Today is the third entry in a my series of articles providing you with itinerary ideas for various regions around Scotland, and I have loads more to unveil over the next few months. I have largely focused on specific topics throughout the life of Traveling Savage, as I’ve found that kind of specificity is often lacking in travel writing. However, the time is right for me to provide information at a higher level to help you in your trip-planning, idea-generation phase.

These Scotland Itinerary Ideas articles will collect many of my previous articles on the selected region into one place, along with my assessment of their criticality for the visitor and a bevy of useful tidbits that might’ve gotten lost along the way. At the end of the day, these articles should be useful cheat sheets to refer to when you begin planning your next trip to Scotland.

As always, don’t hesitate to pepper me with questions.

The Isle of Skye

The forest en route to the Old Man of Storr

The Isle of Skye is Scotland’s most-visited island, connected to the mainland by a convenient bridge and witness to hordes of tourists. Skye flops in the sea to the west shaped like a great lobster, the Trotternish and Duirinish peninsulas snapping the sea like claws. Something of a lobster’s temperament pervades the place as it is a land of enigmatic duality, at once a small place in the minds of travelers who seek to “do Skye in a day” and a vast, nearly trackless span of mountain and heath; at once brimming with vistas spanning the western seaboard of Scotland and a claustrophobic vice when the clouds have come to roost; at once clogged with tour buses and rental cars along the A87 and yet overflowing with sacred places that have seemingly never echoed with a human voice.

None can say what your time will be like on Skye, but one thing is known: You must go and find out.

Things You Can’t Miss

Portree. Portree is the primary settlement on the Isle of Skye, and it’s a beauty. The heart of the small, multi-colored town clusters around a bay in the northeast of the island, and it’s where you will find a nice collection of services, lively pubs, and restaurants. The town has a few “levels” as it winds up from the piers to the excellent seafood restaurants and B&Bs along Bosville Terrace, and the outskirts of town provide the practical stores and businesses that are scarce elsewhere on the island. As you might expect, it is a popular place, but I have never felt over-burdened by my fellow visitors.

Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Old Man of Storr. Just north of Portree along the A855 stands one of Skye’s most iconic natural phenomena: The Old Man of Storr. The Storr is a rocky ridge whose eastern face is a labyrinth of craggy spires and pinnacles resulting from landslip, and the Old Man is the tallest and most distinctive of these spires. The hike up to the Old Man follows a well-marked path through the magical Tote Forest before pushing out onto a stony mantle reminiscent of Middle Earth’s Emyn Muil. Given its ease, proximity to Portree, and magnificence, the Old Man of Storr makes for a memorable hike.

The Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Talisker Distillery. A small road leading to the outpost of Carbost winds down a valley crossing cattle grates en route to the Talisker distillery, which hugs the shore of Loch Harport in the wild and desolate west of the Isle of Skye. Much like the island itself, Talisker is a fighty beast whose flavor possesses a peppery bang and a sweet, peat-laced finished. Talisker is a wonderfully original whisky and the setting of the distillery is so perfectly out there. A visit to the distillery is a great reason to drive this section of Skye and make a stop at Glen Brittle (see below). Be sure to splurge for the Talisker Tasting Tour.

Talisker Distillery, Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Black Cuillin. On a clear day, the Black Cuillin are hard to miss as you make your way onto the Isle of Skye. Just southeast of Talisker and Glen Brittle, the Black Cuillin are a range of tall, rocky mountains that glower over the central neck of the island in truly awe-inspiring fashion. For many people, the awesome view from the car or bus will be enough – and it is a fulfilling view – but others will want to test their legs and give a few of the graded scrambles a try. The Cuillin are full of history, too. This was the site of the last clan battle fought on Skye in 1601 between Clan MacDonald of Sleat and Clan MacLeod. Folk tales also tell that the mythic hero Cúchulainn came here to learn from the warrior woman Scáthach.

