Picture a dramatic landscape of jagged mountains, rocky coastlines, and verdant green plains, often shrouded in mist. Add ancient castles, Viking and Celtic history, and a dose of fairy folklore, and you have the Isle of Skye, a magical, mystical wonderland.
Location and Access
This stunning island should be on every traveler’s list when visiting Scotland. Located on the west coast of the country, it’s the largest of the major islands of the Inner Hebrides.
Years ago, you’d have to take a ferry to reach Skye, but thanks to the Skye Bridge, it’s now easily accessible from the mainland. From Inverness, for example, allow 2-3 hours without stops.
There are many places to explore during your time on the island, with several memorable highlights. They include castles, unique geographic formations, waterfalls, charming villages, distilleries, and more.
Tour Dunvegan and Eilean Donan Castles
Two castles are of significance on Skye: Dunvegan and Eilean Donan. Dunvegan is “one of the greatest Hebridean castles and the only Highland fortress to have been continuously occupied by the same family for 800 years.”
It is said this castle captures the authentic spirit of the Isle of Skye, as its mix of multiple building styles reflects the preferences of clan chiefs who constructed them between the 1200s-1850s.
Defensive battlements run the length of the roofline, and an imposing land bridge leads to a columned portico entrance. Look for the Fairy Flag of Dunvegan mounted on one of the walls.
It’s faded and tattered now, but the story has it that mythical creatures gave the flag as a gift to the Clan MacLeod and that it possessed powerful magic which could come in handy during battles against rival clans.
Inside, the main hall is equally impressive, as are the richly decorated State Rooms. If you’re curious as to whether anyone lives at the castle, you’ll learn that the current clan chief, Hugh Magnus MacLeod, stays here on occasion, though he is based in London.
Make sure you stroll around the castle’s formal gardens, as they offer an Edenesque oasis with a variety of flora and peaceful walking paths.
Eilean Donan is one of the most iconic and photographed images of Scotland and as such, is an important attraction in the Highlands. It’s also been featured in numerous films. This majestic bastion sits on an island where three lochs meet and is surrounded by droolworthy scenery.
The castle has a lengthy history that goes back to the early 13th century when its first fortified structure was built to protect the area against the Vikings.
Since then, it went through several different versions until 1719, when it was partially destroyed in a bombardment and lay in ruins for almost 200 years.
Enter Lt. Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap, who in 1911 bought the island and proceeded to restore Eilean Donan to its former glory. He dedicated twenty years of his life to the reconstruction process, finally reopening the castle in 1932.
Within the castle, there’s ample period décor, along with weaponry and artifacts, including cannonballs fired during a bombardment, dueling pistols, and more. And there’s plenty of stag heads, family crests, royal trinkets, paintings and other artwork, too.
I especially liked the recreated kitchen. It’s a very realistic depiction with some great details. You’ll see (fake) food in states of preparation, meals on the table and life-size figures of servants involved in the various actions.
There’s even kitchen noises piped into the room. See if you can find all the mice and spiders!
Geographic Formations Abound on Skye
Wondrous geographic formations abound on Skye. The Quiraing Mountain Range, for example, is composed of dramatic cliffs and rock formations that are jaw-dropping, rain or shine.
When I was at the viewpoint, the wind was howling, and it took all I had to keep from being blown away. But the dramatic panorama was awe-inducing.
Kilt Rock is Aptly Named
Kilt Rock is another well-known site. This 295-foot-high wall of hexagonal columns, made of basalt rock, is stacked on top of each other.
They resemble the pleats of a tartan kilt, thus its name. The columns were created by volcanic activity over millions of years and offer a glimpse into the geological history of the region.
At the base of Kilt Rock is Mealt Falls. It cascades down the rock face and falls 180 feet into the sea. This area is also noted for its collection of dinosaur bones, which were found in the Jurassic rocks on the coastline.
Marvel at Rogie Falls
Rogie Falls is a stunning natural landmark and one of the best places in Scotland (from July to September) to watch salmon run upstream and leap up the waterfall to mate and lay their eggs. These waterfalls are beautiful, with the best views from the suspension bridge.
