About Skye

True romantics pack their bags and head for Skye! With centuries of history in stone and awe-inspiring scenery at every turn, this area never fails to stir the blood. The Isle of Skye has it all – the thrills of outdoor activities, history, romance, culture and heritage, fantastic scenery, peace and tranquillity, gently walks, unforgettable views, wildlife cruises and above all – rest and relaxation.

The Isle of Skye is approached from the mainland over the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh. There are also two mainland fery connections: from Mallaig to Armadale and from Glenelg to Kylerhea.

The Cuillin are the best-known mountains of the Isle of Skye. Their summits are for experienced climbers only but there are numerous locations and gentle walks where excellent panoramas of these ‘giants’ can be enjoyed. Skye is dominated by many fascinating landscapes like the Quiraing and the dramatic coastal features on the Trotternish peninsula at the northern end of the island. The Seat peninsula in the south is gentler, with its woodlands and rich green pastures while the Isle of Raasay off the eastern coast of the island is wild and beautiful.

Broadford, Sleat and Southern Skye

After crossing over the Skye bridge, the village of Kyleakin is the first port of call. There are trips from the village with the opportunity to learn about otters and local wildlife at the Brightwater Visitor Centre. Broadford is the main centre in southeast Skye and is home to the Skye Serpentarium and Skye Jewellery. From Elgol, which is southwest of Broadford, a cruise into dramatic Loch Coruisk, surrounded by the towering ridge of the Cuillin, must be one of the highlights of any Highland holiday.

The Sleat peninsula, ‘The Garden of Skye’ with its woods and flowers boasts ruined castles, lighthouses and the world-renowned Armadale Castle Gardens and Museum of the Isles.

Portree, Trotternish and Isle of Raasay

In the north of the island, the road twists and turns to Sconser – home to a 9-hole golf course and the ferry to the Isle of Raasay, a haven for those seeking peace and quiet and also a major destination for fans of watersports or Raasay Outdoor Centre. Portree has a charming, colourful harbour. There’s an art gallery, An Tuireann, and a visitor centre featuring exhibitions and a n audio-visual show, the Aroas Experience. There are wonderful landscape features north of Portree – the Old Man of Storr, Lealt Falls, Kilt Rock and the weird rock towers of the Quiraing. At the northern most tip of the Trotternish peninsula, the magical scenery combines with history in the shape of the ruins of Duntulm Castle, the Flora MacDonald Memorial and the Skye Museum of Island Life. The west side of Trotternish is moorland, rolling hills and rocky bays.

The Cuillin and Dunvegan

The dramatic skyline of the Cuillin with its challenging peaks dominate the west of Skye and issues a silent challenge to intrepid climbers from around the globe. On Minginish Peninsula peaty burns flood down through the mountains to the oyster beds of Loch Harport, Carbost, the home of Talisker distillery. For the whisky connoisseur, Talisker malt whisky is inspired by the natural wonders of this part of Skye. Heading north, every turn shows a landscape crowded with headlands, islands and caves, guarded at the northwest by pinnacles called Macleaod’s Maidens. Further north, the land around Dunvegan boasts the famous Macleod’s Tables. Dunvegan Castle, home to the famous fairy flag has stunning gardens. There is the unusual coral beach at Claigan, the Giant MacAskill Museum and the ancient Trumpan Church or visit the Colbost Folk Museum for a look at folk life. Or, you can simply unwind in this wonderful environment.