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The Isle of Skye Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

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Top The Isle of Skye Attractions & Experiences

The Isle of Skye Tours & Travel Guide

The Isle of Skye Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Where is the Isle of Skye?

The beautiful island is the largest of the Inner Hebrides islands and is located at the most northern side, at the West Coast of Scotland. This 50 miles long island is one of the most popular parts of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. From among the Inner Hebrides islands, Skye is the nearest to the mainland and provides access through road to the region.

How long should you plan to tour the Isle of Skye?

  • 2-3 Days

Most of the Isle of Skye tours are 2 to 3 days as it gives you enough time to explore the major worth visiting spots. You can also visit the region in one day, but in such a short time you can only visit the highlight. Planning for more than three days gives you plenty of time to explore every site on the island.

Things to do on the Isle of Skye

The largest island of Scotland is full of various fun activities. Here is a list of the fun activities that people enjoy during their Isle of Skye tours so that you can pick the ones that attract you most.

1. Exploring Culture and History

The dinosaur land has various museums that give us insight into the past of the beautiful island. These historical explanations of yesterday are the best way to understand Skye today.

The most famous are the Skye Museum of Island Life, Staffin Dinosaur Museum, Colbost Croft Museum, Giant Macaskill Museum, Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles, and many more. If you have an interest in history and arts, then this is probably the first thing you should start your tour with.

2. Hiking

The island has beautiful hiking trails with all difficulties levels for people of all ages. Hike up to the fairy pools, fairy glen, or Rubha Nam Brathairean. For more strenuous trails, choose to go up to the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, or the highest peak of the island, Ggurr Alasdair.

There is also a 128 km Skye Trail that takes about seven days but covers a huge area of the island. This trail is not for beginners and you should have a fairly enough hiking experience.

3. Skye Highland Games

The highland games take place all over Scotland during the summer months every year since 1877. It involves traditional outdoor Highland sports like caber tossing, hammer throwing, tug of war, hill race, etc. There are also some traditional dancing and piping competitions. The event provides an opportunity for tourists to peek into the unique history of the Highlands. The event officially comprises of three days with rowing and sailing competitions a couple of days before the main event day and two days for piping competition after the event.

4. Cycling Through the Island

What could be more amazing than a cycling tour of the picturesque natural island, full of natural scenes and wonder? There are more than 54 routes available from which you can choose your type and explore the island riding a bike. Spend your day discovering the breathtaking vistas of the largest island of Scotland with dangerous twists and turns around narrow roads.

Meet locals on the way and stop at various spots to peek into the culture and history of their region. You may also find multiple tourism agencies offering guided cycle tours that will be more convenient and provide you with an opportunity to mingle with other enthusiastic riders like you.

5. Wildlife Tours

If you are a wildlife fan and love to explore various species and their habitats, then you must not miss the Isle of Skye Wildlife Tour. The island offers you an excellent chance to make your wish come true by taking you through various habitats.

You might get a chance to see an otter hunting along the coast, quarreling white-tailed sea eagles, Golden Eagle flying around the mountain ridge and other species like the odd Minke Whale, Great Skuas, Basking Sharks, Hares, Dolphins, Red-Throated Divers, Hen Harriers, Porpoise, Short-Eared Owls, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Grey and Common Seals,  Great Northern Divers, and a lot more.

6. Cruising In the Water

Escape the crowds of the tourist-packed island and take a boat trip to explore the fascinating waters with unique wildlife. The boat trip lets you explore the island with a different perspective while taking you through the lochs and mountain ranges.

Various companies offer guided boating or cruise tours around the island with the opportunity to explore the beautiful sites like Rum, Eigg, Cuillin, Isle of Canna, Soay, and any more. The rich marine environment is home to many beautiful marine species like sea-eagles, puffins, otters, dolphins, basking sharks, minke whales, seals, and majestic sea birds.

7. Ace Target Sports

One of the most significant and fun activities on the Isle of Skye is the variety of fun sports offered at this place. Located just outside the Portree, it provides high quality and traditional highland sports like ax throwing, archery, clay target shooting, air rifle shooting, and paintball.

These outdoor activities are an excellent way to spend a day with your family or kids, or even in a youth group. They have a purpose-built target range, paintball arena, and BBQ garden that can be modified as per the requirement. The Ace Target Spots is open throughout the year and is a fun activity to spend a wet rainy day.

8. Horse Riding

Enjoy life in the countryside by getting in the shoes of the local villagers. Appreciate and explore the beautiful villages riding on the back of a horse like a local. There is a small family run business, Portree Stables, that can help you with that. Well-trained horses and easy paced treks make this experience smooth even for the amateur riders.

You can also get a lesson about horsemanship and learn how the locals take care of their horses. No matter what the weather is like, avail the opportunity to get this unique experience.

9. Adventure Sports

For adventure lovers, the Isle of Skye has a wide range of outdoor activities that will give you the adrenaline rush you desire. The activities include kayaking in the sea, clambering up and down the cliffs, paddling, surfing, and coasteering.

There are also training options available for beginners so that they can take a few lessons before diving into the sea. Trained experts are present all the time to guide you and keep an eye on you to protect you from the dangers that might accompany this adventurous fun.