Learn the Legends of the Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish Ridge is another famed landmark. This 180-foot pinnacle of basalt rock was formed around 60 million years ago by a ginormous landslip.
The rocks dominate the landscape and can be seen for miles as you travel north. You can hike up to the massive pinnacle if you have the time for the moderately challenging 3.3-mile loop.
There are a few legends surrounding the Old Man of Storr. In a commonly recited tale, Skye was once a land of Giants, who roamed the island, yet were constantly at odds with one another.
During one of these battles, a very large giant was killed on the Trotternish Peninsula. The land swallowed his body over time, except for one part, which was left poking above ground. Some say it was the giant’s thumb. Others believe it was a more intimate part of his body!
Another folk legend features mischievous fairies and a local couple, who climbed to the top of these hills every day. However, as they grew older, the wife had an increasingly harder time with the hike.
When she couldn’t climb any longer, her husband carried her on his back. Soon, though, the man wasn’t strong enough to carry his wife, but he still didn’t want to leave her behind.
The fairies, who had been watching these events occur, went to pay the man a visit. They told the man they would grant his request, and all he had to do was carry his wife up the hill one more time.
Once the couple reached the top, however, the cunning and mischievous fairies turned the couple into a huge stone pillar. As they had promised, the husband would no longer go anywhere without his wife, as they were now forever joined together.
You’ll be Enchanted by the Fairy Pools
Skye’s famous Fairy Pools are a must-visit destination. Picture a series of crystal-clear blue pools flowing down a hillside into a river. To complete this enchanting scene, the pools, which are nestled in a valley, are surrounded by mountains and forest.
They are a wonder that entices some folks to brave their frigid waters. If that’s not your style, don’t worry, as these natural pools are also a photographer’s dream.
As you might expect, the Fairy Pools are steeped in legend and folklore. They are said to be home to the Blue Men of the Minch, a group of mythical creatures bent on luring sailors to their deaths.
They’re also said to be a door into the fairy realm, with the belief that the fairies use the pools to go between the human world and their own.
The Fairy Glen
Continue the fairy theme with a stop at the Fairy Glen, an unusual geological formation that goes back 100,000 years.
It was created by landslides that occurred after a glacier. Over time, erosion and various elements sculpted the sandstone, forming craggy hills, randomly scattered boulders, and even a natural basalt feature called Castle Ewen.
A steep path leads to the castle, which looks like a crumbling medieval fortress. There’s a scramble to the top, but your efforts are rewarded with magnificent views of the surroundings.
Once you descend, you’ll see a flat area where there is a large spiral cut into the grass and stones placed around it. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the work of the fairies, but rather visitors.
The hazelnut trees in the forest around the Glen are known to be a hiding place for the fairies that supposedly inhabit this place. When I was there, all I saw were sheep contentedly munching on the greenery.
Tours and Tickets to Experience Isle of Skye
Fabled Loch Ness
Loch Ness also gets top billing on Skye due to purportedly being home to the Loch Ness Monster, one of the most infamous and disputed legendary creatures. Believers point to over 1,000 eyewitness accounts as proof.
These accounts date as far back as 1,500 years. Public interest remains strong today, as noted by the number of hopefuls who come to Loch Ness and wait expectantly for a sighting of the beast.
According to reports, “Nessie” has been described as being long and thin, usually green with black humps, a tail, and a snakelike head. She’s shy, though, as when she has made past appearances, she rolls on the surface of the water, then quickly plunges down into its depths.
Several British universities launched expeditions for Nessie in the loch, using sonar. They didn’t come to any conclusions, but each time, they detected large, moving underwater objects they couldn’t explain.
Some postulate that Nessie is a survivor of the extinct plesiosaurs. Others suggest that the creature is a primitive whale, also thought to be extinct for millions of years.
Though I waited patiently at the edge of Loch Ness, Nessie failed to appear. If she had shown herself and I had been quick enough to take a good pic, I might have been the recipient of a one-million-pound bounty!
