Things to Do on Isle of Skye For First-Time Visitors

Things get dramatic as you drive over Loch Alsh via the Skye Bridge! Expect landscapes to swallow you up, scenery that steals your breath, and folklore that will leave you wondering. A spiritual connection for many that visit for the first time, let’s take a look at the very best things to do in the Isle of Skye. I’ve also included my personal experience throughout.

What to Do on the Isle of Skye

Eilean Donan Castle

Not technically on Skye but located less than 10 miles from the Skye Bridge, Eilean Donan (Island of Donan) Castle is a striking 13th-century castle situated on the meeting point of three sea lochs, Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh.

Today, the structure we are familiar with follows the original ground plan and was completed in 1932.

During a tour, visitors can learn more about the castle’s eventful history, which features Vikings and the Jacobites.

If arriving to Skye by ferry, you’ll dock in Armadale in the south of the island.

If you want to visit Eilean Donan Castle, plan to leave via the Skye Bridge.

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Sligachan Old Bridge

One of the first things people usually do when they arrive is stop at Sligachan Old Bridge.

Engineer Thomas Telford built the bridge between 1810 and 1818, arcing it over the magical waters of the River Sligacha.

Telford also created the Caledonian Canal (Fort William) and played a part in the project that connected the Highlands with the Lowlands.

So, what makes this landmark so influential?

It is said that the Sligacha waters offer eternal youth for any brave soul who dooks their face in it…

Did you plunge your face and see any difference?

Tell us in the comments.

The bridge arch also provides striking framing for The Cuillin mountains.

Fairy Pools

The Fairy Pools on the northern slopes of the Black Cuillin is often the most anticipated spot on Skye!

This is thanks to a viral photo of a wild swimmer bathing in them and a series of oversaturated landscape images circulating on social media.

This increased the number of visitors driving along the single-track to the landmark and parking anywhere they could, often damaging the area or ending up in ditches, which frustrated the people of Glenbrittle.

The local community and the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland fought for a car park, toilet facilities, and improved pathways that you can use during your stay.

I share this bit of recent history with you because it is our responsibility as visitors to respect that people live on Skye and that nature is shared.

Note: I’ve seen visitors sharing parking tickets at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which may appear kind, but it means less money for reinvestment, which may result in poor quality of services at tourist attractions.

Back to the pools…

The Fairy Pools is pathed but can get muddy, so it is best to wear covered shoes, which is pretty standard when visiting the Highlands!

It takes around 20 minutes to walk to the first waterfall, which is the largest, and the start of the pools.

However, the Fairy Pools isn’t just for pictures; in 1601, it was the canvas for Scotland’s last clan battle between Clan MacLeod of Dunvegan and the Clan MacDonald of Sleat.

As the Fairy Pools is one of the most visited areas, it is best to arrive early or later in the day to avoid traffic along the single-track road and for the best chance of getting parking space.

Talisker Distillery, Carbost

Lift the curtain on the oldest distillery in Skye at Talikser by Loch Harport.

The award-nominated single malt whisky producer offers tours of its modern premises, including the distillery, a private tasting room, a bar, and a gift shop.

The tour includes three tastings, one of which you can’t try anywhere else – exclusive!

Driving?

That is no problem.

The guide helps you decant the tasting malts into bottles to enjoy at your accommodation.

Reviews say this is a “must-do when in Skye” and a handy alternative to outdoor attractions when the weather is unbearable.

I didn’t have time to do a tasting, I also don’t like whisky, but I did pick up a bottle as a souvenir.

Look how stunning the interior is!

I stayed in Carboost at the Skyewalker Hostel during my first long weekend in Skye.

I have never seen stars blanket the sky like I did here; it was like a Disney movie.

Talisker Bay

An easy 30-minute walk from the car park will take you to Talisker Beach.

The unusual thing about its waterfall is that it looks like the water is flowing up during a “hoolie” (strong winds).

Or is this the magic of Skye?

The narrow waterfall pops against the dramatic cliffs and grey rocks on the sand.