The Black Cuillin, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Things You Shouldn’t Miss

Dunvegan Castle. Dunvegan Castle stands at the crook where the Duirinish and Waternish peninsulas meet, and has so for 800 years. This oldest castle in Scotland is the seat of Clan MacLeod, and should find its way onto your itinerary if you have any interest in history. Clan MacLeod possesses some incredible ancient relics like their mysterious Fairy Flag and the mythic drinking horn of Sir Rory Mor. The tour through the castle is also one of the best for my tastes, as it mixes ancient history with modern stewardship (the castle is still lived in for part of the year).

Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Neist Point. Continue west from Dunvegan until you reach the westernmost tip of the Duirinish peninsula and you will find yourself at Neist Point. This most westerly point on Skye is a stunning headland with a lighthouse punished by gale-force Atlantic winds and a surging, spuming sea. The violence of nature casts itself in new light here as the squalls off the sea would almost hold you up if you would attempt a trust fall off the cliff. But that would be stupid, so don’t do it.

Neist Point, Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Quiraing and Kilt Rock. At the northern tip of the Trotternish peninsula, beyond Portree and the Old Man of Storr, stands a ripsaw range of sharp mountains that most certainly would have served as the Misty Mountains had Peter Jackson hailed from the UK. The Quiraing is a supernatural wonder with fascinating geological features like the Needle, the Table, and the Prison, ancient names that have been preserved through the centuries. Then visit the Kilt Rock on the northeastern shore where the Mealt waterfall thunders into the sea over vertical basalt pleats and patterns of dolerite sills.

The Skye Craft Trail. Much like artisans in Orkney, the Skye and Lochalsh Arts & Crafts Association (SLACA) have put together a trio of craft trails around the Isle of Skye and nearby Lochalsh that make it easy for visitors to browse the wares of local artists. These craft trails are the perfect way to organize your exploration of Skye while giving you worthwhile stops along the way. On my last visit, Sarah bought a sheep skin at Skyeskyns and I purchased a landscape penciling from the Trotternish Artist Studio & Gallery.

Things to Do Off the Beaten Path

The Fairy Pools of Glen Brittle. Glen Brittle is one of those places you don’t want to leave for fear you might never find it again. I say this even though my visit was cut short by overflowing streams that prevented me from reaching the storied Fairy Pools with their vivid colors. Go on a clear or overcast day, but not after a week’s worth of rain. 🙂

The Faerie Pools of Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Claigan Coral Beach. Just north of Dunvegan Castle in western Skye hides the fascinating wonder of Claigan Coral Beach. This crescent of whitish “sand” is actually a vast stretch of tiny shells and bits of calcified algae that the tide regularly deposits here at Claigan. It’s a wonderfully hidden place despite it being somewhat well known – it simply takes too much effort for many to arrive at this magnificent beach.

Claigan Coral Beach, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Trumpan Church. Far up the Waternish peninsula on a lonely hill stands the ruins of Trumpan Church. This is a sombre place with an awful history. In 1578 under the cover of thick mist, men from Clan MacDonald rowed to this place and burnt alive everyone inside Trumpan Church. Clan MacLeod enacted swift retribution, killing all the men of Clan MacDonald involved in the brutal murder in what became known as the Battle of the Spoiling Dyke.

Trumpan Church, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Logistics and Salient Bits

Bases. Portree is the primary base for most visitors to Skye, and I suggest it as the first choice for your time on the island. Alternatively, if you plan to spend more than a few days on Skye, consider finding self-catering accommodation in the northern half of the island with convenient access to Portree and its services. I have yet to find that perfect place to stay during my visits to Skye, but I really liked Ben Tianavaig B&B.

Transportation. Buses, ferries, and trains will all get you to the Isle of Skye (or close to it), but for exploration it will come as no surprise that I recommend renting a car. There’s nothing worse than being at the mercy of public transportation as your precious travel time slips away. There aren’t a plethora of roads on Skye, and they quickly become very small and often rough as you deviate from the A87, but they aren’t appreciably worse than the roads in other parts of the Scottish hinterland.

