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Kyleakin
Isle of Skye
The rugged, remote-feeling Isle of Skye has a reputation for unpredictable weather. But it also offers some of Scotland's best scenery, and it rarely fails to charm its many visitors. Narrow, twisty roads wind around Skye in the shadows of craggy, black, bald mountains. Drive around the appealing Trotternish Peninsula, visit a pair of castles, go for a hike in the dramatic Cuillin Hills, sample a peaty dram of whisky, and walk across a desolate bluff to a lighthouse at the end of the world.
At a Glance
▲▲▲ Trotternish Peninsula Loop Drive Exploring the northern peninsula (best in good weather), featuring striking natural beauty, hikes, ruined castles, and a fine museum.
▲▲ Portree Harbor Colorful, scenic harborfront of the island's top town.
▲▲ The Quiraing Jagged, mountainous ridge with distinctive formations.
▲▲ Skye Museum of Island Life Cluster of huts showing lifestyles of islanders 150 years ago.
▲▲ Dunvegan Castle Interesting, tourable residence of MacLeod clan, with lush gardens.
▲▲ Talisker Distillery Good whisky tours (by reservation) at distillery operating since 1830.
▲▲ Cuillin Hills Southern craggy ridge of island, offering views and hikes (including Fairy Pools Hike).
▲ Kilt Rock Sea cliff with volcanic formations resembling pleats of Scotland's national dress.
▲ The Fairy Glen Hilly, pond-strewn valley where locals claim fairies live.
▲ Dun Beag Fort Island's best-preserved Iron Age fort.
▲ Eilean Donan Castle Photogenic castle (with cozy but less notable interior), just 100 years old, on mainland.
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- Scotland’s Magical, Mystical Isles