The Isle of Skye - things to see and do
The Isle of Skye is the largest and best known of the Inner Hebrides, an island group off the west coast of mainland Scotland.
Renowned in history, song and poetry (where it is sometimes referred as Eilean a' Cheò - The Misty Isle) Skye is equally well known for its natural beauty and its wildlife.
The Cuillin mountains and their gentler neighbours the Red Cuillin rise over the island and form its core, but the deeply indented coastline means you are never far from the sea.
As you travel around the area you will see and may hear Scottish Gaelic, the indigenous language of the Highlands & Islands and a further part of the rich local culture and tradition.
We are often asked "Where should we go, What should we see?" and our answer is "Go anywhere - you won't be disappointed". You don't so much 'see' Skye as 'experience' Skye. We are happy to answer your questions about Skye - email us.
Below are suggestions and links to just a few of the many attractions that bring people back to this magical island year after year.
Skye Links
Skye.co.uk - the official guide to Skye and Lochalsh.
The Skye Guide - an independent and personal view of The Isle of Skye.
Undiscovered Scotland - the ultimate online guide to Scotland.
In north Skye you will find:
The CORAL BEACHES of Claigan.
The TROTTERNISH PENINSULA - wonderful coastal and cliff scenery.
The QUIRAING - awesome rock formations.
NEIST POINT - the most westerly point on the Isle of Skye, giving excellent views over Moonen Bay to Waterstein Head and out over the Minch to the Western Isles
WATERNISH POINT - walk to the lighthouse, spot wildlife, especially whales, dolphins and seabirds.
SEAL COLONY boat trips from Dunvegan.
DUNVEGAN CASTLE and gardens
DAY TRIPS TO HARRIS and the Outer Isles from Uig.
In central Skye:
The magnificent CUILLIN MOUNTAINS - the high peaks are places for experienced climbers only, but there are plenty of opportunities for low level walks to admire and photograph the amazing scenery.
GLEN BRITTLE - miles of forest walks and, at the bottom of the glen, one of the best beaches on Skye.
PORTREE and BROADFORD - the largest towns on the island. Plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
The ISLE OF RAASAY - take the ferry from Sconser to visit this little neighbour of Skye.
The BRAES, near Portree - a beautiful rocky coastline and a sandy bay to explore.
WILDLIFE SPOTTING BOAT TRIPS - from Elgol to Loch Coruisk or to Canna and Rum.
In southern Skye:
The SLEAT PENINSULA - a gentle landscape of lush moorland dotted with forestry plantations.
KYLEAKIN - walk from this small town to Castle Moil (ruin), built by a Norwegian princess in the 10th century.
KYLERHEA OTTER HAVEN - see otters, seals and many species of sea birds from the viewing hide.
ARMADALE CASTLE and gardens.
LINKS - Outdoor adventures - Natural Skye
Isle of Skye Walks - help to find the best walking routes on Skye, from the classic outings to hidden gems not found in guidebooks.
Skye Trekking Centre - horse riding, pony trekking and riding lessons for people of all ages and abilities. Appreciate the beauty of Skye from horseback.
Guided walking, scrambling and climbing - climb in the foot steps of the early pioneers Collie, Mackenzie, Nicholson and Bell. Step onto the Cioch via Collies route and marvel at the views.
Employ the services of a professional mountain guide to lead a walk, scramble or serious climb.
Dive and Sea the Hebrides - offers some of the finest, remote European and British diving available.
Bella Jane and AquqXplore - scenic, wildlife-spotting boat trips from Elgol
Kylerhea Otter Haven - see otters, seals and many species of sea birds from the viewing hide.
LINKS - Indoor attractions - Historical, Cultural, Artistic
Dunvegan Castle - the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years.
Armadale Castle - once part of the traditional lands of Clan Donald.
Aros Centre, Portree - theatre, cinema, shops, cafe.
The Skye Museum of Island Life - a township of thatched cottages, each one depicting, as closely as possible, the conditions prevailing on the island at the close of the nineteenth century.
Borreraig Park Museum - extensive collection of items relating to the history of the area, to rural life on Skye, and to farming. Also a series of displays setting out the history of the MacCrimmon pipers, the hereditary pipers to the Macleods of Dunvegan.
Skye Sepentarium - award winning reptile exhibition and breeding centre.
Glendale Toy Museum - the front two rooms of historic Holmsidale House are filled with an amazing collection of toys, games and dolls from Victorian times to Star Wars.
Skye Skins - manufacturers and suppliers of finest quality sheepskins with exhibition tannery demonstrating time-honoured methods of making leather.
Talisker Distillery - the only Whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillin.
Arts and Crafts - links to many of the art, craft, pottery and photographic galleries and studios in Skye and the Highlands.