10. Skye Flight

Witness the beauty of the magnificent island from a whole new perspective. Get on the plane, sit back and get ready to have all the stunning views while flying through the sky. You can even take control of the flight under the supervision of your instructor. If you are interested in operating, then you can take your private pilot's license with you and get trained for flying above this beautiful island.

Golfing on Skye

Scotland is known as the home of golf, so when in Scotland, you must not miss this fun sport, especially when the Isle of Skye has two beautiful 9-hole golf courses. The first is located at Sconser along the A87, Broadford, and Portree. The golf course not only offers a wonderful nine-hole experience but also has fascinating surroundings.

All the nine-hole with their Gaelic names reflect the history and culture of the region. The other one is the Skeabost Golf Club that is located at the mortal feud site, between MacLeods and MacDonalds. This nine-hole golf course is the ideal playing ground for players of all skill levels.

Can you drive on to the Isle of Skye?

The Isle of Skye is one of the regions of the world which needs to be explored riding a car. However, the one-lane road can be a challenge for many. As the closest airports are in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness, so you need to take a car, train, or bus from either point to reach the island.

Most people prefer driving by renting a car and get most of what Scotland has to offer. Don’t rush while traveling by road and explore all the important points on the way.

Top Isle of Skye attractions

The beautiful island is full of worth visiting places that include natural formations, historical buildings, museums, beaches, and much more. From among all these beautiful places, there are some, without which the Isle of Skye tours is incomplete. Following is the list of those beautiful and essential places so that you can add them to your trip stops.

1. The Old Man of Storr

This fascinating rock formation is one of the most photographed points of Skye. Situated in the Trotternish area, this natural pinnacle stands on a steep hill, straight like a finger, towards the east of the island and is easily accessible from Portree at a 15-minute drive. You can climb up this giant column of rock easily to take in the promising views of the surroundings. The 75 minutes hike is one of the most famous walks on the island. On a clear sunny day, you can witness the magnificent rock formation from far away.

2. Fairy Pools

Located near the Glenbrittle village, at the foot of Cuillin mountain range, this series of crystal clear water pools is one of the wildest swimming places of the whole UK. The icy water invites the bravest travelers to jump and swim in it. It is the thrill of this chilling water that makes this place worth visiting. Fairy Pools are at a 1.2 km walk from the parking, which takes you through a series of waterfalls, river crossing, and some steep sections as well. Walking through this passage to visit the water pools is a popular activity for people of all ages.

3. Quiraing

An ancient landslip forms this magnificent place in the Trotternish area in northern Skye. Boasted by rock pinnacles, captivating plateaus, and abundant cliffs, Quiraing has a stunning landscape. Leave your car at the parking and get on the 4.5 mile round loop that will take you through the fantastic scenery and let you explore further the natural beauty of the area. The loop takes about two hours to walk through it, but add the time if you stop to admire the surroundings.

4. Fairy Glen

Situated on the Trotternish Loop near Uig village, this beautiful spot will make you believe that you are in some magical land. Though not very popular, Fairy Glen is the one cutest point on the island. The peaceful landscape cast a magical effect on visitors. The local sheep have ringed the mystic land’s grassy hills, adding the individual touch. Walk up to the fairytale hills above to have an enchanted view of the beautiful area.

5. Dunvegan Castle

This Victorian styled castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle of Scotland. Rising from the rock, the castle dated back to the 13th century and was home to the chiefs of MacLeod Clan for more than 800 years. It was revamped during the 19th century and is surrounded by woodland, beautiful gardens, Loch Dunvegan, and huge mountains.

The inside tour will show you the old oil paintings from the Clan and, most importantly, the Fairy Flag. Take the boat trip to discover the nearby seal colony and the straw-roofed Black House of Colbost.

6. The Skye Museum of Island Life

Started in 1965, this unique museum features an old preserved town from the mid-19th century. The model depicts the lifestyle of people from that time, and what they did for earning, how they made houses, and more. The old highland village has everything ranging from ancient bible to people's old bedding as well as agricultural equipment. You will get a real insight and unique experience of how was life on this island for about 100 years ago.

7. Portree

Being the main town of the island and closest point to some magnificent natural attraction points, it serves as the perfect point that people use as the base during their Isle of Skye tours. This bustling harbor has scenic views, bright colored houses, plenty of shopping points, numerous restaurants, entertainment at the Aros center, and much more. Lealt Falls, Loch Cuithir, and Eilean Donan Castle are some of the nearby spots that you should not miss during your trip.

8. Kilt Rock

The unique rock formation takes its name from the horizontal and vertical stripes of the basalt that gives it a look of a kilt, especially in certain lights. The long sunning walk will take you through the magnificent views and fascinating landscapes with reminders of history at every point. Cascading from the top is the stunning waterfall, Mealt falls that drops 51 meters down in the sea. It makes a whistling sound as the water crashes down, which can be heard upon listening carefully.