Food & Drink. I’ve found some great places to eat and drink during my visits to Skye, though you can also purchase local produce and seafood and craft an excellent meal at home, too. In Portree, I particularly like the Isles Inn, which has a great atmosphere, decent food, and good cask ales on draft. The Merchant Bar is also nice for something a bit more buttoned up, and I’ve heard the Cuillin Hills Hotel has an excellent whisky selection. Further afield, the Edinbane Inn in tiny Edinbane is great, as is the Red Roof Café Gallery between Dunvegan Castle and Neist Point (note they close in the winter). The Stein Inn is one of my favorite pubs in all of Scotland, and it makes a nice stop while browsing artisans’ wares on the Waternish peninsula. Dinner at the Old School Restaurant near Dunvegan is sure to put a smile on your face (langoustines and Stornoway black pudding anyone?), and of course Three Chimneys is a world-renowned restaurant in northwest Skye.

Stein Inn, Isle of Skye, Scotland

While Skye is often on the traveler’s to-do list while in Scotland, I hope this article has given you some new itinerary ideas to explore on your next visit. Don’t listen to the grognards – Skye is an amazing place that you must see for yourself.

Article Comments

  1. Tina Somberg-Buiks December 18, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    You haven’t exaggerated: Skye is wonderful even when it rains. I would also recommend a bicycle trip to Bella Boats, then on the boat to enjoy the awesome coastline and the wildlife.

    1. Keith Savage December 18, 2013 at 4:26 pm

      Rain for seven straight days, on the other hand, gets tiresome. 🙂

  2. Jennifer December 18, 2013 at 8:18 pm

    “the Old Man of Storr makes for a memorable hike” is quite right! I will not soon forget my attempt to hike up to the Old Man of Storr during my trip this past May. My sister and I were visiting for the day to see some sites we missed our first time on Skye. It was rainy, sunny, windy…all kinds of weather. We had a sunny patch so decided to go for it. It was quite windy when we started out but we were determined to do this. (We were not the only ones. There were a number of people heading up with us.) We got 5-10 minute into the muddy, slippery hike when the rain started pouring down so hard it was hard to see where we were going. As a group, we all turned back. No sooner did we all get headed back down when it began to hail! My sister and I laughed all the way back to the car. By the time we arrived back at the car, we were soaked. Quite memorable.

    1. Keith Savage December 18, 2013 at 11:01 pm

      Skye’s weather is, in my experience, the most unpredictable in all of Scotland. In most cases I just soldier through, though a downpour on the slopes beneath the Old Man of Storr would test all but the hardiest scramblers.

      1. Tina Somberg-Buiks December 19, 2013 at 1:58 am

        During our first visit to Sky we tried to climb The Old Man of Storr and it was so muddy, that our youngest sank into it waist deep. We had to give up, which was a pity. I would have liked to show a picture, but there were no digital cameras then. It looked hilarious though and just like Jennifer we couldn’t stop laughing all the way down.
        Did you go to Kilmuir graveyard where Flora MacDonald was laid to rest? There is such a wonderful epitaph: “Her name will be mentioned in history and if courage and fidelity be virtues, mentioned with honour.”

        1. Keith Savage December 19, 2013 at 8:40 am

          Kilmuir is the graveyard near the tip of the Trotternish peninsula, just south of the ruins of Duntulm Castle, right? Yes, I’ve stopped there – another very beautiful place.

          1. Jim Stuht December 21, 2013 at 1:46 pm

            We enjoyed the Museum of Island Life as well – just about 100 yards from the Kilmuir graveyard. Not only were the various cottages interestingly laid out (and with tons of historic photos and equipment on view), but at the far north edge of the museum site you get an absolutely lovely panoramic view of the Outer Hebrides.

