Isle of Skye Tours With About Scotland
Whether you’ve been lucky enough to visit the Isle of Skye already, or you’ve only seen photographs, there’s no denying it’s one of the most naturally beautiful Islands on Earth.
Below are just a few of About Scotland’s suggestions when we plan a private tour of Skye for you.
Here at About Scotland, when arranging our tours for our guests and we ask “where would you like to visit?” Nine times out of ten, the number one request on everybody’s list is to visit the Isle of Skye.
At around 50 miles long, The Isle of Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides. It’s the second largest island in Scotland, with only the Isle of Lewis and Harris being larger.
Skye is a spectacular location that is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. Offering some of the most dramatic coastlines and captivating culture in Scotland. A tour of Skye is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Our Isle of Skye tours
Hopefully, this will give you an idea of what you can expect on one of our tours of the magnificent island. Or even, steal some ideas for yourself if you’re planning a visit on your own…
…Although naturally, we’d always recommend one of our guided Isle of Skye tours to get the most from your visit. As we can’t go ahead and share all our secrets here.
Isle of Skye Tours –About Scotland’s favourite things to experience.
Ride the Mallaig ferry
There are two ways to get from the mainland to the Isle of Skye. Well, we suppose 3 if you count swimming, but we don’t think anyone would enjoy that….
Most people would opt for the most obvious option, which is to drive across the 500-metres bridge from Eilean Bàn.
However, if you truly want your experience of traveling to Skye to be unforgettable. There really is only one way to to get to the island, and that’s by sea.
To the south-east of Skye, there is a pretty fishing town called Mallaig. This is where we’ll board a ferry and sail for about 30 to 45 mins over the short crossing to the island.
You’ll then step off the ferry at Armadale port and set foot on the Isle of Skye!
Trust us, when we say approaching the island from the sea is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Whether the skies are clear, it’s pouring with rain, or even the air is thick with fog. The ferry crossing to Skye is, in our opinion, the only way to really begin the adventure that is your Isle of Skye tour.
The Magnificent Cuillin Mountain Range
By the time we arrive in Skye, you’ll have seen your fair share of mountains.
After traveling through Glencoe only a few hours earlier. It can be difficult to imagine seeing anything more incredible.
Yet, the Isle of Skye is home to the Cuillin Mountains. An incredible mountain range that completely dominates the landscape of the island.
The Cuillin Mountains are home to some of Scotland’s most spectacular, rugged peaks. And most challenging pinnacles.
If you’re planning your own trip to the Isle of Skye and are planning on climbing these mountains. It is imperative your well prepared, even in the summer months.
Stop in Portree
No tour of the Isle of Skye would be complete without stopping at the town of Portree (meaning ‘the kings port’).
This town, complete with its own beautiful fishing harbour, is the capital of Skye. It is a photographers dream, boasting picturesque, brightly coloured buildings.
Portree sits on the eastern side of the island. This puts it in an ideal position that’s close to some of Skye’s must-visit locations.
The town is in an ideal spot to stop off for some lunch, use the facilities and pick up some souvenirs to take back home.
Portree also has plenty of nice hotels, bars, and restaurants.
If your planning on staying on the island a few days, the town is an ideal base camp.
Torvaig Caravan and Campsite is also right next to Portree. So if you’d prefer to set up a tent and sleep under the stars this an ideal option.
Although, expect to be woken up early the following morning by the noisy sheep in the nearby fields!
Visit the Old Man of Storr
Best known if it’s
Created by a massive landslide centuries ago. The Storr has a remarkable & almost unnatural formation.
No doubt, this is why the location makes an appearance in many blockbuster movies. Recently, in the 2012 movie ‘Prometheus’ the Storr depicts an alien landscape.
The ‘old man’ of Storr was given its name as the silhouette of the rocks give the illusion of giant a man lying on the hillside.
The Storr is a fairly quick and easy walk that’s easy to get to. Making it well worth the effort to see the pinnacles & rock formations up close.
