Isle Of Skye Itinerary: The Ultimate 3-5 Days Road Trip

Last Updated: February 7 2024

Famous for its rugged landscapes, wildlife-watching opportunities, and medieval castles, the Isle of Skye is undoubtedly one of the most iconic destinations in Scotland.

It’s one of the Inner Hebrides and is the largest island of this group at 50 miles (80 km long). With so much to offer, creating an Isle of Skye itinerary isn’t easy but that’s where we come in!

Whether you’re looking for epic hiking trails, unique museums, or beautiful beaches, this magical destination has something for everyone.

There are so many fantastic places to visit on Skye and the best way to see them all is to plan a road trip. This is the way we’ll be choosing to get around in this article as it offers you the best flexibility.

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A Quick Overview of Your Isle of Skye Itinerary

For this itinerary, we’re going to be getting around the island by car. Many people choose to base themselves in Portree too so we’ll be starting each day from there just to give you an idea of distances!

Day 1: The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, Staffin Dinosaur Museum, An Corran Beach, The Quariang Pass, Skye Museum of Island Life & The Fairy Glen

Day 2: Trumpan Church, Claigan Coral Beach, Dunvegan Castle, Dunvegan Bakery, Neist Point Lighthouse & Arts & Craft Studios

Day 3: Portree, Sound of Raasay Boat Trip, Sligachan, Talisker Distillery, Fiscavaig, Talisker Bay & Fairy Pools

Day 4: Elgol & Loch Coruisk

Day 5: Broadford, Point of Sleat, Armadale Castle, Armadale Ferry Port & Kylerhea Otter Hide

3-Day Isle of Skye Itinerary

Day 1: The Trotternish Peninsula

Distance: 56 miles (90 km)

The first day of this Isle of Skye itinerary will see you explore the Trotternish Peninsula. It’s the most Northern peninsula on the island and is home to an array of awesome attractions.

Often referred to as the ‘Trotternish Loop’, this scenic route will allow you to visit some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes. From the Old Man of Storr to The Quariang Pass, we’ve made sure to include plenty of iconic destinations on this day to whet your appetite.

Covering only 56 miles, this is the shortest distance you’ll drive during your time on Skye if you follow this itinerary!

The Old Man of Storr

A must for any Isle of Skye road trip; the Old Man of Storr is one of the most popular places on the island. It also offers one of the most famous hikes in the country so it’s not a place you want to miss.

The Old Man of Storr is a rocky hill, and you’ll need to allow at least 1.5 hours for a round trip. The trail is around 2.4 miles long (3.8 km) and is relatively easy, although it does require plenty of exertion at some points.

Once you get to the top, you’ll have breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Sound of Raasay. Make sure you get plenty of awesome photographs, but just be mindful that the weather can change quickly up here!

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

Just a 12-minute drive from Storr, you’ll come across Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. Both of these sites are best observed from the Mealt Falls viewpoint, where you’ll get panoramic views of the sea, waterfall, and coastline.

Kilt Rock is made up of basalt columns and makes for a rather dramatic setting for the thundering Mealt Falls. At an impressive 180 ft (55 meters high), the falls have quite a drop to reach the sea, after being fed by the nearby Loch Mealt.

Although a popular spot, the car park here is really small so you’ll want to visit pretty early on to get a spot. Tour buses do frequent this place, and you don’t want to experience the crowds that come with them.

Staffin Dinosaur Museum

If you’re a fan of dinosaurs like us (yes, we never really grew up) then you’ll want to visit Staffin Dinosaur Museum. It’s a must for any Isle of Skye itinerary as it’s home to an internationally acclaimed collection of fossils.

The museum has been around since 1976 and was established by Dugald Ross; a young teenager, who at the time, had found several fossils on the island. Over the years, iconic dinosaur fossils like that of Stegosaurus and Megalosaurus have been found here.

Staffin Dinosaur Museum is open from April to October. It’s only small too, so you won’t need a lot of time to wander around. However, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to chat with the guy who discovered a lot of the fossils here!