Make Portree Homebase
Many people visiting Skye often base themselves in Portree, a charming town known for its different colored houses. It’s also the capital of the island and was created as a fishing village back in the 19th century.
Its name comes from the Gaelic for Port on the Slope. Here you’ll find all the services you might need – hotels and inns, restaurants and cafes, banks, shops, a tourist information center, grocery stores, etc.
Best Accommodations in Portree
Try Scottish Iconic Dishes
During your time on Skye (or wherever else you may visit in Scotland), try some traditional Scottish foods, like black or white pudding and haggis. These three iconic dishes have been enjoyed for centuries, and each has its unique qualities.
White pudding is a type of sausage comprised of oatmeal, suet, onions, and spices, and is known for having a mild flavor. It’s often prepared sliced and fried.
Black pudding, on the other hand, is actually blood pudding, made from the same ingredients as white pudding, with the addition of pork blood. The blood gives it a distinctive dark color and earthy flavor. It can be pan-fried or grilled.
Haggis is the most famous of the three. It’s a savory pudding that combines minced sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs with onion, oatmeal, suet, and spices. Traditionally, it was encased in a sheep’s stomach; however, today, you’ll find it in an artificial casing.
It has a meaty flavor with a crumbly texture and is often served boiled or steamed, accompanied by neeps (turnips) and tatties (mashed potatoes).
Many moons ago, when I was in college and backpacked throughout the British Isles, I sampled haggis and both types of pudding. It was definitely a one and done experience for me! But, hey, you might find these Scottish delights tasty. You won’t know till you try!
I am a fan, however, of Cullen Skink (smoked haddock chowder) and the many kinds of fish available, such as hake, haddock, and Scottish salmon. And I most certainly can eat my share of fish and chips.
As for sweets and baked treats, I adore Scottish shortbread and scones – made with homemade jam and clotted cream. I’m salivating just thinking about them.
Sample Scottish Whisky with a Visit to Talisker Distillery
You’ll most likely want to sample Scottish whisky, too, as Scotland is home to over 150 malt and grain distilleries, making it the greatest concentration of whisky production in the world.
And although you can stop in at any pub and order a nip, a dram, or a finger, head to Talisker Distillery for the full tasting experience. This is the original and oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye and boasts phenomenal views of the Cuillin Mountains.
Dual Language Signs
As you travel around Skye, you’ll notice signs are in both English and Gaelic. Though the latter language almost died out, it’s now making a comeback, and dual language signs are the norm on the mainland as well.
Sheep and Cows Aplenty!
You’ll also see countless sheep and cows dotting the landscape. It’s often said there are more sheep than people on the island. When I visited in spring, it was lamb season, and it was fun to see these wee creatures stumbling about the fields, never straying far from their mamas.
There are several varieties of cows on the island. I am partial to the cute Beltway Galloway breed. They’re commonly known as Oreo cows for the distinctive white belt that runs from their shoulders to their hips and contrasts with their black coats.
I’m also fond of the Highland cattle, a breed that originated in the Scottish Highlands back in the 6th century. These large cows, which can weigh over a thousand pounds, sport long horns and a shaggy coat that’s typically gingery in color.
The Scots call them Hairy Coos, and they are very popular with tourists. To tell the females from the males, look at their horns. A female’s horns point upwards, while a male’s are positioned straight ahead.
Weather on Skye
This is Scotland, and the weather can be unpredictable, or predictable if you expect rain and gray skies. However, during my time on Skye, Mother Nature was in a benevolent mood, doling out occasional sunshine and pleasant temps.
But I was also glad to get a glimpse of her misty side, which served to heighten the enchanting ambiance of this special place.
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
Want to discover more hidden gems and helpful travel tips? Join our free newsletter for the latest travel secrets and travel articles.
We are reader-supported and may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article.
unique destinations and experiences to share with her readers and listeners. She’s an avid
explorer who welcomes new opportunities to increase awareness and enthusiasm for places,
culture, food, history, nature, outdoor adventure, wellness and more. Her travels have taken her
to nearly 100 countries spanning all seven continents, and her stories appear in numerous print
and digital publications.