  3. Carol Anderson December 19, 2013 at 8:11 am

    Hi Keith, great itinerary of Skye. If you’re still looking for that perfect place to stay you should pop over to Raasay and stay with us next time. In the height of the summer we are perfectly placed to escape the touristy biz of Portree but we are still handy enough with a 20 min ferry trip linking the small island with Skye. Anyway this isn’t a sales pitch just offering another ‘off the beaten track’ option that sometimes can be missed.

    1. Keith Savage December 19, 2013 at 8:42 am

      Hi Carol,

      Thanks for the suggestion! I will certainly keep this invitation in mind when next I’m on Skye.

  4. Jim Stuht December 21, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    On our trip next summer we definitely want to make arrangements with either Bella Jane or Misty Isles for the day trip to Loch Coriusk for the “inside” view of the Black Cuillin. Just hoping for the same weather we had in 2012 – bright & sunny (it made up for the absolutely dreich weather we had during our stay on Mull)!

  5. Wesley January 13, 2014 at 10:22 pm

    Scotland looks so amazing

  6. Chermaine June 5, 2014 at 8:55 am

    A beautiful island that I am going soon on this coming July. By the way can you please give me some suggestion whether should I rent a car when I am atPortree to visit Isle of Skye or choose a tour guide from Edinburgh since I will be there before I depart to Isle of Skye.

    If rent a car I worry that I cannot handle the road there to bring me to the attractions I would like to visit.

    I need your suggestion.

    Thank you so much.

    1. Keith Savage June 5, 2014 at 10:07 am

      Hi Chermaine. I would rent a car. It gives you so much more freedom to see the island, and while some roads are small if you take them slow everyone can handle them.

      1. Chermaine June 7, 2014 at 11:25 pm

        Thank you for your advice keith 🙂

  7. […] arrive in the cities to the north and then head further north into the highlands, to places like Skye, Speyside, and the Cairngorms. More is the pity, for Dumfries & Galloway stands at eye level […]

  8. Jim Simpson December 26, 2014 at 9:14 am

    Keith, we are planning a trip to Skye in May, ’15. One of the locations that intrigues me for genealogical reasons is the place called “Gesto”, where our progenitor is said to have originated. In your travels, have you had the chance to explore Gesto, and if so, what were your observations?
    Than you,
    Jim
    Georgia, USA

    1. Keith Savage December 29, 2014 at 6:04 am

      Hi Jim,

      I have not been to Gesto. It appears to be on the less-traveled western road that runs north to south along the coast up to Carbost and Talisker distillery. That is a beautiful area. Best of luck in your search!

  9. Tina Somberg-Buiks December 26, 2014 at 9:30 am

    Hi Jim,
    I read your question to Keith about Gesto. Perhaps you have read this article about the Macleods of Gesto, then just ignore it, but if not it might be interesting as background information: http://www.linneberg.com/skye/gesto.html

    1. Jim Simpson January 14, 2015 at 11:38 am

      I am back on line after a vigorous and lengthy holiday season. Tina, thank you for the url for Gesto. The McLeod lineage information is very interesting, but I think I will have to get a professional to help me link my McLeod ancestors to this lineage. Do you know such folks in the Skye area?

      1. Tina Somberg-Buiks January 14, 2015 at 11:52 am

        Hi Jim,

        I don’t know a specialist in the Skye area, but I do know Ian from Borders Journeys who is specialized in Scottish ancestry and you could mail him if he sees possibilities. It’s a lovely fellow and very very good. This is the link to his ancestry work: http://www.bordersjourneys.co.uk/ancestral-research/ It would be very kind of you If you tell him you found him via me.

        Lots of success and I am almost sure Ian can work wonders!!

  10. Erin January 13, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    Hi Keith!

    I’ll be traveling from Edinburgh to Skye. Traveling via train to Kyle and then renting a car to Portree sounds easier and more convenient than a train to Mallaig, then a ferry, then a car. Is that true? Is there any disadvantage to traveling via Kyle?

