Best Places to Visit on Isle of Skye

How to enjoy the wilder (and quieter) side of the Isle of Skye!

Ever wanted to soak in the beauty and folklore of one of Britain’s most magical islands, but dreamt of avoiding the crowds of camera crazed tourists and finding ancient places that are often overlooked? Here’s your guide to finding Skye’s wilder side and enjoying some of it all to yourself.

The Isle of Skye is a small island off the west coast of Scotland, steeped in stories and often resembles wild landscape of Tolkien’s middle-earth. A popular destination for travellers from near and far, it can be a tricky place to plan an itinerary for that is not jam-packed with its busier attractions.

Image description: it is a misty day at the Fairy Glen of Isle of Skye. The undulating landscape of grass, moss and ferns is that shape due a landslide centuries ago. A natural castle stands on a hill at the top of the picture, it is no wonder visitors' imaginations add to folklore.

Timing is Everything

Summer provides a blanket of green meadows, fern-covered mountains and calmer beach days, but at a cost of being the busiest time of year. If you can, swap it out for winter, where the landscape is a patchwork of autumnal remains, frost-glistening rocks and more powerful waterfalls for a more peaceful adventure with less visitors. If you are camping and therefore visiting in the summer season is a must, get up early to enjoy your soon-to-be favourite places before the masses arrive. We had the Fairy Glen (above) to ourselves as it was a wet, windy and wintery late morning but it didn't make the place any less beautiful!

Image description: Becky is taking a selfie next to Jack, who is looking at seals through binoculars and Winnie, their gorgeous rescue dog, is behind them and looking at the camera. Though the hide was busy when they arrived, it is now empty and quiet. You can just about see the educational posters about the water down below in the background.

Wonderful Wildlife

If you want to spot otters and seals playing close to the shore year-round, or even catch a glimpse of dolphins and whales in the summer, Kylerhea Otter Hide is a magical place to visit. You can bring your own binoculars or use the telescopic viewer in the hide to gaze across the Kyle Rhea and enjoy spotting birds bobbing on the glistening waters. With two hides to choose from, and a well-maintained path in the woods, this is a must-see which is often over-looked due to its remote location. Perfect for a sunny or rainy day, go early in the morning or just before dark for a higher chance of having the place to yourself.

For hardcore wildlife spotters, or even eager newbies, simply be open to the idea of stopping in lay-bys and other safe places along the coastal roads of which Skye boasts endless miles of. Especially around the northern roads, such as around Dunvegan Castle Viewpoint, you can spot seals, shags, sand pipers, curlews, herons and more! The added bonus of watching wildlife from your car at these locations is that you are unlikely to be surrounded by young families with loud children or barking dogs, which often scare wildlife (and your tranquil thoughts) away.

Image description: a waterfall at the Fairy Pools of Isle of Skye. A narrow waterfall cascades down a crevice in the rock, into a pool of crystal blue water. The water looks dark because it is a cloudy, blustery day in December. Behind and above the waterfall, there are grey-green peaks which look like something from another world.

Fabulous Falls

From water gently tumbling over stones on wide streams to mighty rapids crashing over tall falls, Skye has it all. Though the Fairy Pools walk on Skye is popular, it is worth a visit if you are an aquaphilic, and it gets quiet the farther you walk. Bring a picnic and choose the adventurous (longest) walk which can take several hours if you enjoy stopping to take in the views. Some waterfalls are quieter, however, as they are not all ideal places for a picnic and huge tourist groups. Such a place is the Bride’s Veil Falls which is overlooked by the popular hikers’ destination: The Old Man of Storr. Be prepared to pull over in the many road-side view points to enjoy other waterfalls such as Eas a’Bhradain which makes a breath-taking appearance on the coastal road.

So there you have it! Your quick and simple guide to the Isle of Skye’s secret beauties and how to make the most of the enchanting gems this ancient island has to offer.