Best Things to do on the Isle of Skye
This is our third time visiting Skye together. But our first time staying, we’ve only ever done day trips and felt now was the time to try and see more of Skye, this was not the case as it rained the entire time we were there.
Fairy Pools
One of the most popular spots on Skye, this series of pools and waterfalls are great for those who are after a relatively easy walk. This is a great place to visit if you’re not a hardcore hiker. The entire circuit is a lot more difficult, but you are able to stop when you’re tired and head back to the car park. If you visit when it’s raining, the ground can be muddy so make sure you bring appropriate footwear, like a pair of hiking boots or wellies. REMEMBER SUNCREAM.
How to get there:
Located on the road to Glenbrittle in the centre of the Isle of Skye. From Portree, take the direction of Carbost and before the town turn towards Glenbrittle. Lost in the many signs, is one indicating the fairy pools. You cannot miss the beginning of the walk. Between the number of cars and the cleared area. The main carpark is small and cost £5 - there is another carpark higher on the road that is for now free (but that means a longer walk).
Fairy Glen
On the other side of the Trotternish Peninsula near Uig, is a geographic region known as the Faerie Glen. This is a grassy hilly area that looks a bit like a fairytale land that is the subject of folklore and legends, believed to be the home of the faeries. It is a great place to get out and wander and hike. A bit of a scramble allows you to reach the top of the large upthrusted rock formation known as Faerie Castle, also known as Castle Ewen. You’ll also likely find rock labyrinths near the castle.
Coral Beach
One of the most beautiful coastal locations and one of the gems of Skye. The beach is not made of coral at all. It is actually composed of pieces of desiccated and sun-bleached algae. The white coral beach curves round in a crescent surrounding the turquoise waters. Behind the beach is wee hill from which great panoramic photos can be taken. At the car park, there is an information board giving detail about the beach and the local walk. It's about a mile from the car park, so only go if weather and time permits.
Neist Point
This is the most westerly point on Skye, and the views are spectacular. This is the best place to catch the sunset, although be prepared to share it with a lot of other people. There is a car park here, so it's a great place to end your day. The lighthouse is a little rundown and not particularly impressive, but don't let that stop you enjoying those views!
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
One of these is the magnificent 90 metre Kilt Rock, which looks strikingly similar to a pleated kilt. Made up of basalt columns resting on a sandstone base, one might even say that the colors of the rock formation appear almost tartan. The other point of interest is the Mealt waterfall, which, fed from nearby Mealt Loch, plummets from the top of the cliffs to the rock-laden coast below.
Where we stayed
We struggles to find somewhere on Skye that was affordable but still quality. Skye is obviously a tourist destination and this invites higher prices. Our Airbnb was the only option we found that fit both. They do also have a website which is where we booked to avoid Airbnbs service fee.