An Corran Beach

In our opinion, An Corran Beach is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit on the Isle of Skye! Offering incredible views of Eilean Fhkodaigearraidh and Eilean Steinnseal, this small beach is one of the island’s hidden gems.

However, there’s something even more special about this place. An Corran is home to fossilized dinosaur footprints, from creatures that once roamed this beach around 166 million years ago.

To date, experts have found around 17 of these dinosaur footprints, with some of them being from the meat-eating Megalosaurus. To find the footprints, you’ll need to visit the beach at mid-to-low tide, as otherwise they’ll be covered by water.

Part of the fun is finding them yourself so simply wander along the beach and keep your eyes peeled!

The Quariang Pass

This iconic road is a must for any Isle of Skye 3-day itinerary! It’s a mountain pass that’s situated at 856 ft (261m), so naturally, it offers fantastic views of the Trotternish Peninsula.

From An Corran Beach, you’ll head inland along this pass and it will take you to the peninsula’s west side. To drive the whole route (which you’ll want to do), allow at least 20 minutes for the journey.

With tight bends, narrow passing places, and one-lane roads, it’s quite the adventure, but only for those who are confident drivers. If you don’t mind the hairy experience, then look forward to the spectacular views from the top!

Avoid the pass if the weather isn’t up to scratch as you won’t get to appreciate the views anyway!

Skye Museum of Island Life

The first day of this Isle of Skye itinerary will see you visit another museum – the Skye Museum of Island Life. It’s the perfect place to learn about Skye’s history as you’ll honestly feel like you’ve stepped back in time!

Based in Kilmui, this museum offers something truly special. Here, you’ll find a small township of thatched cottages that have been kept exactly as they would have been back in the 18th century.

This allows you to understand how people would have lived back then, what they did for work, and how things began to change on the island. Just wandering around the cottages is an experience in itself.

This award-winning tourist attraction is dedicated to preserving the island’s history which makes it a must-visit!

The Fairy Glen

To see the best of the Isle of Skye in 3 days you need to visit the Fairy Glen! It’s one of the most unique destinations you’ll ever come across, and we can honestly say it will take your breath away.

Home to grassy cone-shaped hills, stone spirals, and unique rock formations, the landscapes here are out of this world. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a Lord of the Rings film, so take your time and don’t be afraid to wander around.

Most of the walking paths here are relatively flat, but climbing up Castle Ewen can be a bit of a challenge. This is especially the case if it’s been raining, as the path can be really muddy, and slippery.

Day 2: North West Skye

Distance: 91 miles (146 km)

The second day of this Isle of Skye itinerary will see you cover the North West of the Island. Neist Point Lighthouse is found here, and honestly, this is one of our all-time favourite places!

From an ancient church to a beautiful coral beach, you’ll have a bit of everything today. You may be glad to hear, that day two is a little less exhaustive in terms of exercise.

However, it’s one of the longest driving days you’ll have whilst on Skye. Many of the destinations below are a good distance from each other, so you’ll need to allow extra time to drive between the locations.

Trumpan Church

When planning the ultimate Isle of Skye route, you should pay a visit to Trumpan Church. Although relatively out of the way, if you’ve got the time we’d definitely recommend including this place on your itinerary!

This church is thought to date back to the 1300s but it’s never been officially dated. It was once the centre point of a small township, but today all that’s left is a ruin and the surrounding graveyard. There are some iconic figures buried here too including John Bowlby.

Aside from the stunning sea views, you’ll find Clach Deuchainn at this church too. It’s a standing stone that’s also known as the ‘Priest’s Stone’, so make sure you check it out. Not only that but Trumpan Church was the site of a horrific event named ‘the Battle of the Spoiling of the Dyke’.

Claigan Coral Beach

No Isle of Skye road trip itinerary is complete without visiting Claigan Coral Beach. It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in the country and is made up of fossilised algae.

To reach this beach, it’s just a 25-minute walk from the car park. You’ll be covering a distance of around 1.2 miles (1.9 km), and will be treated to breathtaking scenery along the way!

Once you’ve made it to Claigan Coral Beach, you’ll get breathtaking views of Loch Dunvegan as it makes its way out to sea. If you head here at low tide, you’ll also get to walk over to Lampay Island.

