The Old Man of Storr, the Fairy Pools and the Quiraing showcase different sides of the landscape on the Isle Of Skye. Also here are Dunvegan Castle, with its long clan history, the Skye Museum of Island Life and the Talisker Distillery. The different themes, as well as specific details about some trails and activities, can help you plan your trip.
Rocky landscapes and trails
The Old Man of Storr is on the Trotternish Peninsula, seven miles north of Portree. Its rock face and pinnacles formed millions of years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth; their formation is due to an ancient landslide. Stagecoach bus route 57A runs from Somerled Square in Portree towards Flodigarry and stops at the Old Man of Storr. As routes and operating days can change, check the current timetable before travelling.
The Quiraing is also in the Trotternish area, part of the Trotternish Ridge. A massive landslide shaped its high cliffs, hidden plateaus and rocky pinnacles. The Quiraing Walk is a 6.8-kilometre circular route; without breaks, it takes an average of about two hours. The trailhead can be reached from Staffin or Uig. The distance and time provide a specific guide for planning your day.
At the Fairy Pools, the water and the route take centre stage: the rock pools contain clear spring water and are fed by a series of waterfalls. From the car park, a 2.4-kilometre trail leads to the pools via a gravel path and bridges. Swimming is also possible in their cold, changeable waters—an option for adventurous visitors, but not equally suitable in every situation.
At Neist Point, a lighthouse stands at the westernmost tip of Skye, near the village of Glendale. The trail there is a 2.2-kilometre out-and-back route and takes an average of about 45 minutes without breaks. Along the way, there are views of high cliffs and the lighthouse. Compared with the Quiraing Walk, the route is shorter and follows a different format: one is a loop, the other an out-and-back. Both time estimates are without breaks.
History at the castle and museum
Dunvegan Castle has been the home of the Chief of Clan MacLeod for more than 750 years. Its grounds include a water garden, a rose garden, a walled garden and woodland paths, together forming a secluded oasis. The castle’s long history is thus complemented by several distinct garden areas.
Seasonal seal trips also depart from the castle, from the pier below it. The trips last 25 minutes and run daily from 1 April to 30 September, between 10:00 and 16:30. They are subject to capacity and sea and weather conditions, and operate on a “first come, first served” basis. Keep these conditions in mind when planning a trip.
The Skye Museum of Island Life offers a glimpse of island life more than a century ago. It consists of eight thatched cottages, each with its own story to tell. The museum opened in 1965 to preserve a way of life that was disappearing. Together, the buildings and their stories offer a different perspective on island history from the clan history of Dunvegan Castle.
Whisky on Loch Harport
The Talisker Distillery is on the shore of Loch Harport in Carbost on the Isle Of Skye, and is a whisky destination in Scotland. Guided tours take you through the production process, from traditional copper stills to coastal maturation. Talisker tastings focus on the distinctive aromas that define the whisky. Those interested in its production can choose this focus instead of trails or historic sites.
Choosing a hotel and planning your day
If you’re looking for a hotel on the Isle Of Skye, start by considering the focus of your stay: Dunvegan Castle and the museum offer cultural history, the Quiraing and Neist Point offer hikes with different routes, and Talisker is all about whisky. The walking times for the Quiraing and Neist Point are average estimates without breaks; allow extra time for your breaks. Check the current timetable for the bus to the Old Man of Storr, and note that the seal trips are subject to the stated season, capacity, sea and weather conditions.
Explore more destinations: Caroy, Stein, Hallin, Muir Of Ord, Croick, Ullapool, Dingwall, Golspie.
To the main travel overview: Highland.
