Skye - Top 10 Picks

1. Dinosaurs

 

Skye is Britain’s dinosaur island, and though fossils have only come to light within the last few decades, now new discoveries being made all the time. Head to Staffin Bay, Brother’s Point or Score Bay to see the evidence (and even walk in dinosaur footprints). For more knowledge, stop at the Staffin Dinosaur Museum.

 

2. Portree

 

Skye’s main town is a bustling and colourful port used by both shing and pleasure boats. There are plenty of shopping and eating opportunities, and you can take a walking tour to get your bearings.

 

3. The Skye Bridge and Kyleakin

 

It’s easy to drive over the bridge and on into Skye without stopping, but the construction, which opened in 1995, is a spectacle worth lingering at, or walking over - it changed this part of the Highlands forever. Nearby Kyleakin, with its Bright Water Visitor Centre (dedicated to the otter conservation work of Gavin Maxwell) is a pretty spot to stop.

 

4. Eilean Donan Castle

 

One of Scotland’s most visited attractions, the enchanting silhouette of Eilean Donan Castle dominates the landscape around Dornie (still on the mainland). This 13th-century castle was recently restored and is a must-see on the road to Skye.

 

5. Skye Ferry

 

The MV Glenachulish, Scot- land’s only remaining manually operated turntable ferry runs between Glenelg and Kylerhea in the summer season and is a novel and historic way to arrive on the island.

skyeferry.co.uk

 

6.  The Old Man of Storr

 

One of Skye’s most iconic landmarks, the Old Man of Storr is a dramatic pinnacle of rock that towers above the Trotternish Ridge. A moderately challenging hike takes you through otherworldly landscapes to breathtaking views over the Sound of Raasay. The area is steeped in legend and offers superb photo opportunities, especially at sunrise. It’s a must-visit for walkers, photographers, and anyone wanting to soak in Skye’s striking natural beauty.

 

7. Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

 

The ancestral seat of the MacLeod clan for over 800 years, Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Visitors can explore its historic rooms, view treasured heirlooms like the Fairy Flag, and stroll through five acres of formal gardens. Boat trips to see the local seal colony are also available. The castle blends heritage, legend, and natural beauty, making it a well-rounded attraction suitable for families and history lovers alike.

 

8. Talisker Distillery

 

Nestled in the village of Carbost, Talisker is Skye’s oldest working whisky distillery and a pilgrimage site for Scotch enthusiasts. Overlooking Loch Harport, the distillery offers guided tours explaining the whisky-making process and ends with tastings of their signature peated single malts. Talisker’s robust, maritime flavours are shaped by the island’s wild climate. The distillery shop is also well worth a visit for exclusive bottles and gifts. Advance booking is recommended during peak season.

 

9. Neist Point Lighthouse

 

At the westernmost tip of Skye, Neist Point offers awe-inspiring views and the chance to spot whales, dolphins, and seabirds. A path leads along a cliff edge to the working lighthouse, perched dramatically on the rocks. The walk is steep in places but worth the effort for unforgettable sunset vistas and the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean. This remote spot captures the wild essence of Skye and is a favourite for landscape photographers.

 

10. The Fairy Glen

 

Tucked away near Uig, the Fairy Glen is a whimsical landscape of grassy hills, conical mounds, and spiralled stone patterns. Often described as Skye’s most magical location, the area looks man-made but is entirely natural, formed by ancient glacial activity. There’s no official trail, but wandering among the miniature peaks and lochans feels like exploring a mythical world. It’s an ideal spot for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful, enchanted walk.