To reach the car park, you’ll have to drive down a single-track dirt road. However, the road isn’t suitable for large vans or motorhomes so just keep that in mind.

Dunvegan Castle

On this Isle of Skye road trip, you’ll want to allow some time to visit Dunvegan Castle. It’s located on a 42,000-acre estate that’s owned by the MacLeod clan!

What’s special about Dunvegan is that it’s the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. The family still actually live here today, as they have for over 800 years, but luckily, the public is allowed to visit.

The castle itself is surrounded by beautiful gardens, dense forests, and spectacular ocean views. However, once you take a look inside, you’ll be even more impressed!

You’ll get to explore large areas of the living quarters and learn all about the castle’s history during your visit. For the best experience, you’ll want to spend at least 1-2 hours here.

Dunvegan Bakery

If you require a little pit stop then head to Dunvegan Bakery. Dating back to around 1870, it’s the oldest bakery on Skye and is open all year around.

The building is charming in itself as it’s a small traditional cottage with some outdoor seating available. However, the real delights are waiting for you inside, so make sure you fill your boots.

At Dunvegan Bakery, you’ve got a variety of tasty snacks waiting for you including bread, pastries, and pies. You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to sweet treats, as this place has a bit of everything ranging from scones to muffins.

Everything is made on-site and there’s also a coffee shop here where you can grab light meals and breakfast items such as a bacon bap.

Neist Point Lighthouse

Neist Point Lighthouse is without a doubt one of our favourite places on the Isle of Skye! It’s located on the island’s most western tip and has been around since 1909.

The dramatic landscapes that you’ll encounter here will take your breath away, and there are plenty of awesome vantage points. From the car park, the walk down to Neist Point takes around 45 minutes, as you’ll want to take your time. This way, you can appreciate the epic views.

Along the way, look out for minke whales and basking sharks that can sometimes be spotted along the coast. For the best experience, take some binoculars with you!

The one thing with this lighthouse is that parking is extremely limited, which isn’t great considering how popular this place is.

Visit some of the area’s craft studios

If you find you’ve got some extra time, then why not hit up some of the area’s craft studios? You’ll find plenty of them in North West Skye, so there’s sure to be something for everyone.

For starters, you’ve got Skye Weavers which is a small sewing business. Whether it’s a throw or scarf, all their textiles are woven using a pedal-powered loom.

You’ve also got Skyeskyns which focuses on eco-tanned sheepskin, and you can actually take a guided tour here. If you’d prefer a more delicate souvenir, then check out Skye Silver as they have a variety of traditional and Celtic jewellery designs.

Other craft studios you can visit in North West Skye include Skyescape Gallery, Kelpie Crafts & Art Studio, Dun Studio, and Raven Press Gallery.

Day 3: Central Skye

Distance: 62 miles (100 km)

The third day of this Isle of Skye itinerary will see you explore Central Skye. This is where you’ll find the island’s capital of Portree and some other fan favourites.

Compared to yesterday, you’ll be doing a lot less driving but will still get to see just as much. With a few gentle walks, a wildlife-watching boat trip, and an awesome distillery, there’s something for everyone on today’s route.

You’ll also get to visit some of Skye’s more hidden gems that don’t tend to attract the crowds. This way, you can appreciate the epic landscapes and awesome experiences in peace!

Portree

Portree is a must for any Isle of Skye itinerary as it’s the island’s capital. Although only home to a population of around 2,400 people, it’s the largest town on Skye.

Originally a small fishing village; today Portree is one of the best places to base yourself if you’re exploring the island. It has plenty of amenities including accommodation and restaurants, and you’ll be close to some of Skye’s iconic attractions.

One of the main draws to this place has to be its beauty with its colourful houses and scenic location. Surrounded by Loch Portree, rolling green hills, and the Sound of Raasay, the scenery here is out of this world!

Some of the most popular attractions in Portree include the Apothecary’s Tower, the Isle of Skye Distillers, and Portree Harbour.

