Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price
28/08/2025
chris clark, Pexels
The Isle of Skye is a renowned Scottish island celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, ancient history, and diverse wildlife, offering visitors opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural immersion.
Key areas for social interaction include Portree, Broadford, and Kyleakin, which offer a selection of pubs and restaurants. Several hostels across the island, particularly in these towns, provide a communal atmosphere for tourists and backpackers to socialize.
Top 7 Things to do in Isle of Skye
Exploring the Isle of Skye involves immersing oneself in its unique geological formations, engaging in scenic hikes, discovering historic sites, and observing local wildlife.
1. The Old Man of Storr Hike
Hiking to the Old Man of Storr offers an iconic experience, leading to a large pinnacle rock that dramatically stands out from the Trotternish Ridge, a result of an ancient landslide. The views from the summit extend over the sea, the Isles of Raasay and Rona, and the mainland, making the moderate ascent worthwhile. It is advisable to arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
Cost: The hike itself is free. Parking at the Old Man of Storr car park is approximately £5-£6 for up to 6 hours.
Transport: From Portree, a Stagecoach bus service (e.g., 57A to Storr, 57C back) takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the car park. The fare is around £3 each way. Taxis are also available from Portree.
2. The Fairy Pools
These crystal-clear blue pools, fed by a series of waterfalls cascading from the Cuillin Mountains, are an enchanting natural phenomenon in Glen Brittle. The Fairy Pools are popular for 'wild swimming' for those brave enough to enter the cold water, or simply for a picturesque walk along the river. The walk can be uneven and muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Cost: Visiting the Fairy Pools is free, but parking at the main car park costs approximately £6 for cars. There is also a free car park slightly further away, adding about 10 minutes to the walk.
Transport: The Fairy Pools are best reached by car. The drive from Portree takes about 30 minutes, following signs towards Carbost and then Glenbrittle. Public transport to the Fairy Pools is not readily available; a taxi from Portree would cost around £30-£40 and take 15-24 minutes, or a bus to Uig followed by a long walk or taxi is an option.
3. The Quiraing Walk
Located on the Trotternish Peninsula, the Quiraing is a magnificent landslip offering a spectacular loop walk through a landscape of unique geological formations, including the 'Prison' and 'Table'. This walk provides some of the most dramatic and otherworldly scenery on Skye. It is a more challenging hike suitable for confident walkers.
Cost: Access to the Quiraing is free. Parking facilities are available, with associated costs that vary.
Transport: The Quiraing is best accessed by car, as direct public transport to the trailhead is limited. It forms part of the scenic Trotternish loop, usually explored as a driving route.
4. Neist Point Lighthouse
Situated at the westernmost tip of Skye, Neist Point Lighthouse offers breathtaking coastal views and is considered one of the best spots on the island for watching the sunset. The walk down to the lighthouse and along the cliffs provides excellent photography opportunities and a chance to spot marine wildlife such as dolphins, whales, and basking sharks.
Cost: Visiting Neist Point is free. Parking is available at the end of the public road, but spaces can be limited during peak seasons, especially around sunset.
Transport: Neist Point is remote, and there are no suitable public transport options. It requires driving along narrow single-track roads from Portree (approximately 1 hour drive). Planning the return during daylight hours is advisable.
5. Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, serving as the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. Visitors can explore its historic interiors, magnificent gardens, and take a boat trip from the castle grounds to see a seal colony in Loch Dunvegan.
Cost: Admission for the Castle and Gardens is approximately £16-£17 for adults. Seal boat trips are an additional cost.
Transport: Dunvegan Castle is accessible by public transport. Stagecoach bus service 56 operates from Portree (Co-Op stop) to the Museum stop near Dunvegan Castle, taking about 44 minutes and costing £6-£9.
6. Fairy Glen
Near Uig, the Fairy Glen is a unique and enchanting miniature landscape of conical hills, lush greenery, and a 'Castle Ewen' rock formation. This area feels truly magical and offers an easy walk, perfect for families or those seeking a gentler exploration of Skye's mystical atmosphere. While small, it encourages imaginative wandering.
Cost: Visiting the Fairy Glen is free. Parking in the designated car park costs approximately £2 for 2 hours or £3 for 4 hours.
Transport: The Fairy Glen is best reached by car, located just outside Uig (about a 30-minute drive from Portree). Bus services (e.g., 57 or 915 from Portree to Uig) are available, but infrequent. From Uig, it's a 1.5-mile walk or a taxi ride to the Glen.
7. Wildlife Boat Trip from Portree
Embarking on a boat trip from Portree Harbour provides an excellent opportunity to experience Skye's abundant marine life and stunning coastal scenery from a different perspective. These tours often feature sightings of white-tailed sea eagles, seals, dolphins, puffins (in season), and sometimes even whales or basking sharks. Several operators offer various trip durations and types, from faster RIB tours to more leisurely cruises.
Cost: Prices vary by operator and trip duration. Shorter adult tours (e.g., 90 minutes to 2 hours) typically range from £45-£65.
Transport: Boat trips depart from Portree Harbour, which is centrally located and easily accessible within Portree. Public transport to Portree is available from various locations on the island and mainland.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
