1. The Cuillin – Scotland’s Mightiest Mountains
Quite simply Scotland’s most dramatic mountain range boasts a multitude of Munros in its Black Cuillin range, plus the slightly more rounded Red Cuillin.
These mountains are a serious mountaineering challenge so if you don’t have the skills, experience and gear admire their epic peaks from afar. Peaks like the Inaccessible Pinnacle are aptly named!
2. Talisker Distillery – Skye’s Whisky
Skye’s superb single malt whisky is produced in a picturesque lochside spot here in Carbost. They run fun tours that open up the story of this malt, which is made from just malted barley, yeast and the water that rumbles down the hillside into the distillery’s welcoming arms.
3. The Three Chimneys – World Class Cuisine on Skye
Inspirational Shirley Spear was years ahead of the curve went she went for local produce at her cosy croft restaurant one step beyond the middle of nowhere. She may have stepped back from the coalface, but the stellar cooking skills and world class ingredients that have seen the Three Chimneys voted one of the world’s top 50 restaurants remain. A Michelin star has come and gone in recent years, but the quality of The Three Chimneys shines through no matter what the Michelin inspectors think.
4. Kilt Rock – Skye’s Striking Coastal Scenery
Given the name it comes as no surprise that tourists flock here. They come to check out the basalt kilt-like rocks that rise spectacularly from the Atlantic and the waterfall that thunders almost 200ft down to the surf below. A great spot for birdwatching too.
5. Neist Point – End of the World Skye Escape
Skye’s most westerly point is miles from anywhere and feels it, cut adrift with acres of ocean stretching all around and the Outer Hebrides clearly visible on a good day. You can hike out to the lighthouse or just admire the sweeping cliffs, some of which stretch up to 1,000ft above the foaming surf.
6. Dunvegan Castle – Skye’s Most Impressive Castle
The impressive building you see today only dates as far back as the 1840s, Dunvegan has been the seat of the Clan MacLeod, though, since the 13th and the castle houses such treasures as a painting by Sir Henry Raeburn and cannonballs fired by a British warship during the Jacobite rebellions. It is a great place to learn about clan history too and is set in a scenic waterfront spot.
7. The Quiraing – Tolkien-esque Rocks on Skye
A star in the 2015 Hollywood version of Shakespeare (starring Michael Fassbender), this otherworldly landscape is also all very Lord of the Rings, a spooky, humbling place of legends and ghosts who you might just see sneaking around the crags and weird rock formations as you scramble. Handily you can drive or cycle right up rather than just tramp across the bogs to get here.
8. Portree – Picturesque Island Capital
The trim island capital is a charming wee place. The highlight are the pretty pastel hued houses that crowd around what is very much still a working harbour. Walk around the bay to gaze back over a picture postcard scene. The upper town boasts plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants, with some decent craft shops too. The restaurant scene in particular is much improved of late, with local produce to the fore.
9. Waternish Peninsula – Skye’s Forgotten Peninsula
This little explored peninsula is a wee gem. The village of Stein harbours the glorious 16th century Stein Inn, the oldest inn on the island, with its fresh seafood, local enlivened bar and cosy bedrooms. Take your pint outside and admire the Outer Hebrides blinking back in the distance and the bracing salty sea air.
10. Elgol Boat Trip – Spectacular Route into Loch Coruisk on Skye
Take a boat ride from Elgol and watch out for dolphins as you edge closer to the impossibly dramatic Cuillin mountains. Some tours allow the option to land and you should to admire Loch Coruisk, the crystal clear loch that lies surrounding by a cauldron of majestic mountain peaks.
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