    Thanks!
    Erin

    1. Keith Savage January 13, 2015 at 6:12 pm

      Hi Erin,

      I think that is true. Driving over at Kyle of Lochalsh simply requires less logistics, which makes it easier. The thing you miss by not taking the ferry is the beautiful drive west from Fort William to Mallaig, including Glenfinnan.

      1. Erin January 13, 2015 at 6:15 pm

        Thanks Keith! You’ve saved me a lot of research. I love your website – I may be asking a few more questions before May!
        Erin

  11. Carol January 13, 2015 at 5:52 pm

    That’s the way I’d go. Our guests often get led the Mallaig way and whilst it has its own charms I’d you have an itinerary and your satnav sends you that way it can be frustrating. Whatever you do enjoy Skye and if you have time pop over to Raasay 🙂

    1. Erin January 13, 2015 at 5:56 pm

      Thank you, Carol! Everything I’m reading seems to tell me to go Mallaig, but it seems much more difficult and time consuming now that the new bridge is available from Kyle (if I have that right). Raasay looks beautiful, by the way!

      I’d love to hear what others have to say on this topic, also! And you, Keith! 🙂

      Thank you!
      Erin

    2. Jim Simpson January 14, 2015 at 11:43 am

      Carol, I love your website and the depictions of your property. I will be in Skye in June and already have reservations prepaid, but I know I will do another trip later and will be sure to include you for a stay.

  12. Anita February 22, 2015 at 3:43 pm

    We will be in Scotland for 10 days in May, and plan on renting a car to see as much country as feasible, with lots of photo stops. Isle of Skye is a must see for me. Would 2 days be enough here, or should I plan for more? We likely wouldn’t be doing a lot of hiking, but I would like beach time.
    Thanks, Anita

    1. Keith Savage February 22, 2015 at 3:46 pm

      Hi Anita,

      I think two nights in a 10-day trip is ok, though three nights is ideal. It really gives you twice as much time as two nights.

  13. Pauline May 14, 2015 at 4:10 am

    Thank you for all this precious information!
    I will be in Isle of Skye this weekend (one night only) and I was looking for ideas to plan an itinerary, your article was perfect!

    1. Keith Savage May 15, 2015 at 2:34 am

      Glad to help, Pauline! Enjoy Skye!

  14. Louise September 5, 2015 at 6:08 am

    Hello Keith,
    My friend and I are planning to visit Scotland for a week in mid September, we would really appreciate if you can help us out.
    We will be driving from Edinburgh towards Inverness for the nearby highland games.
    Not sure what to see on the way there but we were thinking maybe pass by st Andrews then Pitlochry for the whiskey (maybe not the best distillery but since it s on the way) then sleep 2 nights in Inverness.
    After the games, we should head to isle of Skye, through Loch Ness and anything else we might find on the way.
    For isle of Skye, we still haven’t planned anything or figure out where to stay, since we will be there for 3 nights and wanted to do practically everything 🙂 especially outdoors activities, kayaking, hiking, fishing…so if you have been there already we would reallllly appreciate your help 🙂
    After that we re supposed to head back in the morning to Edinburgh for 2 nights.

    1. Jim Stuht September 5, 2015 at 8:00 am

      As you are driving the A9 (awful road!) you will pass right by Dalwhinnie distillery – highest in the Highlands – which is a lovely light dram and well worth stopping by for a sample. A bit further on you pass by the gateway to the Speyside region and a stop at Cragganmore wouldn’t be much of a detour. (The distillery is pretty drab-looking, but the whisky is marvelous – the Distillers Edition is fantastic!)

      On the south side of Pitlochry is Blair Athol distillery which is the cornerstone of Bell’s Whisky. It’s a lovely setting and the whisky is a good if not distinguished tipple.

      1. Keith Savage September 6, 2015 at 10:24 pm

        If you make it to Pitlochry, I would skip Blair Athol distillery and go right up to Edradour distillery just outside of town. It’s really an excellent distillery (some say the smallest in Scotland).

