The Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides archipelago off the coast of northern Scotland, boasts natural beauty on a grand scale. Jagged mountains rise dramatically from the earth, waterfalls tumble into crystal-clear pools and every winding road reveals another breathtaking view. Steeped in myths and legends, it’s a haven for hikers, dreamers and adventurers alike – and with several MICHELIN-recommended restaurants it offers both wild scenery and refined pleasures. So, whether you’re trekking the rugged Cuillin hills or savouring fresh scallops by the sea, Skye is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Best Foot Forward
The ideal way to immerse yourself in this truly majestic island is to don your outdoor gear, grab a compass and experience Skye’s extraordinary landscape up close. Skye is a hiker’s paradise, with trails to suit every level of fitness. Serious climbers should head for The Cuillin, the island’s main mountain range and home to 12 munros (the name for Scottish peaks over 3000 feet). Traversing the 12km Cuillin Ridge is a thrill-ride of Alpine proportions, but be warned, it’s not for the inexperienced!An eminently more accessible but still spectacular hike is the Quiraing loop, a two-hour circuit of jagged pinnacles formed by the country’s largest landslip, and featuring some of the UK’s most magnificent scenery. Arrive early and park in the Quiraing car park closest to the trailhead, then follow the trail in a clockwise direction for breathtaking views across the island and out to the Atlantic.
The route to The Old Man of Storr is probably the island’s most famous walk. This moderately challenging 3.8km hike leads you to one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, a towering 160ft spike of basalt rock. Only by getting up close can you appreciate the sheer scale – an experience not to be missed. If you only have time for one walk on Skye, make it this one.
Other areas worth exploring on foot are Neist Point, with its picture-postcard lighthouse, and Camasunary Bay, which gives a taste of walking in The Cuillin but with no mountaineering skills required. Wherever you roam, be sure to take your camera, and be prepared for every type of weather – few places live up to the phrase ‘four seasons in one day’ quite like Skye.
Wet and Wild
Water is everywhere on Skye – tumbling from cliffs, pooling in glens and inviting the brave to dive in (don’t forget your wetsuit!). The most famous spot for a dip is The Fairy Pools, a series of vibrant blue pools fed by gushing falls from Cuillin mountain springs. According to legend, the pools were an ancient bathing spot for fairy warriors, and the site of a truce between the fairy folk and the ruling Clan MacLeod. With their mesmerising colours, they are often described as a ‘thin place’ – a mystical threshold where the boundary between the human and fairy world grows fragile. Locals warn that lingering too long could draw one into the fae world entirely, never to return! Thanks to recently installed bridges, the pools in their beautiful setting can also be safely enjoyed from dry land.Across the island, spectacular waterfalls abound. Two fantastically photogenic falls close to the capital, Portree, are Bride’s Veil and Lealt, and a little further north is the famous Kilt Rock, a rugged cliff face that’s said to resemble a tartan kilt, with a waterfall cascading directly into the sea.
Skye’s craggy coast is dotted with diverse and interesting beaches. At Coral Beach, white ‘sand’ formed from sun-bleached seaweed meets turquoise waters, creating a scene that on sunny days looks almost tropical. For something moodier, head to Talisker Bay Beach, where black sand and crashing waves form the perfect backdrop for bracing coastal walks.
Over on the east coast, An Corran reveals dinosaur footprints at low tide – a thrill for amateur fossil hunters. All three beaches are easily reached by car, but for the more adventurous, hidden bays await by sea kayak, and boat trips offer a chance to spot white-tailed sea eagles.
Inspector-Approved Dining
After an active day in the elements, what better reward than eating out at a restaurant recommended by The MICHELIN Guide’s Inspectors? Skye may be small, but it’s home to an abundance of delicious produce, which all of these foodie spots take full advantage of.The Three Chimneys is one of Scotland’s most famous restaurants. Overlooking Loch Dunvegan and surrounded by the Duirinish hills, it offers an unforgettable backdrop for exquisite dishes crafted from fresh local produce. Open for dinner from January to November and for lunch from Easter to October, it’s located within easy reach of Dunvegan Castle (more on that later). If you’re staying the night, the team also operate bedrooms in The House Over-By.
Loch Bay, located in the picturesque village of Stein in the north west of Skye, holds One MICHELIN Star. One of the best places in the whole of the UK for exceptional seafood, this small, unpretentious restaurant offers a tasting menu of locally caught produce that it fittingly calls the ‘Skye Fruits de Mer’. As with much of the best fish and shellfish cookery, minimal gimmicks and technical tricks are on show, instead spotlighting the ingredients in all their glory.
Edinbane Lodge is where you’ll find Calum Montgomery, who you may recognise from his appearances on Great British Menu. Born and bred on Skye, Calum has turned a former 16th-century hunting lodge into an acclaimed restaurant, with a seasonal tasting menu that changes every four to six weeks. Ingredients and suppliers are key to his ethos, with diners able to enjoy food that is naturally tied to the land around them.
Scorrybreac is a small, intimate restaurant in a beautiful location above the harbour in the island’s capital of Portree. It’s another spot that uses the finest local ingredients, showing what a great opportunity a visit to Skye offers to taste the land around you. The ambitious and creative dishes are beautiful to look at and the charming team ensure you are in good hands for the duration of your visit.
Historic Highlights & Cultural Corners
While Skye’s landscapes steal the spotlight, the island’s cultural and historic attractions are just as compelling. The island’s capital and main town, Portree, with its parade of colourful houses arranged around a picturesque harbour, is a photographer’s delight. Along with an arts centre, this former fishing village has all the essential amenities, from banks to petrol stations, making it a good place to set up base. Take a boat trip from the bay to spot dolphins, basking sharks and even whales.For lovers of whisky, the Talisker Distillery in Carbost is a must-visit. Tours and tasting experiences are offered at the beautifully located visitor centre overlooking Loch Harport, with fabulous views of The Cuillin. Enjoy the chance to sample its famous premium single malt, with its distinctively smoky, salt-and-pepper character.
Dramatically perched on a clifftop on the north-west peninsula is Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Elegantly furnished, the castle has been home to Clan MacLeod for eight centuries. Be sure to allow enough time to explore the delightful gardens, and to visit the nearby colony of seals if the weather allows.
Finally, for a vivid insight into the tough lives of Skye’s past residents, take a scenic drive towards the northern tip of the Trotternish peninsula and visit The Skye Museum of Island Life. This collection of well-preserved crofter’s cottages offers plenty of information for history buffs. Close by at Kilmuir Cemetery is the grave of Flora MacDonald, the 18th-century heroine famous for aiding the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden. Fashion designer Alexander McQueen, whose Skye ancestry had a strong influence on his work and whose ashes were scattered nearby, is also commemorated here.
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
Kinloch Lodge is one of Skye’s most luxurious accommodation options, holding One MICHELIN Key. This family-run hotel offers lavish, loch-view rooms in a former 16th-century hunting lodge. Cosy, roaring fires, plush beds and historic artefacts all add to its charm.Edinbane Lodge is home to one of Skye’s best restaurants and has four luxurious rooms. Its interior design blends traditional tweeds and tartans with modern facilities. And of course there’s its aforementioned restaurant too.
Bracken Hide Hotel is a resort-style property within walking distance of Portree. Guests sleep in one of 27 cabins or ‘hides’ that dot the landscape, with amazing views – and there’s a whisky bar and restaurant on site.
Hero Image: Part of the stunning Quiraing Loop hike on the Isle of Skye. © sara_winter/iStock
