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Whimsy and Whiskey in Skye, Scotland

  • Writer: The Inspired Nomad
    The Inspired Nomad
  • Sep 15, 2019
  • 5 min read

Updated: Jun 15, 2021

With names like The Fairy Glen, Falls of Rha, and Old Man Storr, it's no wonder travelers describe Isle of Skye in Scotland as whimsical. But the names are no fantastical match for the curious and mischievous adventure that awaits in Skye.

An Adventure Snapshot

IsleOfSkye.com - has some great resources and info for the island; check out the top 10 walks under "skye guide"

Dunvegan Castle

The castle, seat of Clan MacLeod, was first built in the 13th century and developed piecemeal over the centuries until it was remodeled in a mock-medieval style in the 19th century. The castle stands on a rock cliff and the grounds includes numbers walks, waterfalls, gardens, and pools for a small entry fee. Dog friendly.


Talisker Distillery

Talisker's well known and loved peppery, briny, and peaty scotch whiskey awaits you at it's distillery on the banks of Loch Harport. If you want a proper tour, book very early - days, even weeks - if you can, tours regularly sell out. If you can't get in a tour, there is multiple tasting options to enjoy with an open area with signs about the whiskey and distillery as well as a gift shop.


Tip: If you go around lunch, or enjoy one too many tasting flights, walk from the distillery to The Old Inn & Waterfront Bunkhouse for an amazing bite to eat.


Sligachan

The Old Bridge and Waterfalls in Sligachan are a perfect roadside attraction as there's clearly marked and plentiful parking in a lot right next to the bridge, signs describing the area and local legends, beautiful waterfalls, and of course, the wise old bridge. You can make this stop short and sweet, or wild hike around the waterfalls, river, and tall rolling hills for hours.


Bride's Veil Falls





Bridge's Veil Falls is a beautiful waterfall right along the roadside. Again, it's another great stop for a short leg stretch, or a longer wild hike. From here, you can see perfect views of Old Man Storr. There's not much of a path around the waterfall, so proper boots would probably be preferred and it gets quite boggy in soggy weather.








Old Man Storr

Take a moderate-rated ~1.5 hours/2.8 mile loop trail to most famous peak in Skye. Fans of Prometheus will recognize the jagged rocks but everyone can appreciate the panoramic views of grassy hills and the Sound of Raasay throughout the trek.


Lealt Falls

Lealt Falls is a waterfall falling into a gorge overlooking the sea. There is plenty of exploring to do here with steep cliffs you can walk right up to, hikes throughout the gorge, and a lot of brave rock climbing sheep. There's also a bunch of parking, a platform overseeing the waterfall (to the right of the parking lot), and a short, easy walk with signage out to the sea cliffs (to the left).

PS: If there is a soup truck there while you are, GET THE CHOWDER. You're welcome.


Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls Viewpoint

Take a very short walk to a platform overlooking both Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock. Once at the platform, take a look to the left where you'll see you're right at the top of Mealt Falls. Farther in the distance, see Kilt Rock, which is the series of cliffs named for the resemblance to the pleats of kilts. This one is a tourist hot spot, so there may be tour buses there while you are, not as many places to hike around, so this is a short, quick, easy, roadside stop (albeit a very worthwhile one).


The Quiraing

Take in the true beauty of Skye with the Quiraing circuit. This ~2 hours/4 mile hike is by far the best in the Highlands. The Quiraing is part of the Trotternish Ridge, formed by a landslip and the Quiraing is actually still moving. So much so, locals explain the roads along the bottom of the ridge requires repairs annually. There's also plenty of Viking history in the area, worth researching a bit online if it piques your interest.


The Fairy Glen

Another area that you can take a 15 minute easy walk to, or spend all day exploring the area. Exploring here, it's easy to understand why many of the local tales involves fairies and trolls. From the miniature rock formations, tiny mushrooms dotting the ground, a rock formation known as Castle Ewen, to the babbling brooks lined by lush ferns, take your time and not only look down, but to the horizon for more otherworldly landscape and distant waterfalls.


Other Sites to See

Isle of Skye Brewing Company - When I visited in September 2019, they didn't have tastings, just a shop with a coffee cafe inside, though they did say they had plans to expand to do tastings in the future. Even so, a nice stop with some unique Skye souvenirs and good beers and ales as well! @ HJPC+MW Uig, Portree


Talisker Beach - ~40 min/1.8 mi loop to beach surrounded by impressive cliffs @ 7GMR+3P Talisker


Cave Of Gold - ~1 hour/1.5 mile walk to coastal cave @ MJ53+G7 Bornisketaig, Portree


Neist Point Lighthouse - ~45 min/1.7 mi out and back moderate walk @ C6F6+9M Waterstein


Falls of Rha - ~8 min/50 stairs to waterfall @ HJVQ+4P Uig, Portree


Armadale Castle - ruined country house and former home of the MacDonalds @ 34F4+33 Armadale

More About My Trip



I decided to drive to Skye, as I wanted to enjoy my Jeep Wrangler for some off road trails. It took a full days journey from the Cambridge, UK area (about 11 hours with fuel and food stops), but was a generally pleasant, easy drive.











I also brought my rescue pup Adonis with me; it was a PERFECT trip for him. There was plenty of places to run and sniff, and all the trails were very dog friendly. I saw some fellow pup travelers at each stop. Just get ready for some muddy paws!!!








I stayed in Kyleakin at Nick & Jo’s AirBnB (^ check out that view from the front porch). They are superb hosts, the place was dog friendly, was very close to town for last minute wine or dinner runs, and had absolutely gorgeous views and surrounding landscape. I would highly recommend. The Quiraing was the furthest point away that I explored, and it was only about an hour and a half drive, so even though it's not centrally located, it was very convenient to get around to all parts of the island.


I did everything in two days, with one day covering the western side of the Island with Dunvegan, Talisker, and Sligachan; day two to the east including Bride's Veil Falls, Old Man Storr, Lealt and Mealt Falls, The Quiraing, and The Fairy Glen. Ta lot of the falls are roadside and quick, easy stops, as well as close together, so it seems like a lot, but very manageable. The trip was very leisurely; there's lots more to do on the island for a faster paced adventure.


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© 2016 by Christina Zizzo

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