The Isle of Skye: The Cuillin, the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr & the Best Walks

The Isle of Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of the Highlands, its peninsulas radiating from a mountainous heart. Since 1995 it has been linked to the mainland by the Skye Bridge.

Why The Isle of Skye Is Special

Skye has some of the most dramatic scenery in Britain: the jagged peaks of the Black Cuillin, the rock pinnacles of the Storr and the tumbled landslip of the Quiraing, all within a short drive of one another.

Between them lie sea lochs, crofting townships, castles and harbours, and the light changes by the minute.

The History of The Isle of Skye

At the centre of the island rise the Cuillin. The Black Cuillin, mainly of basalt and gabbro, include 12 Munros and offer some of the most challenging mountain terrain in Scotland; a full traverse of the ridge can take 15 to 20 hours.

In the north, the Trotternish ridge has slipped and broken into extraordinary shapes. The Old Man of Storr is a great pinnacle of rock standing out from the cliffs, and at the Quiraing the land has slumped into towers, hollows and hidden plateaus.

Skye is famous in Scottish history as the island to which Flora MacDonald helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the Battle of Culloden in 1746, a journey remembered in the Skye Boat Song. Dunvegan Castle has been the seat of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for centuries.

What to See & the Best Walks at The Isle of Skye

Walk up to the Old Man of Storr from the car park on the Trotternish road, and drive on to the Quiraing for the walk along its cliffs. See the Fairy Pools below the Cuillin at Glen Brittle, and the harbour of Portree with its coloured houses.

Visit Dunvegan Castle and its gardens, and on clear evenings drive to Neist Point and its lighthouse, on the far west of the island, for the sunset.

Wildlife at The Isle of Skye

Skye is one of the best places in Britain to see golden eagles and white-tailed sea eagles, and otters along the shore. Boat trips look for seals, dolphins and, in summer, minke whales. Please keep to paths at busy sites to protect the ground.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near The Isle of Skye

See The Quiraing and Trotternish listing. Plockton, across the water on Loch Carron, is our nearest village guide; see Plockton.

Further north on the mainland, the garden at Inverewe is a wonderful day out.

The Isle of Skye Through the Seasons

May and June bring the longest days and often the best weather. Summer is busy, so start early at the famous sites. Autumn colours the moors, and winter brings snow to the Cuillin and the quietest roads of the year.

Getting to The Isle of Skye

The Skye Bridge links Kyle of Lochalsh to the island, and ferries cross from Mallaig to Armadale. Trains run from Inverness to Kyle and from Fort William to Mallaig.

The Isle of Skye: Questions & Answers

When was the Skye Bridge opened?

In 1995. Ferries also cross from Mallaig to Armadale.

How long does it take to walk to the Old Man of Storr?

Allow about two hours there and back from the car park on the Trotternish road.

Our Advice

Our advice: Stay at least two nights, start at the Storr at dawn before the car park fills, and book accommodation well ahead in summer.