. When we can’t find what we need on Get Your Guide, Viator often has great alternatives.
Skyscanner* is our number one option when searching for affordable flights.