9. Rubha nam Brathairean (Brothers Point)

This magnificent spot is mostly overlooked by tourists but is one stunning spot with fascinating sunsets. As very few people know about this hidden treasure so, most probably, you will have it all to yourself. Park your car in the small car parking and walk for 50 meters towards the south to reach the trailhead. Enjoy the smooth trail towards the rocky beach and take in the breathtaking natural views.

Climb up to the highest point in the peninsula to get a broader view of the area. Adding to the value of this beautiful point is the fact that more than a dozen dinosaur tracks have been seen here at low tide.

10. Sligachan

Lying at the meeting point of western seaboard with the Black Cuillin, the place provides a perfect picturesque view. The captivating stone bridge is the main attraction point apart from the surrounding views. The extensive range of Red and Black Cuillins lies nearby, inviting the adventurous trekkers to climb up the rugged paths. For non-hikers, the small town has various shops, secure walking paths, and a playground for kids as well.

11. Staffin Museum and Beach

Founded by Dugald Ross, this museum acclaims an excellent collection is local fossil specimens, especially dinosaur fossils. The museum is also home to artifacts representing the social and prehistory of Trotternish. The small one-room museum has a lovely collection of local findings with the stories by the founder, making this place worth visiting for sure. Move down to the beach on a low tide day to witness the internationally preserved footprints.

12. Talisker Beach

The unique beach, in its original form, is one masterpiece of nature. The grey sand of the beach is filled with large grey pebbles, and you can see the massive cliffs at a distance. The beach is located near Barbost village, on the western coast, and is an excellent place for a picnic as well as mid-summer swimming. You have to walk for about 1.6 km to reach the beach from the car parking, but the walk is easy and smooth, perfect for people of all ages.

Highland culture on Skye

About one-third of the Skye population speaks Gaelic, so be prepared to hear it most of the time during your visit. From all over the world, Scottish Gaelic students come to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye. It is better if you learn a few phrases from the language before traveling. Apart from the language, folk music is a strong part of their culture.

Though recent years have added up the rock and dance music to the list. The island has a culture of producing memorable musicians and music. They have piping songs that tell the turbulent history of the island, accordion toe-tappers playing at ceilidhs, gigs, and festivals. Local folk and rock bands perform all over the world, gaining more fame and name for their birthplace.

When is the best time to visit the Isle of Skye?

Overall, Scotland has wet weather. The same goes for the Isle of Skye. The choice of the best time for Isle of Skye tours may vary from person to person, depending on their priority. Price, level of crowds, weather, and many other factors decide what time suits you more. Overall the most popular time to visit the island is during summer, July, and August being the peak season.

You will rarely get any accommodation if you didn't book in advance. Car parking and tourism spots are all filled with people. The reason is the long days and pleasantly warm weather. There is just a marginal difference in temperature for May and June as compared to July and August, which makes them a better choice to visit the island.

During May and June, the enormous tourist crowds have not yet arrived, and you can get the chance to visit famous places without being pushed by the people. The weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy more sunshine and beautiful sunsets.

September still has a pleasant temperature, and the crowds begin to reduce, making it another ideal time to visit this beautiful region. October brings the chilliness to the atmosphere, but the temperature never drops below freezing point.

From October to March is an ideal time for those who don't mind cold weather and want to get benefit from discount deals, especially available on accommodation. January and December bear the coldest temperature with the least sunshine and most rainfall.

Can you see the Northern Lights from the Isle of Skye?

Yes! On a clear night, Isle of Skye is one of the best places to witness the beautiful Northern Lights of Glendale. Follow the lights forecast and try to get to someplace higher with a clear northern horizon view, to see the magic. The most important factors involved are a clear sky, dark time, and a lot of luck.

During summer, the darkness window in Scotland is very narrow; hence, reducing the chance to experience it to a minimum, especially in June and July. Winter has a more extended period of darkness that highly increases the chance of getting auroras. October through March are the best months of the year to experience the phenomenon.

Northern Scotland has an aurora almost every night, but the clouds occupy the way most of the time.

The Isle of Skye Reviews & Ratings

3.7/5  Great
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Lindsey

Feb 2019

Written on

NIGHTMARE Experience

I've been on two trips with Great Value and loved the experience, however, our last trip has been a NIGHTMARE. From no communication from Great Value, to finding out...

B

Beerman

Feb 2024

Written on

BE WARNED CANCELLATION FEE ALWAYS CHARGED

BE WARNED THEY CHARGE 10% CANCELLATION WITH ANY CANCELLATION. We have 7 months before we leave for our trip and just made the reservation less than a week ago and th...

C

Christina

Oct 2018

Written on

Wonderful experience

It was our first experience with a guided tour. We didn't know what we could expect. We came back with wonderful memories. Matt, our guide was marvelous! He always t...

K

Kim

Oct 2018

Written on

The trip is worth-taking.

The tour was comfortably-paced tours and covered most of the best sights around the Isle of Sky. It was better than expected because our guide had us experience bits...

S

Samantha

Oct 2018

Written on

A fabulous tour with fabulous people!

I just got back from a 3 week trip in the UK, where I actually took two Rabbies tours. The Isle of Sky was my first tour with them, and it exceeded my expectations. ...

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