Top Things to do in Isle of Skye
The 10 Best Things to Do in Isle of Skye, United Kingdom (UK)
The landscape is dramatic—even a bit moody, with the Cuillin Range in the background—but outdoorsy kids will have a blast on the Isle of Skye. Plenty of water sports are available, and you’ll also find great hiking and even pony rides. Portree, the largest town, makes a great base for exploring this striking island.
Restaurants in Isle of Skye
1. Quiraing
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
These unique rock formations are a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
Reviewed By 1SkyeSteve - Portree, United Kingdom
A spectacular walk for the views and walking in and around some very interesting geographical features. Best to go on a clear day but could probably get some great pics in drifting cloud etc..
2. Loch Coruisk
Overall Ratings
5 based on 131 reviews
Loch Coruisk (Gaelic Coire Uisg/the 'Cauldron of Waters') is an inland fresh-water loch lying at the foot of the Black Cuillin on the Isle of Skye. Loch Coruisk is reputed to be the home of a water horse. After staying at Dunvegan Castle, Sir Walter Scott visited the Cuillin and Loch Coruisk in 1814 and described it thus: 'Rarely human eye has known A scene so stern as that dread lake, With its dark ledge of barren stone...' The loch is accessible by boat from Elgol or on foot from Sligachan (approximately 7-8 miles distance). It is also possible to walk from Elgol, but one section of the path known as the 'Bad Step' presents some potential difficulties for the nervous or inexperienced walker. The northern end of the loch is ringed by the Black Cuillin, often wreathed in cloud. From the southern end the Scavaig River, only a few hundred yards long, discharges into a sea loch, Loch Scavaig. The loch is nearly two miles long, but only about 400 yards wide.
Reviewed By jetsaver - Southport, United Kingdom
went here to catch a boat to go on one of the tours, which were great and well worth the money. Elgol is a lovely place and the local people seemed very friendly and laid back. There is a little school on the harbour, still in use, and it must be a delight to attend there. Again another part of Skye to visit.
3. Black Cuillin
Overall Ratings
5 based on 106 reviews
The Black Cuillin are a world famous range of Mountains on the Isle of Skye. Mainly composed of basalt and gabbro, it is from the dark colour of the gabbro that the Black Cuillin derives its name. The summits of the Cuillin are bare rock, jagged in outline and with steep cliffs and deep cut corries and gullies. All twelve Munros on Skye are Black Cuillin peaks except for Blaven which belongs to a group of outliers separated from the main ridge by Glen Sligachan. The highest point of the Black Cuillin is Sgùrr Alasdair at 992m (3,255ft). At the heart of The Cuillin lies one of Britain's most famous corrie’s, Loch Coruisk, a deep and forbidding body of water. It has inspired countless artists such as William Turner and Sir Walter Scott who described them after his visit in 1814: ‘We were now under the western termination of the high Mountains of Cuillin, whose weather-beaten and serrated peaks we had admired at a distance from Dunvegan. They sunk here upon the sea, but with the same bold and peremptory aspect which their distant appearance indicated. They seemed to consist of precipitous sheets of naked rock, down which torrents were leaping in a hundred lines of foam. The tops, apparently inaccessible to human foot, were rent and split into the most tremendous pinnacles: towards the base of these bare and precipitous crags the ground, enriched by the soil washed away from them, is verdant and productive.’
Reviewed By suchagirl - manassas, va
This drive was worth coming to the Isle of Skye. Amazing scenery around each corner and driving along the many single track roads was not too bad. There were places to pull over and take photos. There are beautiful mountain and sea vistas. Definitely worth the time and the gas (petrol) to see. I understand there are easy to strenuous walks and paths on the Mountains. I just did not have the knees to do them.
4. Neist Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By TubaKoseogluOkcu - Istanbul, Turkey
Neist Point is a spectacular place with spectacular views. We were very lucky the day we went there: the weather was beatiful, blue sky, sunny, it was a dreamy experience.
In fact, just like Kilt Rock, this is a view point only, there is nothing much to do except walking to the edge of the cliff where the lighthouse is. However, that requires at least 1 hour and unfortunately we had very limited time and had to spend only 20 minutes there. I wish we had enough time, it was a real pity not to be able to walk to the lighthouse.
