Mini Guide to the Isle of Skye
Welcome to the enchanting Isle of Skye, a land of misty mountains, rugged coastlines, and ancient myths tucked away in the heart of Scotland. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Skye offers a breathtaking escape for adventurers and dreamers alike.
In this mini guide to Skye, we will share some of our favourite places to hike, drink, eat, shop and explore across the island. This is just a small taste of the other 15 guides available through the Ramble Membership.
Hike to the Old Man of Storr
This is undoubtedly one of the more popular things to do on Skye, but seeing these impressive pillars of rock in the flesh really is worth it! Legend has it that the Old Man of Storr was a giant who lived on the Trotternish Peninsula. When he died during a battle, the ground swallowed him up and all that was left above ground was his thumb, which is the main rock pinnacle you can see. It’s a straightforward trail up to a viewpoint from the car park, that’s a little steep in parts but very well marked. The route is out and back and takes around 45mins to 1 hour one way.
Getting there: The Old Man of Storr is located on the northeast of the Isle of Skye. There is a large pay and display car park just off the A585.
Get a coffee and cake at Lean To coffee bar
Located in Ashaig, just 10 minutes south of Broadford, this fantastic and unique little coffee shop does exceptional homemade cakes, some of the best coffee on Skye and incredible toasties. It’s a unique spot, with the coffee bar located in a shipping container and some open air seating on wooden tables in a derelict house adorned with dried flowers. Find a seat when the weather is fine or get your coffee to takeaway if not.
Getting there: Lean To is located on the main A87 road that heads through Skye. There is some parking in a car park at the café.
Visit The Lookout Bothy
The Lookout Bothy is located on the Rubha Hunish peninsula on the very northern tip of the Isle of Skye. It’s tiny, with bunk-bed style sleeping platforms, but has the most spectacular views over the ocean. A former coastguard watch station built in 1928, the bothy looks over to the Outer Hebridean islands of Lewis & Harris. Make sure you pack a pair of binoculars and you might even spot whales and eagles if you’re lucky! Check out the MBA website for more information here.
Getting there: Park just off the A855 between Solitote and Duntulm (NG 4218 7427). There is a car park just before the cattle grid. Follow the rough track for around 2.5km to reach the bothy. See the route here.
Enjoy a delicious meal at The Dunvegan
Perched on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, the Dunvegan Restaurant offers a unique culinary experience whereby everything is cooked over fire, using an Asado grill and wood oven. Sample seafood delicacies, from locally-caught langoustines to Isle of Skye salmon, as well as local meat such as 6-week aged steak and Highland and Island lamb. The interiors are beautiful and windows look out to the loch and Dunvegan Castle. Dinner should be booked in advance and is a real experience (no children allowed at this time), while lunch is a more casual affair while still maintaining the delicious flavours.
Getting there: The Dunvegan us located on the main street in Dunvegan. There is parking next to the restaurant.
Shop at SkyeSkyns
Skyeskyns was established 40 years ago, by a farming family who didn’t want to see the beautiful sheepskins on the Isle of Skye wasted. They set up their own tannery and now make luxurious sheepskins, home accessories and sustainable wool clothing. The tannery is in a beautiful setting, on the Waternish Peninsula with views out the windows to the isle of Isay. You can also take a tour of the tannery before shopping for their beautiful sheepskins and other woollen goods.
Getting there: Skyeskyns is located on the main road that heads up through the Waternish Peninsula. It is signposted from the main A850 road and takes around 10 minutes to reach from the turn-off. There is parking onsite.
Explore Glenbrittle Beach
This beautiful beach at the head of Loch Brittle is at the base of the famous Cuillin mountains, with spectacular views that really shows off what Skye is all about. There’s some great hikes from this area, such as up to Coire Lagan or into the Cuillins. We’d recommend staying at Glenbrittle Campsite and visiting the café there as well.
Getting there: If heading north, turn off the A863 onto the B8009 towards Carbost. Then turn left again just after Café Cuil onto a smaller road that heads to the Fairy Pools. Pass the pools and Glenbrittle is located right at the end of the road.
We don’t have a full guide to the Isle of Skye on the Ramble Membership yet, but this mini guide gives you a taste of some of our other guides which you can access for £4 per month or £30 per year. There are 15 guides available through the membership, as well as exclusive blogposts and discounts on Ramble Store.