Scottish Highlands deserves a special mention in a country full of rich history and amazing views. The spectacular cliffs of Nest Point, breathtaking waterfalls, and one of the most photographed landscapes in the world – The Old Man of Storr are just a few of the attractions of Scotland. If you want to find out the best things to do on Isle of Skye and its surrounds, make sure to check out this article!
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The most popular place to visit in Scottish Highlands is the Isle of Skye. Some people also call it Misty Isle. It is impressive even on cloudy rainy days. The landscape of the island sometimes reminds me of →Iceland. Majestic mountains, and green hills full of legends will make you fall in love with this island.
Since 1995 tourists can access the island by Sky Bridge. Initially, crossing the bridge was chargeable – the most expensive in Europe. Colossal fees caused a wave of protests throughout the whole country. Ultimately, it was decided to make it toll-free.
1. Things to do in Isle of Skye – Hike The Old Man of Storr
Amazing rock formations that were a background in Prometheus movie are a must-see attraction of the island. According to the legend, The Old Man of Storr illustrates the thumb of the giant who was buried on the hills. Impressive rocks with a height of 50m are a colossal landslide creation.
Hike on The Old Man of Storr is relatively easy. Just 3 hours are enough to see the impressive rocks from close up, take a lot of photos, and come down to the parking area. Views during hiking are stunning. You can see Scottish Islands Raasay, Rona, and Harris from distance.
🏨 Check out amazing hotel - Hebridean Inn with sea views in the Isle of Skye.
2. Things to do in Isle of Skye – Visit Neist Point
Don’t miss out on the most westerly point of the island to see the stunning lighthouse on the edge of the cliff. Getting there from the parking should not take more than an hour. From the top of the cliff, there is only one safe road that leads to the lighthouse.
The unearthly views of dramatic cliffs are breathtaking. However, a walk to the lighthouse is not recommended during bad weather conditions. The best time to visit the most beautifully situated lighthouse in Scotland is in summer.
3. Things to do in Isle of Skye – Swim in Fairy Pools
Magical Fairy Pools are a great place for wild swimming in Scotland. Crystal clear water, surrounded by mountains is a great stop while visiting the island of Skye.
4. Rubha Hunish, Scottish Highlands
The northernmost point of the island offers amazing views. In the distance, you can see the ruins of Duntlum Castle and with a bit of luck, you can spot dolphins. It’s hard to believe, but this is a place that not many tourists visit.
5. Coral Beach, Scottish Highlands
The most beautiful beach on the island is near Dunvegan Castle. A small cove is full of algae bleached by the sun, which looks like white sand in the distance. Crystal turquoise water makes us feel like on a tropical island.
Unfortunately, the biggest disappointment is parking with a limited number of spaces, as well as a narrow road that leads to it. It is worth going there in the morning to avoid getting stuck in the parking lot.
6. Sligachan Old Bridge, Isle of Skye
The bridge that was designed by Thomas Telford and built between 1810 and 1818 has something amazing. According to legend if you put your face in the stream by the bridge it will guarantee you eternal beauty. This place impresses with a legend of magical waters, as well as a wonderful mountain landscape.
The bridge is just in the heart of the Cuillin mountains, which attract not only tourists but also geologists from around the world. The Isle of Skye is one of the best places in the world to study volcanic forms. Among others, its amazing landscape owes to lava and glaciers.
For many years, steep Cuillin mountains were considered extremely dangerous. John Mackenzie, who was fascinated by Scottish mountains made his first ascent at the age of 10. His passion for the mountains caused he to become Britain’s first professional mountain guide. Within a few years, John Mackenzie and Norman Collie discovered many routes, and two peaks on the island of Skye were honored with their names. According to Norman, we will not experience such amazing mountain climbing anywhere in the UK as one on the island of Skye.
