Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye in the North west of Scotland is so ruggedly breathtaking you will feel like you are in a faraway magic, mossy land.  Full of stunningly raw coastline, tiny village pubs and views that will make you gasp, you should definitely make Skye part of your Scotland Road trip. Jay and I spent 3 days on the Isle as part of our Highland adventure and it’s the perfect amount of time to explore this natural beauty. You wont regret, or forget it!

Most people drive from either Glasgow or Edinburgh as public transport is tough in the Highlands. Leaving Edinburgh, take the 5.5hr car trip north through the Highlands for a gorgeous drive. There is a Ferry and a bridge across to the Island. We took the Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh so we could stop by the iconic Eileen Donan Castle. A 13th century castle that shits proudly on it’s own island where three lochs meet. Bonus points if you visit at sunrise or sunset.

Take some groceries from the mainland if you can, there is a supermarket on Skye but it is small and can be expensive. We stocked up on wine for our romantic weekend! Most people stay in the main Village of Portree in the mid-north of the Island, where there are hotels, pubs and cafes that surround the towns picturesque harbour. We fancied a bit of secluded privacy and we stayed in the south of the Island-there are loads of BnBs dotted around the Island with amazing landscapes and views, depending on what you want.

You could spend one jam packed day driving around Skye and see the main sights, but take two days and take your time and enjoy this wonderous placed steeped in myth and magic. Most people will do a similar loop as you need to plan which sights you see in which order, as any are quite a drive.

Day 1-south.

I woke up thinking the BnB was on fire. thats how bright the light streaming in my window was. I dragged Jay out of bed to sit out by the water and watch the most sensational sunrise I’ve every witnessed. My god we were lucky with such an incredible sunset and sunrise!

Fairy pools.

We started our day here-Beautiful crystal waterfalls that spill into a fairy pool at the bottom of a glen. You can walk from the carpark if weather permits, it takes abut half an hour, and if you’re brave enough jump in the icy water for some fairy magic! It will literally take your breath away.

Talisker Distillery.

This is the only Whisky Distillery on the Island, where you can do a tasting or just buy a nice single malt!

Dunvegan Catsle.

A pretty Castle atop a Hill overlooking the Loch, I wont lie,  mainly came to Denvegan to visit Skye’s Oldest Bakery, operating since 1870!

Neist Point Lighthouse

You’ve almost certainly seen photos of this beauty- rugged white cliffside topped with mossy green creep out to the point where the lighthouse sits. Its gorgeous. And bloody windy and cold-take your coat at all times of the year! Summer almost doesn’t exist in the Highlands.

We called it a night and headed to a local pub to warm up by the fire with a glass of red.

Day Two

Today as the day to head into the popular northern end of the island for the Totternish Loop and I was so excited!
We started north to Portree for a quick coffee, as we were coming back through in the afternoon to explore the seaside Village better. Back in the car we heading clockwise along the loop to the Village of Uig where you can see the Fairy Glen, a cute little glen with round, grassy mounts dotted around that give it an otherworldly feel. It’s a quick stop but worth it!

Quirang.

My favourite part of Skye-seriously out of this world. Landslides have created this stunning mountain pass with rocky cliffs, pointed pinnacles, valleys, lochs and unreal plateaus. It’s a beautiful, sometimes tough 3.5hr hike if its not bucketing down (or even if it is!) If hiking isn’t your thing, driving through is still a magical experience.

Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls

Once you pass through Quirang you’ll be on the east coast and end up at the Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls viewpoint. Basalt columns that resemble a pleated kilt, You’ll lean out to this beautiful cascade of Mealt Falls as it pours into the ocean below. It is truly a sight to behold.

Old Man of Storr

If you have time or fancy another hike, Old Man of Storr is a Scottish icon-an imposing set of Basalt Pinnicles set against the lush green landscape. The hike is about 2 hours and a great way to get up close and personal. Or simple drive by and enjoy the spectacle on your way back to Portree!

Portree

We spent the afternoon grabbing a pub lunch in Portree and wandering the pretty Village and its colourful harbour before heading back over the bridge to the mainland, ending our gorgeous weekend on The Isle of Skye.