I’ve not made it to this bay yet, have you? Tell us in the comments.

The Oyster Shed

One of my favourite things about my last trip to Skye was dining on seafood from The Oyster Shed.

I went for the lobster, and my friend Sonja had the oysters, which we watched being shucked!

The menu changes daily, depending on landings, but it may include salmon, lobster, kipper, and oysters.

Find out how much dining out for a week in Scotland costs here.

Portree

If you’ve spent any time researching Skye attractions, you’ve likely encountered the capital, Portree.

Most people stay and dine in this town, famed for its cute pastel buildings facing Loch Portree.

If you visit from spring through summer, you’ll have to reserve accommodation and meals in advance or settle for a sandwich from the Co-op.

It is also a popular stop for bus tours, so it gets very busy around town, and traffic trying to get in and out.

Photography tip: “Colour House Viewpoint” looks down on the buildings and is marked on Google Maps, just off Bosville Terrace.

The Royal Hotel’s bar, MacNab’s Inn, is where Bonnie Prince Charlie said goodbye to Flora Macdonald before escaping to France away from the English army.

Side note: If you’ve not signed up already, I offer a free Welcome to Scotland Mini-Course, which you can access here.

Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish Ridge 

One of Scotland’s most popular promotional photographs is the iconic image of the 55-metre-high Old Man of Storr (Bodach an Stòr) basalt rock feature, which, as the legend says, resembles a giant’s thumb sticking up!

Most tourists walk the first part of the hill that overlooks the stunning Sound of Raasay, following the gravel path and stone steps, which is 3.8 km and takes around 45 minutes, depending on stops.

If the weather is favourable, avid hikers with appropriate footwear can follow the route beyond the “thumb” to capture epic classic photos.

It took me around 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the out-and-back trail, including the thumb.

Alternatively, the Storr can be seen as part of the skyline for those driving by.

There is a car park (fee) with toilets.

You can also stock up on snacks from the seasonal hut across the road, Storr View Coffee.

Brother’s Point

Rubha nam Brathairean, also known as Brother’s Point, marks the easternmost point of Trotternish and is one of the few crowd-free spots on the touristy road.

It doesn’t have a big parking area like other attractions, and the walk’s entry point is easy to miss; look out for the sign past the holiday cottages.

The walking route varies between grass, muddy paths, boggy areas, and pebbles and takes around an hour to complete.

There are also dinosaur footprints – peel your eyes from the horizon and look down to see how many you can find!

Lealt Falls

If you are looking for a waterfall that offers access to a plunge pool for frigid wild swimming, add Lealt Falls to your Skye bucket list.

The falls flow from the River Lealt at a height of 90m!

A dedicated platform takes in the upper and lower falls for visitors who prefer to experience the water from dry land.

Those who are able can take the steps down to the beach and lower falls – I missed this during my last trip.

However, there is no handrail, and it can get slippy when wet.

This attraction has a small car park (upper and lower), but no toilet facilities; a snack truck is parked at the top car park.

Lealt Falls does get busy but doesn’t experience as much footfall as the next waterfall on our itinerary…

Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls

Kilt Rock (Creag An Fhèilidh) is a beautiful basalt rock formation that towers 90m over the denim-toned Sound of Raasay.

The classic picture of Kilt Rock includes the gushing Mealt Falls popping against the sea-weathered cliffs that resemble a kilt.

Can you see the pleats?

There is a large car park (fee) but no toilet facilities.

Quiraing

Avid hikers might want to consider the Quiraing loop, part of the Trotternish ridge.

The 6.8km route starts at the car park and takes around 2-3 hours, including stops so pack lots of snacks and water.

I made a mistake and made the trail as an out and back, and it took me 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Hiking boots are required as there is a lot of incline, gravel, and a path through water; it can also get boggy at bits.

Read my packing list here.

Note: This car park gets busy and is not as large as the Old Man of Storr’s; I got the last space at 09:30 in mid-May.

Rha Waterfalls, Uig

Another blink and you’ll miss the opening is the path to Rha Waterfalls.

