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The Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye

No. 8 25 Great Islands to Visit 2026

Isle of Skye

Inner Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom

Jagged mountains, sea cliffs and fairy pools on Scotland's best-known island.

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Photo: Terence wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides, off Scotland's west coast. Its landscapes range from the jagged Cuillin mountains to the rock formations of the Trotternish peninsula.

Portree is the main town. The island is very popular in summer, so book accommodation well ahead; roads are often single-track with passing places.

Loch Leathan Waterfall, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Loch Leathan Waterfall, Isle of Skye, Scotland. Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
River Rha waterfall, Isle of Skye
River Rha waterfall, Isle of Skye. Photo: DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Skye Museum of Island Life - visitor reception
Skye Museum of Island Life - visitor reception. Photo: DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to visit

May to September has the longest days; May and June are often drier than later summer. Midges can be a nuisance in summer. Weather changes quickly at any time.

Highlights

  • 1

    Old Man of Storr

    A rock pinnacle above the Trotternish coast, reached by a popular trail.

  • 2

    Quiraing

    A landslip landscape of cliffs and pinnacles.

  • 3

    Fairy Pools

    Clear pools and waterfalls below the Cuillin.

  • 4

    Neist Point

    A lighthouse on dramatic cliffs at the western tip.

  • 5

    Dunvegan Castle

    The seat of the MacLeod clan, with gardens.

Getting there

The Skye Bridge links the island to the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh; a ferry also runs from Mallaig to Armadale. Buses run from Inverness and Glasgow; trains reach Kyle of Lochalsh and Mallaig.

Practical tips

Opening & tickets
Opening times, ticket rules and transport timetables change, so check official information before you go.
Time needed
Three to four days.

Official information: VisitScotland: Isle of Skye. Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

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