The Isle of Skye is the perfect vacation destination for walkers and water sports enthusiasts. Set amongst a group of islands known as the Inner Hebrides a vacation on Skye is a unique experience. Many folk visit the Scottish Highlands to enjoy the spectacular scenery and many agree that the Inner Hebrides possess the finest and most majestic. In the article below I take a look at some of the reasons why Skye is such a great place to take a vacation.
Things To See & Do On The Isle Of Skye
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 Cuillin, the UK’s only real mountain range, features some of Scotland’s best mountaineering. The Black Cuillin are incredibly jagged and deep corries and steep cliffs and the range features a total of twelve Munros the highest of which is Sgurr Alasdair 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.
If you wish to go climbing please seek advice as it can be incredibly dangerous, especially if you are ill equipped. Too many people end up in difficulties following a swift change in the weather, always prepare for the worst. You can access the Black Cuillin from Glen Brittle and the Red Hills from Glen Sligachan.
Local attractions include the Talisker distillery, the Glendale Toy Museum, the Bright Water Visitor Centre, Colbost Croft Museum, Armadale Castle Gardens and Museum of the Isles, Giant Macaskill Museum, Skye Museum of Island Life and Dunvegan Castle. Dunvegan Castle, the Macleods of Dunvegan and Harris’ stronghold, commands a prominent position built on a dramatic cliff-top. Generally speaking the Skye climate is mild and this is certainly evident in the wonderful castle gardens. Dunvegan is a great family day out and to add to the appeal you will also discover a restaurant and a superb craft shop within the grounds.
In many ways Broadford is just a small seaside village on the Isle of Skye however to drive past without stopping is a sin. Even if you just stop for a short while to take in the view across the sea to the Isle of Raasay it is time well spent. You may wish to take the opportunity to stock up on a few essentials but what you really must do is pay a visit to the superb, but small, Skye Serpentarium Reptile World. As well as getting the opportunity to view some fascinating reptiles you may even be allowed to handle a snake. Admirably the small establishment plays an important role in the breeding of reptiles and is often a refuge for reptiles seized by customs at such far away places as Heathrow airport.
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 hotel accommodation