    2. Keith Savage September 6, 2015 at 10:36 pm

      Hi Louise,

      Beyond the host of free articles on this site that could give you ideas, I offer a Scotland trip-planning consultation service.

  15. Elaine January 2, 2016 at 3:15 am

    Hello Keith!

    Your itinerary is excellent for someone who has zero knowledge about the skyes! I’m heading to Edinburgh in End Jan to Early Feb 2016.

    Just a couple of quick qns: What’s the fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye (it’s pretty tricky finding this info online) ? I have a total of 5 days in Scotland, planning to do 2 days in the city and spend another 2-3 days in Skye or vice versa. Would that be sufficient?

    1. Keith Savage January 3, 2016 at 10:12 am

      Hi Elaine,

      The fastest way to Skye from Edinburgh is by car – the drive is around 5 hours. That breakdown of days looks good. You will want 2-3 nights on Skye, just to get value out of the journey, and there’s lots to do there, clearly 🙂

      Have a great trip!
      Keith

    2. DianeO February 20, 2016 at 8:23 am

      Honestly, 5 days, makes me pause. Think about fatigue (perhaps jet lag), driving can be stressful but is a great way to see the countryside, etc. along the way. If you are pressed for time, it will be frustrating when you are in the car and cannot linger and trust me, you will want to linger along the way. My husband and I spent 10 days last September 2015, arrived in Edinburgh spent 2 nights, walked across the street from the hotel on Waterloo Place, caught a 3 day tour to the Isle of Skye (a tour is a tour, I know, but having said that, we were able to see a great deal, enough to know we will drive next time to experience more). Returned to Edinburgh, spent one night, rented a car next day, drove to Killin (fantastic experience, loved Killin) stayed two nights and drove back to Edinburgh, stopping at Castle Doune and Stirling Castle on the return. Spent our last 3 nights in Edinburgh, fabulous city, can’t get enough. Going back this March for a family wedding in Perthshire but also staying in Edinburgh for four nights, can’t get enough. Maybe take a day trip out while there.

  16. rob February 2, 2016 at 1:20 pm

    I am planning a 7 day trip to scotland. i really want to see the isle of skye (especially the fairy pools) and edinburgh. is that enough time or should i just cut isle of skye from trip?

    1. Keith Savage February 2, 2016 at 1:25 pm

      Hi Rob,

      That’s enough time to visit Skye, but unless you want to be constantly traveling, I suggest you split your time between Edinburgh and Skye only.

      1. Erin February 2, 2016 at 1:29 pm

        Rob – That’s what I did. I did 2 nights in Edinburgh, 4 nights in Skye, 1 more in Edinburgh and flew out. It was awesome! Stay at the Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree.

        1. Rob February 2, 2016 at 7:30 pm

          Erin,

          Did you drive from Edinburgh to Skye? How long did it take you?

          1. Erin February 2, 2016 at 8:22 pm

            We took an early train to Kyle of Localsh and rented a car there… drove 30 min or so to Portree where we stayed. Skye Car Hire is awesome and they mwwy you at station. Driving on the “other” side of the road is pretty stressful we found… but necessary to really see Skye. The train added an hour or so to the trip there bUT it was relaxing and I enjoyed the scenery.

      2. Rob February 2, 2016 at 7:28 pm

        Ok. I saw on a travel blog that the drive from Edinburgh to the isle of Skye is way longer than 5 hours. Accounting for traffic, narrow roads, etc. The point being made that the roads are not like the roads in the US and the travel time would be longer. So I was wondering if it would be better to take a train/bus to get to isle of Skye. Then use a tour company to see Skye.

        1. Keith Savage February 2, 2016 at 8:07 pm

          I’ve made this drive many times. It takes about 5.5 hours.

