Why This pretty Scottish Island Completely Stole Our Hearts
Quick Answer: Is the Isle of Skye Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
In fact, if somebody asked me to name the most breathtaking place I’ve ever visited in the UK, the Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands would be right at the very top of the list.
We’ve travelled to some incredible places, but there is something about Scotland that gets under your skin. The dramatic mountains, mirror-like lochs, rugged coastline and constantly changing scenery make it feel almost otherworldly.
Would we go back?
In a heartbeat.
Why We Chose to Fly to Scotland Instead of Drive
Living in Torquay, we had a choice.
We could spend a couple of days driving to Scotland, paying for fuel, accommodation and losing valuable holiday time.
Or we could fly.
We chose to fly from Bristol to Inverness.
The flights took just over an hour and cost us around £56 return each, making it both cheaper and significantly quicker than driving all the way from Devon.
Even after adding airport parking and a hire car, flying made far more sense for us.
And yes, before you ask, we did it all with hand luggage only.
Because apparently we like making life difficult for ourselves.
We travelled with our Mini Max cabin bags that are designed specifically to fit EasyJet’s under-seat luggage allowance. Challenge accepted.
Is It Worth Hiring a Car for the Isle of Skye?
Without question.
In fact, if your budget allows, I would say hiring a car is absolutely essential.
Not only does it allow you to explore the Isle of Skye properly, but it also means you can enjoy some of the incredible drives around the Scottish Highlands and even take in sections of the North Coast 500.
We booked our hire car through Discover Cars and paid just over £250 for the week for a Jeep Avenger.
It gave us complete freedom to explore at our own pace.
And trust me, you’ll want that freedom.
In Scotland, the journey is often every bit as beautiful as the destination.
Should You Stay on the Isle of Skye or the Mainland?
This is something many visitors don’t think about.
We actually stayed on the mainland.
After comparing prices, we found accommodation on Skye was considerably more expensive than nearby mainland options.
Instead, we rented a traditional crofter’s cottage between Kyle of Lochalsh and Eilean Donan Castle.
It sat directly on a loch and was only around twenty minutes from Skye.
It felt like our own little piece of heaven.
The views changed constantly throughout the day and we spent more than one evening browsing Scottish property websites and wondering whether we could swap Devon for the Highlands.
Sadly, reality eventually returned.
What Is the Most Beautiful Drive Near the Isle of Skye?
For us, it was the Bealach na Bà.
This famous mountain pass is one of the most dramatic roads in Scotland and offers spectacular views across to Skye and neighbouring islands.
The road itself is an adventure and not one for nervous drivers, but if conditions are good, the scenery is unforgettable. It’s well worth taking the coastal road from Applecross to Shieldaig, where you’ll get ever changing views of the Torridon Hills and The Outer Hebrides
You quickly realise why so many photographers, motorcyclists and road trip enthusiasts consider this one of the most stunning roads in the UK.
A close second is the 5 Sisters of Kintail further inland to the west. Head up to the trail head viewpoint and prepare yourself for a stunning view straight of the front of a chocolate box.
What Should You Know Before Driving in the Highlands?
One very practical tip.
Do your food shopping before heading into the Highlands.
We stopped in Inverness and stocked up at a large supermarket before collecting our hire car.
This turned out to be a very smart decision.
At one point, we passed a shop advertising itself as the “last groceries for 40 miles.”
It wasn’t joking.
The Highlands are wonderfully remote, which is part of their charm, but you’ll be grateful for a properly stocked fridge when you arrive at your accommodation.
Can You Visit Loch Ness on the Way to Skye?
Absolutely.
In fact, I would recommend it.
We deliberately chose to drive alongside Loch Ness on our way from Inverness.
It’s one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks and genuinely spectacular to see in person.
Here’s a fact that amazed us:
Loch Ness contains more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined.
That’s a lot of water. Sadly, we didn’t spot Nessie.
What Are the Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye?
Many of Skye’s most famous attractions are free to visit, although they often require a walk or hike to reach them.
Some of our favourites include:
The Old Man of Storr
If there is one image that defines Skye, it’s probably this.
The walk is steep in places, but the views are extraordinary.
This was probably my favourite viewpoint on the island. We sat for hours just drinking in the view.
Quiraing
One of the most dramatic landscapes in Scotland.
The scenery looks almost prehistoric and the road itself is worth driving.
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
A fantastic viewpoint where a waterfall plunges directly into the sea.