Sound of Raasay Boat Trip

A ‘sound’ is essentially a body of water in British/Scottish terms that isn’t fully open to the sea. Between Skye and the Isle of Raasay, you’ve got the Sound of Raasay, which is the perfect location for a boat trip.

You can either book your trip in advance online or you can head straight down to Portree Harbour as that’s where they depart from. We went with Stardust and couldn’t recommend them enough, as the experience was fantastic!

Aside from admiring the breathtaking views, you’ve got a great chance of spotting wildlife on this trip. We were lucky enough to see dolphins, seals, and sea eagles during our 2-hour trip.

However, you might even get to spot orcas, whales, and puffins so keep your eyes peeled! Top tip: Some of the boats will allow you up to the top deck but you’ll have to be quick as spaces are limited up here.

Sligachan

Next up on this Isle of Skye road trip is Sligachan, which is a small settlement near the Cuillin mountain range. It’s located at the junction that connects Broadford, Dunvegan, and Portree.

Offering epic views of the Black Cuillin Mountains, fantastic hiking trails, and Seumas’ Bar which is located within the Sligachan Hotel, this place has something for everyone.

The best place to take in the jaw-dropping scenery is from the small bridge. With the river rushing below you, and towering mountains all around, you’ll definitely want to get your camera out here!

If you have an extra couple of days in Skye and you’re looking to ascend the Cuilin Mountains, then choose one of the accommodation options in Sligachan. There’s a hotel, bunkhouse, and campsite.

Talisker Distillery

You may have already seen Talisker Distillery as it’s often on TV adverts and in travel guides. It’s such an iconic destination, that we couldn’t leave it off this Isle of Skye itinerary.

Talisker is the oldest functioning distillery in Skye and it’s located near Loch Harport, just a short drive from Fiskavaig (our next stop).

The best thing to do here is to go on a tour of the distillery. You’ll get to learn all about the distillery process, and of course, get to sample some whisky. If you’re the designated driver, you can grab a few samplers or a whole bottle to take home with you from the on-site shop.

For those who aren’t driving, there’s a bar outside where you can grab a drink and admire the breathtaking scenery (if you don’t feel too guilty about the driver that is).

Fiskavaig

Also spelt Fiscavaig, this is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet. Over the years, the Isle of Skye has become quite the tourist destination, but small settlements like this remain off the beaten path.

Located out on the Minginish peninsula, the landscapes here are stunning. Boasting coastal viewpoints, small beaches, old ruins, and hiking trails, it’s the perfect spot for spending some time out in nature.

You won’t find much to do in this area as it’s all about the views, but you can spot wildlife here too. In fact, Fiskavaig is an excellent place for spotting orcas as they’re sighted in the bay throughout the year.

We actually stayed in Fiskavaig and orcas had been spotted a couple of weeks before our visit, but we had no such luck!

Talisker Bay

When planning a Scotland road trip one of the first things on your mind should be eagles! These huge birds can be spotted all over the country, but Skye is an especially great place to see them.

To increase your chances, there are a few ‘hot spots’ that you’ll want to visit. Talisker Bay (or Talisker Beach) is one of these, and it’s located near Carbost Village on the West Coast.

After you’ve parked up, it’s just a 20-minute walk to the beach. As it’s quite remote, you won’t find many people here, and quite often you’ll have the beach all to yourself.

While here, we got to see two golden eagles soaring through the skies for 20-30 minutes. If you’ve got binoculars then this is the place to bring them!

Fairy Pools

The last stop of day three is the Fairy Pools – possibly one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island. Situated within Glenbrittle, this amazing place is free to visit although you will need to pay for the car park.

After walking for around 15-20 minutes, you’ll find numerous aqua-blue pools of water which flow down from the Cuilin Mountains. As you continue to walk along the trail, the pools will become quieter as many people don’t tend to walk the whole way.

If you’re after a bit of adrenaline, then you can always take a dip in these icy but crystal-clear waters. However, prepare yourself for a shock as the water temperature will take your breath away!

5-Day Isle of Skye Itinerary

If you’ve got more than three days on the Isle of Skye then there are a few other places that you’ll want to visit. From the beautiful Loch Coruisk to the charming village of Broadford, there’s still a lot to see.

