DK Travel : Scotland : Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye

5.0 /5 (5 votes)

Rate it

Review this attraction

Are these details incorrect?

The product of violent geographical upheavals, the “misty isle” is justly famed for its towering, ragged mountains and wild coastline. Add to these a colourful patchwork of crofts (farms), waterfalls, an exceptional whisky, a castle linked to the fairy world and the historical romance of Bonnie Prince Charlie, and you find on Skye all the ingredients that best symbolize the Highlands.

Top 10 Sights

1. Aros Centre, Portree

An exceptional visitor and arts centre, created by locals with a passion for their culture. The place to learn about Skye’s history and places to visit.
2. Portree

2. Portree

Portree is Skye’s mini capital, with some excellent shops and a delightful harbour lined by colourful buildings. Sailing races and Highland Games are big events in summer.
3. Talisker Distillery

“The lava of the Cuillins” is produced at Skye’s only distillery, where visitors are welcomed onto a friendly tour.
4. Dunvegan Castle

4. Dunvegan Castle

Home to the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 1,000 years. Here, you’ll see the Fairy Flag, which, it is said, can rally the “little people” to protect the clan.
5. Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr

5. Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr

A fantastic region of cliffs and pinnacles , one rocky outcrop gaining the name the Old Man of Storr.

Old Man of Storr
6. Loch Coruisk

The boat from Elgol passes seal colonies to reach this secret loch, trapped in a bowl beneath the Cuillins, where a prized view awaits.
7. The Cuillins

This awesome range rises from the sea to almost 1,000 m (3,300 ft). The Black Cuillins are a challenge even to seasoned climbers, but the Red Cuillins are an easier prospect for walkers.
8. Armadale Castle Gardens and Museum of the Isles

Beautiful coastal gardens surrounding the ruined castle of clan MacDonald, with a historical archive.
9. Skye Museum of Island Life

Delightfully evocative, this reconstruction of thatched cottages, or “black houses” (they were blackened by firesmoke, ), turns back the years a century or more.
10. Island of Raasay

Its beauty too often overlooked, Raasay offers land and watersports at its Outdoor Centre, or you can climb Dun Caan to where Johnson and Boswell, the celebrated 18th-century men of letters, famously danced a jig.

Practical Information

The Aros Centre has evenings of Gaelic culture – no hackneyed shows but the best of local talent. The Sligachan Hotel is central and does great bar meals – good atmosphere and a play area for kids. Aros Centre Portree (01478) 613649 www.aros.co.uk free Talisker Distillery Carbost (01478) 614308 Easter–Oct 9:30am–5pm Mon–Sat; rest of year 2– 5pm Mon–Fri £4 for tour Dunvegan Castle (01470) 521206 Open daily adm £6.50 Loch Coruisk Boat Trips Elgol (0800) 7313089 Apr–mid-Oct Armadale Castle (01471) 844305 Apr–Oct: daily adm £4.60 Skye Museum of Island Life (01470) 552206 www.skyemuseum.co.uk Easter–Oct: 10am– 5pm Mon–Sat adm £2

Reviews

davidx

Whereas this is a Mecca for climbers, you don't have to be a climber or even a great walker to get massive enjoyment from Skye. The huge cliffs south of the road to Dunvegan and the beach beyond the Carbost distillery tend to be neglected. Be sure to take the boat from Elgol to Loch Coruisk.

2 weeks ago

vicious_vic

The Isle of Syke is well worth a visit if you are on Scotland's West Coast. Starting at the Skye bridge, the landscapes are stunning. Portree is well worth a visit, and won't take you long to take in the sights. There is a helpful visitors' centre at Portree as well. Take a driving tour around Skye, as the landscapes and views are breathtaking.

about a year ago

Write a review

If you were signed in, you could write a review here. Register for a free account, or if you're already a member, sign in.