Neist Point Lighthouse
One of the most photographed locations on the island and a brilliant place for sunset.
Fairy Glen
A wonderfully unusual landscape that looks like it belongs in a fantasy novel.
Fairy Pools
We actually didn’t visit these.
The parking fee was around £10 when we were there and there were other places we wanted to prioritise.
Plenty of visitors love them, though, and they’re often included on Skye itineraries.
What Should You Pack for the Isle of Skye?
The weather can change incredibly quickly.
Even when we visited during heatwaves, we still packed for multiple seasons.
My essentials would be:
- Good walking boots
- Two pairs of walking trousers
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Layers
- Walking socks
- Backpack
- Reusable water bottle
I particularly like walking trousers that zip into shorts because they cope with whatever Scotland decides to throw at you.
We travelled with very few clothes and simply washed items during the week.
Is Airport Security Easier Now?
One unexpected bonus was flying through Bristol Airport.
Its upgraded scanners meant we no longer needed to separate liquids into small bags or stick rigidly to individual 100ml containers.
Several other UK airports have also been introducing similar CT scanner technology, although rules can vary by airport and change over time, so always check directly with your departure airport before travelling.
It certainly made the hand-luggage-only challenge considerably easier.
Which Distillery Should You Visit on the Isle of Skye?
You cannot come to Scotland and not visit a distillery.
Well, you can.
But you shouldn’t.
The Isle of Skye has two distilleries, and we chose to visit Talisker Distillery.
The tour was excellent.
It covered the history of whisky-making, the distillation process and, most importantly, ended with a tasting.
Three drams.
At 11 o’clock in the morning.
Not for the faint-hearted.
Or anyone planning to drive immediately afterwards. Drivers travel packs were available.
Are Midges Really That Bad?
The answer depends entirely on when you visit.
We visited during April and May and found them manageable.
On a previous trip in June and July, they were considerably more enthusiastic.
Then there are the cleg flies.
If you’ve never encountered one before, think of them as Scotland’s answer to an angry flying vampire.
They bite.
It hurts.
And yes, they can draw blood.
Thankfully, we discovered Smidge insect repellent.
This became one of our favourite travel discoveries.
It doesn’t smell especially wonderful, but it works.
My husband is always the preferred target for biting insects, and Smidge made a huge difference.
For once, Scotland wasn’t trying to eat him alive.
Does It Really Rain All the Time on Skye?
Locals certainly seem convinced it does.
Every time we visit Scotland, we appear to accidentally arrive during glorious weather.
Blue skies.
Warm sunshine.
Spectacular visibility.
The sort of scenery that makes you seriously question your life choices and house prices back home.
I am regularly informed by local people that this is not typical.
And yet somehow, we’ve managed two heatwaves.
Perhaps we should quit while we’re ahead and preserve the illusion.
Why Is the Isle of Skye So Special?
For us, it’s the combination of everything.
The scenery.
The wildlife.
The remoteness.
The lochs.
The mountains.
The whisky.
The sense of space.
There is nowhere else in the UK quite like it.
Every corner reveals another incredible view.
Every road seems to lead somewhere beautiful.
And every photograph somehow fails to capture just how magnificent it actually feels standing there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Isle of Skye
Do You Need a Car on the Isle of Skye?
We would strongly recommend hiring a car if possible. It allows you to explore the island properly and reach many of the most spectacular viewpoints.
Is the Isle of Skye Expensive?
Accommodation can be pricey, particularly during peak season. Staying just off the island on the mainland can offer significant savings.
How Many Days Do You Need on Skye?
We think at least four or five days allows you to explore properly, although you could easily spend longer.
Is the Isle of Skye Good for Walking?
Absolutely. Whether you’re looking for gentle walks or challenging hikes, Skye has some of the most spectacular walking scenery in the UK.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Isle of Skye?
Spring and early autumn offer a good balance of fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. Summer brings longer days but also more visitors and more midges.
Final Thoughts
The Isle of Skye is one of those places that reminds you just how extraordinary the UK can be.
We arrived hoping for a nice holiday.
We left wondering whether we should sell our house and move to Scotland.
The scenery is simply that good.
If you’re planning a trip, hire the car, take your time, stock up on groceries in Inverness, visit a distillery, pack the Smidge and prepare yourself for some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever experience.
Just don’t blame me if you start browsing Scottish property websites afterwards.