The first three days of this Isle of Skye road trip are what you’ll want to prioritize. If you have longer, we’ve also included days 4 & 5 below!

Day 4: Elgol & Loch Coruisk

Distance: 79 miles (127 km) + boat trip/hike to Loch Coruisk

Although today’s itinerary doesn’t seem very action-packed compared to the others, there’s a reason for this. First of all, you’ll be visiting Elgol and there’s a lot to do in this area. However, the highlight has to be Loch Coruisk.

Whether you reach this breathtaking loch by boat trip or hike is completely up to you! If it’s the latter, you’ll certainly need a full day. Catching the boat is much easier (and quicker), although it doesn’t offer the same kind of adventure!

Depending on the decision you make, you can easily customise this itinerary to your needs. If you’re looking to catch the boat, then check out some other destinations close to Elgol too.

Elgol

On day four of this Skye itinerary, you’ll want to visit the coastal village of Elgol. It’s relatively out of the way, but the epic vistas of the Cuilin Mountains and the sea will make your journey worthwhile.

If it’s a clear day, you’ll be able to see the Northern Inner Hebrides from here, which are islands located North of Skye. From Elgol, you can head out on a variety of hiking trails or you can visit some of the nearby beaches.

One of the best things to do in Elgol is to go on a boat trip! One of the main companies here is Bella Jane, and there are a couple of different trips you can do. You can either head out on a wildlife trip to the Small Isles or head to Loch Coruisk.

Loch Coruisk

Loch Coruisk is the largest loch on the Isle of Skye at 1,102 feet (336 metres) wide. The loch is undeniably beautiful but it’s also shrouded in mystery. It’s said to be home to a water horse or kelpie, which is a shape-shifting spirit within Scottish folklore.

Getting to Loch Coruisk can seem like a task as it’s remote but it’s worth the trip. It sits at the base of the Black Cuilin Mountain and you can either hike there or catch a boat from Elgol which takes around 45 minutes.

If you’re up for the hike, then you can either start from Elgol or Sligachan. Hiking from Elgol is much harder, especially if you’re an inexperienced hiker. The trek from Sligachan is 7-8 miles long, but it’s the most leisurely option!

Day 5: Southern Skye

Distance: 116 miles (187 km)

The last day of this Isle of Skye 5-day itinerary requires plenty of driving so you’ll need to have an early start. In fact, it’s the most miles you’ll have done in one day, but trust us – it’s completely worth it.

Today, you’ll get to admire the spectacular landscapes from The Point of Sleat, visit Armadale Castle, and look out for otters. Don’t forget about the village of Broadford, which is where you’ll want to pick up some souvenirs.

As it’s the last day, this route focuses on Southern Skye. Once you’ve finished exploring, you can either cross back over the Skye Bridge or catch a ferry over to the mainland.

Broadford

Broadford is the second largest village on the island and is often where people choose to base themselves for their trip. You’ll come across it not long after you’ve driven over the Skye Bridge, and you’ll find plenty of amenities here.

Broadford is the go-to place for outdoor activities. Located near the Red Cuillins mountains, you’ll find endless opportunities for hiking and climbing. There are also plenty of unique craft stores here, so take some time to wander around and treat yourself.

If you’re a fan of nature like us, then this village is a must-visit as there’s plenty of marine life in the area. This includes otters, seals, dolphins, and white-tailed sea eagles. If you’re lucky, you might even get to spot whales and orcas!

Point of Sleat

If you’re looking for places to visit on your Isle of Skye road trip then head to the Point of Sleat. It’s Skye’s southernmost point, and to reach it, you’ll need to drive down a narrow road.

At the end of the road, you’ll find a car park. From here, the hike will take you over moors and grassland, and you’ll cover a distance of around 5.3 miles (8.5 km).

One of the first points of interest has to be Camas Daraich which is one of Skye’s most beautiful beaches. At the end of the hike, you’ll come to a lighthouse. From here, you’ll be treated to spectacular views and the chance to spot marine mammals!

For the best experience, allow at least 3-4 hours to complete the hike as you’ll want to take your time.

