A Magical Day on the Isle of Skye
For any adventure lover or nature enthusiast, a trip to Scotland is not complete without visiting the Isle of Skye. One of the crown jewels of the Scottish Highlands, this island will take your breath away with its dramatic coastline, rugged mountains, and enchanting lochs.
There are tons of life-changing activities to do on the island and putting together an itinerary will feel like an impossible task.
Start with these three spectacular activities to make your Isle of Skye voyage one you will never forget.
The Old Man of Storr
An iconic image of the Isle of Skye filled with centuries of mythological wonder; this towering rock formation looks over the sea waiting for hikers of all skill.
After a steep asphalt climb, the path splits into two (take the right side for a more direct approach). Once the gravel ends, your journey truly begins. The path to reach the base of The Old Man can be muddy and slippery. Shoes with great traction is a must for safety.
Once you reach the top of the path, you will be rewarded with heart-racing views of Skye.
*Tip – Should you make your visit during high season; arrive early as the car park fills up quickly.
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
A little further up the captivating driving route, you will encounter one of the most breathtaking cliffside overlooks on the island. The basalt columns of Kilt Rock soar above the rocky coastline. The geologic formation gets its name from the remarkable resemblance of the Scottish kilt. Closer to your viewpoint is Mealt Falls plunging onto the stones below.
As you pan into the distance and listen to the waves crash against the base of the cliff, you will feel like you are on the edge of the world.
The scenic viewpoint is located on Staffin Road (A855) just north of The Old Man of Storr. The signs pointing to the carpark will be clearly marked along the road.
*Tip – By gazing at the opposite end of the viewing area, you will witness equally amazing cliffside views.
Fairy Pools
The surroundings of this walking path will make you think they were pulled directly from a fairy-tale. With the astonishing Cuillin Mountains in the background, you will pass several transparent pools fed by cascading waterfalls. If you are the adventurous type, you can even find the perfect spot to take a dip into the water.
The path to the Fairy Pools is relatively flat, aside from a steep hill close to the car park. Proceed with care when using stones to cross the river as they can become slick.
To reach the Fairy Pools from our last destination, drive in the opposite direction along Staffin Road back to Portree. Head south onto A87 and then onto to A863 towards the town of Carbost. Take the road toward Glenbrittle and you will see signs for the Fairy Pools carpark.
*Tip – The carpark requires a parking fee so have cash on hand for this hike.