7. Waterfalls Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls or Lealt Falls, Scottish Highlands
The most amazing Scottish waterfall is Mealt Falls with a height of 55m. Water from Loch Mealt lake flows down the edge of the cliff to the Atlantic Ocean. Just a few minutes from the Mealt Falls waterfall, there is also another impressive waterfall with a height of 90m – Lealt Falls.
8. Ben Nevis, Scottish Highlands
The most popular mountain in Scotland is just a 2-hour drive from the island of Skye. The summit of 1345m is the highest peak in Great Britain. It is estimated that every year Ben Nevis visits 100,000 tourists.
🏨 Check out our favourite hotel near Ben Nevis - Highland Stays - Ben View Room & Jacuzzi Bath
9. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scottish Highlands
Glenfinnan Viaduct known from the Harry Potter movie is in the picturesque Glenfinnan. It is the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland. The biggest attraction is a steam train that crosses the viaduct several times a day.
10. Eilean Donan Castle, Scottish Highlands
Eilean Donan Castle built in 1220 is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland. This icon of Scottish castles is on the small island of Loch Duich lake. Isle of Skye – the second largest island of Scotland is visible in the background of the castle.
This location was an excellent defensive position to protect the land of Kintail from Vikings, which settled in the north of Scotland and its western islands. An interesting fact is that outside of Scandinavia, Scotland has the highest Nordic DNA.
In 1719, the castle was occupied by Spanish soldiers and then destroyed. It was reconstructed many years later. Reconstruction, which was completed in 1932, cost up to a quarter of a million pounds.
Eilean Donan Castle can be seen on many film files such as „Highlander”, „Entrapment”, „Elizabeth: The Golden Age” or „World is not enough”.
Scottish Highlands – 5 days itinerary
Day 1
– Ben Nevis
Climb time: 7-9 hours
Accommodation: Fort William, Castle Hotel
Day 2
– Glenfinnan Viaduct
– Eilean Donan Castle
Accommodation: Broadford
Day 3
– The Old Man of Storr
– Lealt Falls
– Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
– Rubha Hunish
Accommodation: Conista, Portree
Day 4
– Coral Beach
– Neist Point
Accommodation: Broadford
Day 5
– Fairy Pools
Best time to visit the Isle of Skye
Spring
This is the best time to find affordable accommodation offers just before tourist season. Even though April is one of the months with the smallest amount of rainfall is rarely chosen by tourists.
Summer
The best weather on the island is between June and August. Statistically, rainfalls during summertime are the smallest. However, finding accommodation at the peak of the season can be challenging and the most popular attractions very busy.
Autumn
Prices of hotels during autumn can be lower due to the high chances of rainfalls between September and November. However, October is the beginning of Northern Lights hunting season, which was visible many times on the island of Skye.
Winter
In addition to the summer season, the second most popular season is winter. Despite a large number of rainfalls between December and February Isle of Skye is very popular this time of the year. It is the best time to see marine eagles, otters, and deer that come down from the hills to find food.
Where to stay in Scottish Highlands?
Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye is a great place to stay. It is just 15 minutes away from the Old Man of Storr. Portree is also considered one of the 20 most beautiful villages of Great Britain and Ireland. However in the peak season, might be hard to find accommodation there, so another option could be a quieter town like Broadford. There are also many amazing camping sites, where you can admire beautiful views in one of these Scotland Glamping Pods.
Interesting facts about Scotland, which will surprise you!
1. National Scottish animal is not a highland cow, but a mythical unicorn.
2. The shortest flight plane in the world you can experience in Scotland from Westray to Papa Westray.
3. There are about 800 islands in Scotland.
4. Wild camping is prohibited in Great Britain with the exception of Scotland.
5. The oldest tree in Europe is in Scotland.
6. According to the legend, the monster from Loch Ness inhabits the Scottish lake.
7. The first raincoat was invented in Scotland.
8. There are over 1500 castles in Scotland.
9. Even though Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, Glasgow is the largest Scottish city.
10. Ten of the largest mountain peaks of Great Britain are in Scotland.
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