Scottish Roadtrip | 3 days on Isle of Skye
Visiting the Isle of Skye while you’re in Scotland? With its unparalleled beauty and rugged landscape, it’s not hard to understand why so many people make a stop here during their Scottish adventures.
Tys and I visited in October 2024 during a longer 7 Day Roadtrip Through the Highlands and only had a short time on Skye, but we are already planning our return! This guide is packed with our favourites, as well as some stops we have our eye on for next time. So whether you’re looking for inspiration or in search of fresh ideas for a revisit, enjoy!
If you’re curious about Scotland’s right to roam laws, be sure to check out our Wild Camping in the Scottish Highlands guide as well — the best way to see all this incredible nation has to offer.
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
Day 1 - North East Skye
Old Man of Storr
Approximate time there: 2 hours
Definitely one of Scotland’s most iconic views, Old Man of Storr is known for its unique rock formations and incredible scenery. The hike is short and steep, and typically takes about 45 minutes each way.
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
Approximate time there: 15-30 minutes
This stop is quick, beautiful and definitely worth the time to pull over! Kilt rock can be seen jutting out beind Mealt Falls in the distance, a cliff face of hexagonal rocks, similar to those found at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. This pattern resembles the pleats of a kilt, thus the name. Mealt falls is one of only ten waterfalls that drain into the sea in all of Europe.
Staffin Beach*
Approximate time there: 30 minutes-1 hour
Interested in taking a step in a dinosaur’s shoes? Staffin Beach is famous for the dinosaur footprints found here; they can be covered by water so check tide times and visit when the tide is low!
The Quiraing*
Approximate time there: 30 minutes-2.5 hours
One of the most incredible landscapes in Isle of Skye, parts of the Quiraing are visible from the car park, but if you walk about 15 minutes along the path the crowds will thin and the views only get better! If you’re feeling adventurous, the path leads you on a two-hour loop-walk through the otherworldly rock formations. The path is considered “hard” by most ratings.
Day 2 - North West & Central Skye
Dunvegan Castle*
Approximate time there: 1-2 hours
The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, Dunvegan, has tons to offer visitors. Whether you want to explore the grounds or take a boat tour to see a seal colony, Dunvegan delivers. Be sure to check hours before arriving as they fluctuate throughout the year.
Neist Point at sunset
Neist Point
Approximate time there: 1-1.5 hours
Stop the car and get ready for a stroll. Follow the path to the lighthouse on the most western point of Isle of Skye. The walk takes about 45 minutes each way, and treats you to some incredible views of the unbelievable Scottish cliffs.
Fairy Pools on Isle of Skye
Cafe Cuil
Approximate time there: 1 hour
Locally sourced ingredients and views of Skye’s landscape are guaranteed at this must-stop restaurant, known for their brunch and lunch options. The staff is wonderful and will make you feel right at home!
Fairy Pools
Approximate time there: 1.5-2.5 hours
A gorgeous, relatively easy walk along a stream with waterfalls and tiered pools with mountains as the backdrop. You can walk for as much or as little as you’d like, but the first glimpses of the pools are about 45 minutes in. Be aware that though the majority of the walk is decently level, the first stretch is a very steep downhill, which means a steep uphill on the return!
Talisker Distillery*
Approximate time there: 1-2 hours
Stop in for a tour and scotch tasting at Talisker, Skye’s oldest distillery, to learn all about Scotland’s whisky process. Much like how true champagne must come from the Champagne region of France, whisky can only be classified as a scotch if it’s from Scotland.
Day 3 - Central & South Skye
Blà Bheinn*
Approximate time there: 5-6 hours
If you want to sneak in a Munro before leaving Skye, head to Blà Bheinn (aka Blaven). This hike offers incredible 360° views from the summit, but the walk to the peak won’t leave you wanting either. Skye’s magic fairytale-esqe landscape means that you’ll be captivated the entire way.
I’d suggest starting the hike by 8:00 am and wrapping up in the early afternoon. As always, respect Scotland's ‘leave no waste’ policies and stay on the path!
View of the Fairy Pools from the access road, Bla Bheinn is behind these mountains
Point of Sleat*
Approximate time there: 3 hours
Point of Sleat is a 8.9 kilometre out-and-back walk to a lighthouse on the southernmost point of Skye. The walk takes about 2.5 hours with no breaks. If tide times line up, you’ll be treated with views of a beautiful white sand beach which is a great place to stop for a snack or a swim!
Armadale Castle*
Approximate time there: 1.5 hours
If you don’t have time for a 3 hour hike, after the ferry crossing to Isle of Skye, Armadale Castle is just outside of the port town you will arrive in and is a great place to stop and explore while stretching your legs. The castle was once the home of Clan Donald and today its grounds are open to the public. Wander the gardens, see ruins and learn some scottish clan histories at the award-winning museum.