Armadale Castle

This impressive castle is 1,500 years old and has been home to the Clan Donalds, who were one of the most powerful Scottish families in history.

The castle is majestic in itself, but it’s located on 40 acres of landscaped gardens too. Home to historic walks, a breathtaking backdrop, and a fantastic museum, this place has so much to offer!

You can’t enter Armadale Castle due to its instability, but you can explore the gardens. If you’re lucky, you might get to spot red deer roaming around the grounds and eagles soaring above so keep your eyes peeled.

The key thing to note about this castle is that it’s one of the most popular destinations on the Isle of Skye. To avoid the crowds, try to steer clear of weekends.

Armadale Ferry Port

Just a 3-minute drive from Armadale Castle, the ferry port is a worthwhile stop. Although the terminal is only small, you can head back to the mainland from here, so you can always end day five by catching a ferry over to Mallaig.

However, even if you’re not heading back just yet, there are a few reasons to visit. First of all, there are several local craft stores here selling landscape prints, clothing, and pottery, among other items.

While here, you should grab a bite to eat at ‘The Shed‘. There’s outdoor seating so you can admire the epic views while chowing down on a burger, pizza, or fish and chips! Lastly, if you head to the nearby beach, you might even get to spot dolphins.

Kylerhea Otter Hide

The last stop of this Isle of Skye itinerary is Kylerhea Otter Hide. It’s one of the best places in the UK to see otters, although it’s one of the least popular spots on the island.

This is actually a good thing though as you’ll have a much better chance of spotting these elusive creatures without the noise that crowds often bring. To reach the hide, it’s a 25-minute drive from the village of Broadford.

Once you’ve parked up, it’s just a short walk to the hide and then it’s time for a bit of patience. You can spot other mammals here, and there’s an information board that will give you more details. Make sure you appreciate the spectacular views over to Glenelg too!

Other Things to Do on The Isle of Skye

If you find yourself with some extra time, you can add plenty of other places to your Isle of Skye itinerary.

Here are some of the other things you can do here:

• Hike to Rubha nam Brathairean (Brother’s Point) – The hike is around 2 miles long (3.2 km).
• Explore the coast by sea kayak
• Have dinner at The Stein Inn – It’s the oldest Inn on the Island.
• Look out for marine life from Rubha Hunish – It’s the Northernmost point in Skye!
• Hit some hiking trails – Blà Bheinn (Blaven), Coire Lagan, and Sgurr na Stri are great hiking trails.
• Watch out for wildlife – There’s plenty to see on Skye including deer, eagles, dolphins, and whales.
• Admire the many waterfalls – Lealt Falls, Brides Veil Waterfall, and Falls of Rha.
• Photograph a Highland Cow!
• Marvel at some of the ancient castles – Dunscaith, Duntulum Castle, and Caisteal Maol.

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Helpful Information For Your Isle of Skye Road Trip

Where to stay on the Isle of Skye

To see all that this island has to offer, you’ll want to spend a couple of nights on Skye. The island isn’t very big but there are several awesome places where you can base yourself.

Below are two of the most popular places to stay and accommodation options for each one!

Portree

Portree is the capital of the island and it’s home to a charming harbour, colourful houses, and beautiful scenery. As it’s relatively central, you’ll be in an excellent location for exploring the rest of the island.

For those who are planning to explore via public transport, then it’s the perfect place to stay!

The best places to stay in Portree

Luxury: Cuillin Hills Hotel

Mid-range: The Portree Hotel

Budget: Air Leth Bed & Breakfast

Broadford

Broadford is the second-largest settlement on the Island of Skye and it’s located just a 12-minute drive from the Skye Bridge. This place is famous for its outdoor activities and you’ve got a great chance of spotting marine life here too.

The best places to stay in Broadford

Luxury: Broadford Hotel

Mid-range: Hebridean Inn

Budget: Broadford Youth Hostel

How to get to the Isle of Skye

There are five international airports in Scotland but the closest one is Inverness, which is just under a 2-hour drive. You can’t actually fly to Skye itself as the airstrip there doesn’t receive domestic flights so flying into Inverness is your best option.

