Most people know the Isle of Skye through the famous old Scottish Song “Over the Sea to Skye” written about a time when the only access to this Scottish Island was by boat. Initially this was a rowing boat then replaced by a larger ferry but now a full road bridge enabling you to drive “Over The Sea To Skye“.
For walkers and water sports enthusiasts few places rival the Isle of Skye as the perfect vacation destination. The Isle of Skye is situated amongst a group of islands known as the Inner Hebrides off the West coast of Scotland and taking a vacation here is a rather unique experience.
Many people take vacations in the Scottish Highlands, arriving to enjoy the incredible scenery in this part of the world but if you want to see the most spectacular scenery you need to head to the Inner Hebrides. Below I take a look at a few of the factors which help to make the island of Skye such an amazing vacation destination.
Places To Visit When On Skye Scotland
Although not actually on the island no visit would be complete without a day trip to Eilean Donan Castle. One of Scotland’s most photographed monuments the castle has also appeared in numerous film including the 1985 cult classic “Highlander”. The castle is privately owned but, for a fee, you can wander around the well equipped castle or take a guided tour. The castle is only fifteen minutes from the Skye Bridge.
The only true mountain range in Britain is The Cuillin which offer fantastic opportunities for mountaineering. In total the jagged Black Cuillins has twelve munros with Sgurr Alasdair being the highest at 992 m (3,255 ft).
Often called the Red Cuillins (not strictly correct) the Red Hills are far less imposing than the Black Cuillin. Unlike the bare rock tops of the Black Cuillin you will find that the Red Hills feature vegetation to the top. Skye only has 2 Corbetts and both are in the Red Hills, the highest is Glamaig.
Glen Sligachan is the best place to access the Red Hills and is rather a nice place to stop for a picnic or bite to eat. Glen Brittle is considered the gateway to the Cuillin mountain range. Both glens are fantastic places to observe local wildlife. Whichever you decide to climb please ensure that you are suitable dressed and equipped as the weather can change for the worse amazingly fast and each year some people end up stranded in severe difficulties.
Visitor attractions include Glendale Toy Museum, the Talisker distillery, Armadale Castle Gardens and Museum of the Isles, Colbost Croft Museum, Giant Macaskill Museum, Skye Museum of Island Life, Bright Water Visitor Centre and Dunvegan Castle. The stronghold of the Macleods of Dunvegan and Harris, Dunvegan Castle, is dramatically situated upon a cliff-top. The Isle of Skye has a mild climate and is much greener than most Hebridean islands and this is made abundantly clear in the fantastic castle gardens, you will also find a craft shop and a restaurant making it perfect for a day out.
Overlooking the Isle of Raasay, Broadford is a seaside village which has much needed facilities but is also rather nice place to spend a couple of hours. The area has some splendid sea views but the number one port of call should be the small, but incredibly interesting, Skye Serpentarium Reptile World where you really can get some hands on experience!
Isle of Skye hotels are relatively easy to find but if you are planning a vacation to the island please take a look at our listings of Skye hotels