Visit Kilt rock and Mealt falls
Situated on the north-eastern coast of Skye. Magnificent 100 meter high cliffs and basalt columns which resemble the pleats of a kilt.
This location is where ‘Mealt waterfall’ plummets from the nearby
Depending on what the weather is like during your tour of Skye. You can have a completely different experience at this spot on the Island.
On particularly windy days, the waterfall can be blown about so much the water doesn’t even appear to reach the sea.
On clear sunny days, you’ll most likely see spectacular rainbows spread across the cliffs.
Either way, this location always makes for some dramatic photographs!
If you’re particularly lucky. It’s not uncommon to find a family of seals playing in the sea and on the rocks at the bottom of the Mealt waterfall.
Snap some pictures at the Quiraing
One of the most picturesque locations in all Scotland, if not the world. The Quiraing is an absolute ‘must visit’ location on your tour of Skye.
If you have the time, there is also a very popular 3-hour hike to view the rock structure known as the Prison.
You’ll also see the needles, spectacular views of the Trotternish ridge and the sound of Raasay.
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Look out for the fairies at the Fairy Pools
Whether you’re a believer or not, this is a location will certainly capture your imagination.
No isle of Skye tour would be complete without a stop to explore the magical realm of the fairies. The unusual bumps and hillocks in this mysterious landscape are said to be their home.
If you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear & sunny day. The vivid colors of the natural pools make will make for some wonderful pictures.
If your very brave, you can even take a dip in the pools yourself. Be warned though. Even on the hottest summer days in Scotland, the water will still leave you breathless!
Visit Dunvegan castle
Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. It has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of the Clan MacLeod for 800 years.
Inside the castle’s walls are some fascinating treasures of the MacLeod clan. Such as the fairy flag, that’s said to be a gift from the fairies to an infant chieftain. When unfurled in battle the flag is said to have magical powers.
Here, you can take a stroll of the castles grounds and beautiful 18th-century gardens. You can also take a boat trip on Loch Dunvegan.
From the loch, you’ll be able to capture some incredible pictures of the colorful castle and its grounds. Which contrasts beautifully next to Skye’s imposing & dramatic landscape.
Our favourite places to eat on the Isle of Skye
Scorrybreac seafood restaurant, Portree
The name ‘scorrybreac’ translates as ‘speckled rock’. A fitting name to perfectly depict the dark, stony cliffs just along the bay from the restaurant.
This elegant and cozy restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner to finish off your visit to the island.
Set in a beautiful location above Portree harbour. ScorryBreac offers “Scottish cuisine served with a French twist”. Here, the chefs here use only local products.
The fish on offer are caught by local fishermen from Portree, and the venison is born and bred here on Skye.
Even the salad leaves are grown on the island.
Sea Breezes
If you’re only touring the Isle of Skye for a single day, this is the place to eat!
Sea Breezes is a wonderful seafood restaurant that opens from April until late October.
Located in the colourful harbor in Portree. Sea Breezes serve only the freshest, locally caught seafood.
Here you can enjoy your lunch along with the picturesque views of the harbour.
Not only does Sea Breezes produce the finest seafood in all of Skye. You’re always guaranteed a wonderful atmosphere & great value food. Not to mention, the always excellent service with a smile.
The only caveat is that you’re unlikely to get a table without a reservation. This is especially true in the summer months, so make sure you call ahead to book a table
This is our favourite place to eat on the entire island. It would be a real shame to travel all the way to Skye and miss out on a meal here!
Book an Isle of Skye Tour
We hope you’ve found this information on this page helpful in planning out your tour of Skye.
If you’re interested in using our services to visit the Isle of Skye, please get in touch and we’ll help you plan out your own private tour with one of our guides.
Of course, we have our own selection of great itineraries for visiting Skye if you’d like a starting point.
We can work around these templates to customize your own private tour, just let us know what you’d like to see!
Below you’ll find a few of our most popular itineraries that include a tour of the Isle of Skye.
