Why visit skye

The Old Man of Storr is a series of captivating rocks standing tall and proud and visible from all over the island. As part of the Trotternish ridge , the Storr evolved due to a massive ancient landslide, leaving behind one of the most photographed landscapes in the world.

Overlooking breathtaking cliffs and sky blue, pristine water, this amazing lighthouse is an ideal spot to stop off at. These highlands are perfect for hiking, taking in the fresh air, and appreciating the spellbinding views of the sky, sea, and hills. Many of them offer good views of the scenery and are in close proximity to the main attractions.

All the sightseeing and photography might leave you hungry but never fear, the Isle of Skye has you covered. The Isle of Skye is a haven for animals: flocks of sheep wander the fields, and you may even bump into the iconic Highland cow along the small roads.

The Isle of Skye is home to many film crews from around the world due to its stunning scenery. Its out-of-this-world beauty even attracted the makers of the Star Wars films, who recorded scenes in Quiriang. As one of the most photogenic places in the UK, the Isle of Skye offers numerous spots to take photos or buy postcards — send them to your family and friends and tempt them to this beautiful location.

From nature rambles to awe-inspiring views, this island offers something for everyone. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. Today, visitors can still see some cairns, duns and brochs, buildings from the early period.

The Picts have also left traces in the form of symbolic stones. Many names such as the Cill Chriosd indicate this. From the eighth century, the Vikings appropriated the island. Skye was thus under Norse rule for around years. Their legacy can still be clearly seen today, namely in the place names. So Carbost is the home of a former Norse farmer named Karri. When the Vikings were finally defeated and driven out, two clans divided the island between themselves — the MacDonalds ruled the south and the MacLeods the north.

Of course how could it be otherwise the two clans were enemies to the death. So it was on Skye that the last clan battle on British soil took place. Of the MacLeods, Dunvegan Castle can still be seen today, including the famous fairy flag.

To the south at Armadale Castle , the MacDonalds cherish their heritage in their own heritage center. For this, and for her other deeds, a large memorial stone was donated to her on her grave. Naturally, the period of clearances did not leave Skye unscathed: Between and , the population halved. In some cases, the inhabitants were forcibly shipped off to the New World on ships; in others, hunger or poor economic prospects drove them away.

Clashes broke out with the police, who cracked down. Demanded by nationwide public outrage, the government set up a commission that eventually enacted the Crofters Act. In it, farmers are promised more security and fair rents. The crofters lived in their blackhouses until the 20th century.

A typical settlement of this type survives on Skye at the Museum of Island Life and can be visited. Skye is home to around 10, Scots, which is only about 6 people per square kilometre — by comparison, Inverness would already have 25 and Germany has Since tourism discovered the island, the population figures have risen again. Unemployment is also on the decline. However, the unemployment statistics of the island show strong fluctuations between summer and winter — also due to the fact that in summer tourism requires more help.

Slightly less than half of the inhabitants still speak Gaelic today. As a result, many place-name signs here are also bilingual — Gaelic above, English below. A centre dedicated to the promotion of Gaelic language and culture. The most important place on the island is the capital Portree , which is home to about 2, island residents.

Another important place is ferry port is Uig. From here you can cross to the Outer Hebrides. Skip to content Where are the Highlands at their most beautiful?

Landscape: Wonderful and varied I know of no other place where so many different landscapes can be seen. Loch Coruisk In the north, however, on Waternish and Trotternish you will find artfully carved mountains, with soft and sometimes bizarre shapes: The MacLeods Tables with their flattened peaks, the humpbacked Quiraing or the rocky Old Man of Storr. Districts of the Isle of Skye The main places of interest on the Isle of Skye The island is admittedly a total work of art.

Surrounded by its rugged siblings, The Old Man of Storr is impossible to miss. This mysterious, and some would say haunted, marvel is a popular spot to take in stupendous views, especially during midday.