The double waterfalls are less than a 10-minute walk from the Old Police House car park, following the Uig Woodland path; the woods are glorious, like something out of a fairytale.

Some brave visitors, like me, swim in the pool at the lower falls—it is refreshing, ha!

Only some first-time visitors will take this short walk to the waterfall.

The Fairy Glenn, Uig

With its unusual landscape, The Fairy Glenn (Bail nan cnoc) is also known as the mini-Quiraing and resembles a wee hobbit land.

Like the Quiraing, the area was formed by a landslip and offers differing levels of hills.

People come to see the mysterious stone circles, and while Skye is steeped in folklore, these rings are manmade and created by visitors, which locals disagree with.

However, the stones are frequently removed, and visitors are asked not to add them to new attempts.

There is a small fee-paying car park 1.5km from the glen but no toilet facilities.

Dunvegan Castle

Take a tour of the ancestral home of clan MacLeod at Dunvegan Castle (Caisteal Dhùn Bheagain).

The MacLeods claimed rights to this castle for 800 years.

Building on the 42,000-acre estate started in the 13th century, and the castle building was remodelled to look like a medieval-style home in the 19th century.

Visitors can tour the castle and gardens and take a clinker boat trip to see the seal colony of Loch Dunvegan!

When I visited, my Gran messaged me just as I was buying a postcard for her; if you believe in the magic of this island, you might just come away with your own wee mysteries.

Coral Beach, Claigan

Coral Beach is close to Dunvegan Castle and a busy stop on warm days.

However, some visitors find the potholed single-track road conditions tricky.

If you can handle the challenge, you will be rewarded with crystal-clear turquoise waters and a beach packed with shells and seaweed coral.

The walk from the car park to the beach takes around 25 minutes.

Due to the road conditions, Coral Beach isn’t on every visitor’s bucket list.

Neist Point

Every island needs a lighthouse, and Skye’s is at Neist Point, on the island’s most westerly tip.

Landscape photographers especially like this view at sunset!

The steep path takes around 25 minutes to walk and follows the same route back; unfortunately, you can’t see the lighthouse from the road.

Loch Coruisk Misty Isle Boat Tour, Elgol

If you have ample time, one of the lesser-known Skye activities is a boat trip to Loch Coruisk in the southwest.

Misty Isle Boat Trips is a family-owned business that has been running tours from Elgol since 1969.

There are various tour options: one-way, mini (2 hours with 30 minutes on shore), and standard (90 minutes on shore).

While sea life is never guaranteed, the skippers will point out if they see any movement in the waters.

If you are lucky, you might experience dolphins, seals, whales, and many birds around this remote part of the island.

Booking is essential.

This is on my bucket list for my next visit.

A Leisurely Drive “Home”

Now that we’ve covered everything first-timers try to cram into their trip to Skye, it’s time to leave.

However, as the saying goes, it’s not the destination; it’s the journey, and the route to and from the Isle of Skye is spectacular.

To get to Skye from Edinburgh or to Edinburgh from Skye, you can visit hundreds of beauty spots and landmarks during the trip.

The most popular ones include the Kelpies (Falkirk), 100-foot sculptures of horse-like mythical beasts and the Hiya Scotland logo, St Andrews, the birthplace of golf, or the Cairngorms National Park.

Some road trippers stop in Stirling to visit the Battle of Bannockburn and Stirling Castle, then head north to the Victorian town of Callender, next, snaking through the lochs of the Highlands to the majestic Glencoe.

Fort William and Inverness are other tourist stopovers where you’ll find cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Will you spot Nessie in Loch Ness or see the Hogwarts Express fly over the Glenfinnan Viaduct?

Final Words

There’s a mix of things to do in Skye to suit every type of visitor, whether you are captivated by its unique geology, photography opportunities, delicious food, or intriguing heritage.

Most of the attractions are free, albeit with parking charges, which means they attract crowds.

This is something to consider when planning your trip to Scotland.

When do you hope to visit? Leave me a comment below or send me a message via our contact. I love to hear from you.

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