        2. Jim February 2, 2016 at 8:08 pm

          You can do the drive if you don’t mind/enjoy narrow lanes with cutouts at places called “Passing Place” when you meet a vehicle coming on. The country is fairly barren of vegetation, a little remote, but attractive never-the-less, with many points of interest. I have ancestry from Skye. In our first time in Scotland last June, we gave the driving to a National Geographic photography tour. We have done on-our-own driving tours throughout Europe, but were attracted to the National Geographic tour. For certain, we will go back and will do the driving ourselves with our own itinerary in a more leisurely trip.

    2. philip April 2, 2016 at 4:25 pm

      Just go to skye. 7 days just enough for skye

  17. […] is no secret. As the Isle of Skye‘s largest town (population ~2,500) it’s still tiny and a quintessentially perfect […]

  18. Lourdes July 27, 2016 at 4:56 pm

    Keith, you have a fantastic site. We are traveling in the Highlands for 3 days, staying in Fort William. Is it worth going to Skye one day or should we just take easy and explore Loch Ness and the immediate surrounding area? We would hate to miss Skye but also don’t want to rush through it and not really appreciate it. We have a car (and two children, 8 and 6, who travel very well). Thank you!!!

    1. Keith Savage July 27, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      I think Skye is a worthy day trip from Fort William, absolutely!

  19. Elaine Kirstie Yap October 5, 2016 at 10:45 pm

    Hi! Going to London this coming January and we are thinking of doing the Isle of the Skye tour. do you recommend we go to Skye during January? or is it not the best time to visit skye?

    Thanks!

    Elaine

    1. Keith Savage October 6, 2016 at 8:00 am

      Hi Elaine. To be fair, January is not the best time to visit Skye but you will still enjoy yourself. The main issue is the shortness of the days, though the weather can be more temperamental than elsewhere during the year. The secondary issue is that since it’s the tourism off season you will run into accommodations and activities being closed. Have a great trip!

  20. […] places are more popular than others. Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, the Speyside whisky region, and St. Andrews all stand out as some of Scotland’s more visited […]

  21. Joo Neo November 7, 2016 at 2:53 am

    Hi Keith I am so glad to have found you. My family and I will be traveling to Glasgow come this December and then we are planning to hire a car to drive to Isle of Skye to stay for 3 days. My concern is , is it safe to drive to Skye in December? What kind of car should I hire? We will then be driving to Edinburgh. I live in Singapore and have never driven in very cold weather before. Will appreciate if you could help me out here. Thank you.

    1. Keith Savage November 9, 2016 at 8:24 am

      Hi Joo,

      Driving in the highlands and places like Skye can be tricky if the weather is bad. Roads can be closed up in the mountains due to snowfall, and I wouldn’t test anything unless you are confident in your abilities. I would get a 4-wheel drive vehicle for such a trip. I wouldn’t suggest this trip for a first-time driver in winter conditions or Scotland. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it, just that if you choose to you must be very careful and vigilant.

      1. Joo Neo November 10, 2016 at 7:50 am

        Hi Keith thank you for your advice. I will be acting on it and have decided to leave Isle of Skye for another trip. I have 3 days in Glasgow before heading for Edinburgh. Would you recommend a trip to Loch Lomand? Could you give some suggestions as to where else I can visit or things to do in or around Glasgow?
        Thank you!

        1. Keith Savage November 10, 2016 at 9:23 am

          Have a look at my Glasgow itinerary ideas. Or, if you prefer additional help, I offer trip-planning services as well.

          1. Joo Neo November 10, 2016 at 12:05 pm

            Your Glasgow itinerary ideas is a great help!
            Thanks a million!

  22. nath November 25, 2016 at 8:02 am

    Hello Keith !

    Im planning a trip in Scotland for the first time in march, prob second week, Im not used to drive on the left and I am not sure about wheather conditions at that time. My goal is pretty much to go from Edimbourg to Skye, maybe once with ferry, then back through bridge. Do you think the drive will be hard / long ? Is there lots of trafic at that time ?
    Only a bit worried about the driving part, not the wheather

    thanks

    1. Keith Savage November 25, 2016 at 9:50 am

      Hi nath. You’ll get accustomed to driving on the left side of the road pretty quickly. In March the roads won’t be very busy, though you will need to keep an eye on weather as you head north. Sometimes the ferries don’t run if there are rough seas. If you want to make the drive in one day, it will take around six hours from Edinburgh to Skye. You might find this post on renting a car in Scotland helpful.