So make sure you have enough time at Neist Point when you make your plans. Don't expect any touristic infrastructure here such as written information, WC, souvenir or coffee kiosks. It's just nature here but definitely an overwhelming one....
5. The Old Man of Storr
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By LouiseMCNNR - Paisley, Scotland, United Kingdom
This is an amazing walk. Very uphill, steep and rocky at times. I have asthma and had to take a few breaks. But every where you looked was spectacular and breathtaking. We kept climbing until you reach a flatter surface with a Corry below. Great picture oppotrunties here of storr Loch and the cuillins too. Was my favourite day in Skye. Sooo worth it.
It was very windy and cold, so a hat would be worth it.
This is so worth it. Do it!!
6. Fairy Glen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 866 reviews
The Fairy Glen is a unique and unusual landscape, a geological wonder on the Isle of Skye. It is situated between the villages of Sheader and Balnacnoc.
Reviewed By Sarah C - Albany, New York
This place was sweet although I’d save it for warmer months with a little less blowing wind and rain if possible...it’s also challenging to find...it gets VERY VERY WET and we saw several people in wellies and sneakers fall and slip down the steep slopes covered in mud. Wear hiking boots! There is no where to go and dry off other than your car so dress appropriately and have fun exploring!
7. Portree VisitScotland iCentre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
The centre is open all year so call in and speak to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. They will be happy to advise you on walks, tours, local attractions and outstanding scenery to help make the most out of your visit to the magical Isle of Skye a memorable one. We can book tickets for National Express, Citylink coaches and Caledonian Ferries, as well as local boat trips from Portree. We also offer an accommodation booking service and have a large selection of traditional gifts, books and maps on sale within the centre.
Reviewed By Richard F - Louisville, Kentucky
This is an excellent Visitor Centre located just above the harbor to the side of the main part of the city of Portree. It is very easy to find and a short walk up the hill. They have maps and information of all sorts and...MoreHi Richard, Glad we were able to help you with information... and to catch up on your e-mail! Kind regards, Ranald Gilbert, Area Manager
8. The Oyster Shed
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 644 reviews
Oyster Farmers since 1981. Opened our Farm shop in our premises in 2012. Customers can buy fresh oysters harvested daily from our Farm. Other Skye Seafood available. We are not a restaurant. Just a simple shop with Takeaway, outdoor Seating is provided. We have no toilet facilities or alcohol Licence. WE OPEN SEVEN DAYS 11.30-5.30
Reviewed By BSD99 - London, United Kingdom
You cannot hide the fact that this eatery is very basic and SHED accurately describes it.
HOWEVER, there can possibly be no fresher seafood elsewhere. Although I will and do eat oysters, that was not what I wanted that day. Perhaps the party of 4 should have had a dip into all dishes but we ended up with mussels, scallops and langoustine. It was a cold and miserable day but the food made it all worth the trip and as for value for money, it would be hard to beat.
9. Claigan Coral Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 569 reviews
Reviewed By Anuj_Mithani - Mumbai, India
This is a beautiful stretch of beach hidden in the north-western corner of Skye by the village of Claigan. Depsite the name, it’s not really coral but hardened bleached algae though a variety of colourful shells are noticeable on the beach. From the carpark, you open a gate and follow the track till your first glimpse of a sliver of white – the route thereon past the stone wall is obvious. A beautiful and tranquil spot, we shared the beach with 4 other tourists at the time and spent about an hour or so in toto.
10. Fairy Pools
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
A magical place of outstanding natural beauty at the foot of the Black Cuillin Mountains. The Fairy Pools is becoming increasingly popular so when you visit, please drive carefully on the single track roads, follow the parking enforcement notices and take all your litter away with you. There is a WC at the nearby Glenbrittle Campsite along with some great coffee c/o the Cuillin Coffee Co. Thank you and we hope you enjoy your visit!
Reviewed By speedhump - durham
Skye is a fantastic place to visit and the fairy pools typify the features of the landscape. They should not be missed however all is not ideal. The car park is woefully small for the amount of visitors forcing visitors to either park on the verges or abandon their visit. The walk is not too strenuous but a bit taxing if you have walking difficulties. The stepping stones are a bit awkward and I would suspect could be slippy when wet.
Appropriate footwear is a must.
We are a 60+ couple with moderate fitness and a few creaking joints.
