The land of bagpipes and kilts is famous for many things. One of those things is the beautiful Isle of Skye—a large island off the western coast of Scotland. The island is fairly quiet and doesn’t see large crowds of tourists, making it the perfect choose-your-own-adventure vacation destination for the outdoors lover and nature photographer (amateur or otherwise).
Here we spotlight several landscape, hiking, and history locations, but the island has plenty in store for visitors of all kinds. You can mix and match your own favorites from this list and the lists on IsleofSkye.com or other travel websites.
Landscape Locations
The Fairy Glen: If you were to say that this picturesque landscape seems straight out of a movie, you wouldn’t be wrong! Stardust filmed several magical scenes surrounded by these curious hills. The hills’ miniature size seems to trick the mind into believing that they must be farther away than they appear, lending to a reverent, otherworldly feel.
Time commitment: 1 hour
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls: Towering above the water at almost 300 feet tall, we have one of the Isle of Skye’s most famous views. Kilt Rock features a wall of multi-colored volcanic columns, which are said to resemble “the pleats of a tartan kilt.” From the same vantage point, you can see a 200-foot waterfall crashing down to the rock. On sunny days, visitors say that it produces a stunning rainbow!
Time commitment: 1 hour
Hiking Locations
Old Man of Storr: This 180-foot basalt rock is said to be the only visible remains of a giant who lived on the island. When he died, his body was swallowed up by the earth, leaving only his fingers sticking out. Others say it was caused by many ancient landslides and volcanic activity from around 2,800 million years ago. No matter which story you prefer, the views are striking! This is the Isle of Skye’s most famous landmark.
Time commitment: 2 hours
The Point of Sleat: While a bit more physically demanding, the hike out to The Point of Sleat (the southernmost point of the island) contains one of the most beautiful white sand beaches the island has to offer. The beach—called Camas Daraich—is an excellent spot for a picnic lunch or a refreshing swim. If you continue along the path, you can also see a modern lighthouse and the smaller islands of Rum, Canna, and Eigg.
Time commitment: 3–4 hours
History Locations
Dunvegan Castle: Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, having been occupied by the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for more than 800 years. The castle has seen many years of bloody history—including the last clan battle on the Isle of Skye—and some even believe it to be haunted! Today you can tour the castle, visit the beautiful gardens, and even set out on seal-watching tours.
Time commitment: 2–3 hours
Boreraig: Perfect for any history enthusiast, Boreraig offers a better look into the Isle of Skye’s past. Records dating back to the early 1800s indicate that this walled-in township housed many farmers until Lord MacDonald forcibly removed the inhabitants to make more room for his sheep—though his records say it was out of concern for the villagers who lived too far from a church. Nowadays, the area has broken down into well-preserved village ruins and what little remains of the ancient fort Dun Boreraig.
Time commitment: 3 hours