While some believe The Old Man of Storr to be the thumb of a giant that once lived on Trotternish Ridge , others are content with a more scientific explanation: an ancient landslide created this spectacular wonder. No matter what you think, you're sure to be impressed with the unsurpassable views and lush beauty of this northern spectacle.

Pack a camera! A mere minute drive from Portree , The Old Man of Storr is accessible on foot and will take about 75 minutes and 3. Wear proper gear and head out early if you want to beat the crowds, especially during summer. Mealt Waterfall and Kilt Rock. The kilt-like pattern of sedimentary and igneous rocks led to this sea-cliff's unique name.

Your first glimpse of this meter wonder, located on the Trotternish Peninsula, will literally take your breath away. This dramatic cliff also boasts another of the top tourist attractions on the Isle of Skye, the Mealt Waterfall , a lavish cascade you will likely hear before you see. This impressive waterfall drops 51 meters into the Sound of Raasay , caressing the kilt-shaped basalt rock columns on its way down.

If you listen closely, you can hear the whistle made by the falls as the water crashes down. Similar to a bagpipe's eerie tunes, this whistle becomes even more dramatic on a particularly windy day. It's a long way to the sea below, so be sure to stay behind the protective barrier on the viewing platform. The Fairy Pools.

A magnificent slice of paradise is found at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountain range. Not easily spotted from the road, the spectacular Fairy Pools wow visitors who've made the easy 1.

While the looming mountain range entices travelers to turn their gazes upwards, the crystal-clear water of the intricate Fairy Pools is so captivating, you'll find it difficult to keep your eyes on anything else. Located near the village of Glenbrittle , this incredible spot is so serene, you'll almost forget that you're sharing the view with many other travelers. If you're hoping for true solitude, visit early in the morning so you can have the place to yourself.

The crisp streams, deep emerald pools, and rushing waterfalls are a photographer's dream, while the sparkling water invites the bravest of travelers to jump into its icy embrace. Others will enjoy seeing their reflections stare back at them from the pristine pools while they scramble across the rocks. While there's no proof this enchanted spot was created by fairies, a visit to Fairy Glen will have even the biggest cynic believing in magic.

Found on the west side of Trotternish near the village of Uig , Fairy Glen is utterly divine and overtly enchanting. Grassy hills are ringed by paths worn down by the many sheep who call this ethereal land home.

You'll find a ton of them wandering around the hilltops and hiding in the nooks and crannies spotted throughout the glen, bleating their welcome as you come near.

One of the tallest hills in Fairy Glen maintains its basalt top, which looks like an ancient man-made tower. Fittingly, it has been named Castle Ewan. Kids will love playing "king of the castle" from here, and chasing each other through the winding landscape in a game of tag. A walk up these fairy-tale hills provides delightful views of a lush, charmed land you'll remember for years to come. As is the case with many of the gorgeous spots on this list, be sure you pack a camera! The Skye Museum of Island Life.

Step back in time with a glimpse of what life was like in an old Highland village. Situated in Kilmuir , The Skye Museum of Island Life features a preserved town of thatched cottages, one of which dates to the midth century. This unique museum opened in with a goal of "preserving a township of thatched cottages," and it has done so successfully.

Head inside the historic homes to learn about the area's history, as well as how the settlers survived in this rugged terrain. Intricate exhibits teach visitors how the earlier villagers thatched a roof, tilled soil, made peat fires, and created tweed for blankets and clothes.

You'll also find everything from ancient bibles to agricultural equipment to bedding, along with incredible, sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside. Old stone bridge in Sligachan. The best place to witness a picture-perfect view, Sligachan lies at the spot where the Black Cuillin meets the western seaboard. Below a captivating stone bridge runs the River Sligachan , a vista made famous on the front of a gazillion postcards.

The Red and Black Cuillins a large range of rocky mountains rest nearby, awaiting adventurous travelers willing to climb to their ragged peaks.