    2. Branden November 30, 2016 at 12:18 am

      Nath! Please contact me

      We will be traveling to Isle of the Skye on March 9th! It would be awesome to go with others!

  23. mar January 25, 2017 at 5:07 am

    hi Keith
    I’m so lucky to have found your website. Very informative.
    We are a family of 4, all adults and planning to go to Scotland, flying in from London on June at 6:30am. I’m thinking of getting a connecting flight to Glasgow as we have been to Edinburgh already.
    day 1: Glasgow, overnight
    day 2: Glasgow-Eileen Donan Castle-Oban
    Day 3-4: Isle of Mull stay 2 nights
    Day 5-6: Isle of Skye stay 2 nights
    Day 7: Inverness for Orkney Island day tour?
    Day 8: fly to Dublin

    Is this doable? How do we go to Mull and Skye with rental car?

    1. Keith Savage January 25, 2017 at 7:55 am

      Hi Mar. Your itinerary is pretty ambitious. Mull to Skye in one day can be tricky and an Orkney day tour from Inverness isn’t feasible in my book. I’m happy to help out more. Just have a look at my Scotland trip-planning services.

  24. subz January 25, 2017 at 11:18 am

    So I’m a student in London planning to come to the Isle for 3 nights in April. I don’t have a license so what would you recommend for transportation/tour guides? Also how would you break down all these locations in a 4 day time span?

  25. Rosie King February 2, 2017 at 1:12 am

    Hello from Two Rivers, Alaska! I have lived in Alaska all of my life, and my dream since I was a little girl is to visit Scotland someday. I am excited and happy because my dream will soon become reality! I have never been overseas and it seems a little scary but I am so looking forward to seeing the beauty of Scotland. Your posts have been very helpful….thank you!

    Sincerely,
    Rosie

    1. Keith Savage February 2, 2017 at 8:28 am

      Hi Rosie! I’m very happy to hear you’re finally getting a chance to make that dream a reality. Welcome!

  26. Rebecca February 27, 2017 at 1:14 pm

    Hello!

    My husband and I are travelling to England / Scotland this May (and into June) for 11 nights and this blog is quite helpful! We have a rental car booked the entire time minus when we are in London. Please give me your feedback on our itinerary:

    Edinburgh- 3 nights
    Inverness- 2 nights
    Skye- 3 nights (drive back to Edinburgh and fly to London)
    London- 3 nights (fly home from London)

    1. Keith Savage February 27, 2017 at 3:32 pm

      Hi Rebecca,

      I’m glad you’re finding the blog helpful! I offer trip-planning services including itinerary review for just such questions. All the best,
      Keith

  27. Karen and Barb March 19, 2017 at 9:38 am

    My travel mate and I are planning 2 1/2 weeks inScotland, mainly fociusing on Isle of Skye and other off the beaten path places. We will have a car and are outdoor enuthusiasts. We are planning 1 week Airbnb on Skye. Got any suggestions for the 2 nd week?

    1. Keith Savage March 19, 2017 at 7:49 pm

      Both the Cairngorms National Park and Wester Ross are high on my list.

  28. Gustavo April 16, 2017 at 5:50 pm

    Hi Keith!
    Thanks for all the information you have shared. I am visiting Skye on the next June. I will to spend one night in Dunvegan and one night in Portree. Do you think is right? I would like to visit the most I can in Skye. I will rent a car.
    Thank for your help!
    Regards

    1. Keith Savage April 17, 2017 at 8:03 am

      Hi Gustavo. Those locations are good choices. There close to the best Skye has to offer. Have a great trip!

      1. Gustavo April 17, 2017 at 8:18 am

        Thank you very much for your answer!!

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