Destination · 03 · 57.47°N · 6.20°W
Isle of Skye
Jagged pinnacles, sea cliffs, fairy pools.
Isle of Skye
The misty isle
Skye is Scotland at its most cinematic — a island of surreal rock formations, plunging sea cliffs and the saw-toothed Cuillin ridge that draws climbers and walkers from across the world.
The Trotternish peninsula alone holds the Old Man of Storr and the otherworldly Quiraing, while crystal-clear Fairy Pools tempt the brave for a cold-water swim.
Hand-picked · Top 3
Routes in Isle of Skye
ChallengingIsle of Skye
Sgùrr na Strì
A long walk to a modest summit widely held to offer the finest mountain view in all of Scotland.
- Distance
- 21 km
- Ascent
- 580 m
- Time
- 8 h
EasyIsle of Skye
The Fairy Pools
A short, magical walk to a string of crystal-clear plunge pools and waterfalls beneath the Black Cuillin.
- Distance
- 4.4 km
- Ascent
- 140 m
- Time
- 1.5 h
ModerateIsle of Skye
The Old Man of Storr
An iconic, otherworldly pinnacle rising above the Trotternish ridge with sweeping views over the Sound of Raasay.
- Distance
- 3.8 km
- Ascent
- 320 m
- Time
- 2 h
Best time to visit
May, June and September dodge both the peak crowds and the worst of the midges. The light in early summer is extraordinary.
Getting there
Cross the Skye Bridge from the mainland near Kyle of Lochalsh, or take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale. Portree is the island's main base.
Field notes · From the trail
A glimpse of Isle of Skye
The Quiraing
Pinnacles at dawn
Old Man of Storr
The lone spire
Fairy Pools
Clear blue water
Portree
Harbour evening
Ready to explore Isle of Skye?
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