Trains don’t run to the island; instead, you’ll need to catch a train to the Kyle of Lochalsh. From there, you can catch a bus over to the Isle of Skye. Your other option is to catch a bus straight to Skye from Inverness or Glasgow.

From Mallaig on the Scottish mainland, you can also catch the ferry. However, the public transport links from the terminal once you get off aren’t very frequent. For this reason, it’s not the best option if you’re a foot passenger.

For the best experience, we recommend driving to the Kyle of Lochalsh in your own vehicle. Then you just need to drive over the Skye Bridge and you can continue your trip from there.

The Best time to visit the Isle of Skye

For the best experience, you’ll want to visit Skye between May-September. Overall, the most popular time to visit is during the summer months of June, July, and August.

This is when the weather is at its best and you’ll encounter the highest temperatures. However, no matter when you go, you’re likely to encounter rainfall. Unfortunately, Skye can become extremely crowded during the summer too, especially in July and August.

We’d recommend heading to the Isle of Skye from May to Early June, or September. You’ll encounter fewer crowds this way and will have a better time trying to find accommodation and free campsite spaces.

The weather in Skye is unpredictable at best and it’s the same whenever you visit. For a more wild and rugged experience, you could always explore the island during the winter months. It will be much quieter at this time, although most campsites will be shut.

Travel tips for road-tripping the Isle of Skye

When visiting the Isle of Skye there are a couple of things that you should be aware of.

Here are some of our top travel tips when it comes to an Isle of Skye road trip:

• Some of the roads on the island are incredibly narrow. If you’re not used to this as a driver, then take your time and just be cautious, as some areas have very few passing places.
• In the more populated areas of Skye, you should have no problems getting service. However, once you head into the sticks, it’s likely you won’t have any signal whatsoever.
• Leading on from the last point, download offline maps of the Isle of Skye with Google. Thanks to its windy lanes, it can be a difficult place to navigate and you don’t want to be caught short.
• For those travelling during the peak summer months, you’ll need to book accommodation and even campsites in advance. They can get booked up really quickly!
• Don’t rush your time on the Isle of Skye. There are adventures to be had at every corner, but there are also plenty of places where you can kick back and relax.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Isle of Skye

How many days do you need on the Isle of Skye?

For the best experience, you’ll want to spend at least 3 days in the Isle of Skye. This gives you ample time to explore the island and see all the best sites.

If you’ve got even longer then you’ll be able to take a day trip to Loch Coruisk and try out some of Skye’s hiking trails. Some people choose to stay for one day but in our opinion, that’s certainly not enough time!

How long does it take to go around the Isle of Skye?

You can drive around the whole island in less than a day but we wouldn’t recommend it. Although you’ll get to appreciate the beauty of Skye you won’t get to stop off at the attractions.

You’ll literally spend the whole day driving and will only have time to make a few photo stops!

What is a good budget for the Isle of Skye?

Unfortunately, Scotland is expensive and the Isle of Skye is no different. For the best experience, allow at least £30-£50 per person per day for your trip, and around £100 if you’re staying in accommodation.

To save money on your trip, why not wild camp and cook your own meals? You’ll also find that many of the attractions on the island are free or relatively cheap to visit.

Is Skye bad for Midges?

Like the majority of Scotland, the Isle of Skye does have midges. These little critters are notoriously annoying so you’ll want to pack plenty of bug spray!

If you’re spending time near the water then you’re much more likely to encounter them. You can also pack a mosquito net for the evenings which may help.

Final Thoughts on Your Isle of Skye Itinerary

Planning an Isle of Skye road trip is super exciting, and in our opinion, it offers one of the best experiences that the United Kingdom has to offer.

Whether you have 3,5, or 7 days (or even longer), you’ll find so much to do on this magical island. Full of rugged landscapes, incredible wildlife-watching opportunities, and quirky museums, there’s something for everyone.

As there’s so much to see and do, take your time, and that way you can truly appreciate all this place has to offer.

If you have any further questions about this Isle of Skye itinerary then don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below.

If you’ve enjoyed this guide then here are some other articles that you might find helpful:

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