by Anna Hann
posted on 13 November 2024
With such a beautiful country to explore, it can be hard to know which part to choose for a Scotland road trip. If you’re making a short list of the great Scotland road trip itineraries, the Isle of Skye should be right near the top.
The Isle of Skye road trip is a popular Scotland itinerary for good reason. In the Inner Hebrides, the second-largest of Scotland’s islands, the Isle of Skye is a 50-mile-long wonderland of moorland and mountains, lochs and beaches and ripe for road-tripping.
While an Isle of Skye day trip isn’t out of the question, to visit Skye and explore its most amazing things and dedicate the time to enjoying the scenery at the pace it deserves, a multi-day Isle of Skye itinerary is the best way to explore. Better still, consider incorporating the Isle of Skye into a longer Scotland road trip itinerary, whether planning to take the phenomenal North Coast 500 or Edinburgh to Inverness road trips.
Isle of Skye road trip itinerary
A great itinerary around Scotland’s Isle of Skye visits the island’s most northerly, southerly, and westerly points. On a five-day Isle of Skye itinerary, you’ll see some of the best Isle of Skye attractions you may have heard of, plus some hidden gems. It’ll give you enough time to search out quieter parts of the island, along with checking off some must-see locations on this amazing isle.
On a five-day Isle of Skye itinerary, you can swap days around to suit where you stay or even drop entire sections if you haven’t long enough to try all five days. This Isle of Skye itinerary uses the capital, Portree, as a base to stay, but if you’re campervanning or planning on finding a few places to camp, you can alter the itinerary to suit and create a Scottish trip you’ll never forget.
Day 1: The Sleat Peninsula
You’ll hear the Sleat Peninsula nicknamed the Garden of Skye, and once you get here, it’s easy to understand why. Thanks to its microclimate, it’s softer and greener than the northerly parts of the island, with lush vegetation and gentle moorland. It’s a lovely introduction to the Isle of Skye as it’s quieter than some of the other peninsulas.
Point of Sleat
The southernmost point of the Isle of Skye is the Point of Sleat, and it can only be reached on foot. If you drive from Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland and cross the Skye Bridge, you can reach the Aird of Sleat in around an hour. If you’ve arrived on the island by taking the car ferry from Mallaig, it’s just a four-mile drive to the Aird of Sleat from the ferry terminal in Armadale.
When you arrive at Aird of Sleat, you’ll have to park and walk to reach the southernmost point and the lighthouse, which will take three to four hours. The view of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula on mainland Scotland and across to the islands of Eigg and Rum makes the walk totally worth it and it’s a great scene setter for your time on the Isle of Skye.
Armadale
On your way back north of the Point of Sleat, stop at Armadale and book a sea kayaking adventure if you’re tempted to explore the water. A range of options are available, and you could find yourself picnicking in secluded coves and spotting marine wildlife or simply enjoying exquisite Isle of Skye landscapes from the water.
Armadale Castle, Gardens, & Museum
Armadale Castle is the last ancestral home of the Macdonalds of Sleat. You can take a slow stroll around the ruins of the castle or around the wider grounds—you might spot red deer in the woodlands or a sea eagle circling overhead.
Armadale Castle is in a part of the Isle of Skye with a mild climate created by the Gulf Stream, so the gardens are especially floral and verdant. When it’s time for tea and cake, head to the Stables Cafe before continuing your journey.
Sligachan
It’ll take around an hour from Armadale Castle to get to Sligachan, where the Black Cuillin mountains meets the western seaboard.
If you arrive in daylight hours, you could visit the Sligachan Waterfalls or stop for a photo opp at Sligachan Old Bridge, a pretty stone bridge. If the legend is to be believed, the cold waters that flow under the bridge bestow eternal beauty to whoever dips their face in for seven seconds.
Portree
Fifteen minutes north of Sligachan is Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye. For the broadest selection of accommodation options and restaurants on the Isle of Skye, finish your day in this lovely port town.
Time in the car and miles travelled
If you arrive on the Isle of Skye in Armadale and start your day from there, today’s route covers 55 miles, and your total driving time is around two and a half hours.
If you arrive on the Isle of Skye via the Skye Bridge and start your day from Kyleakin, reaching the Point of Sleat will take longer. If you finish your day in Portree, you’ll cover around 75 miles with a driving time of almost three hours.
Either way, both routes allow enough time to take the long walk at the Point of Sleat and to linger around Armadale Castle. However, if you want to spend half a day sea kayaking near Armadale, you may not have enough time to walk to the lighthouse at the Point of Sleat.
Skip the rental counter and pick up up a car from a local Turo host in Inverness, Glasgow, or Edinburgh before your road trip, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. With a range of options to choose from, you can find a car that matches your travel style and sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure through the enchanting landscapes of the Isle of Skye!
Day 2: The Strathaird Peninsula
Leave Portree and take the 40-mile drive to Elgol on the Isle of Skye’s Strathaird Peninsula. It’s a scenic road through the Red Cuillins, and along the way you’ll get some excellent views, including the ruins of Cill Chriosd, a ruined 16th-century church.
Elgol
This little hamlet is at the southern tip of the Strathaird Peninsula and is a favourite starting point for hikes into the Black Cuillin mountains. You can also catch a boat to the remote Loch Coruisk, one of the most isolated lochs in Scotland.
Loch Coruisk
The two-mile-long glacier loch takes some effort to reach, but those who make the journey are well-rewarded with some epic views. Hop aboard a boat for a three-hour round trip to Loch Coruisk, which includes 90 minutes ashore. You might see the harbour seals playing in the waters on the way.
Portree
After a day exploring the wilds of the Strathaird Peninsula, make a slow journey back to Portree.
Time on the road and miles travelled
The round trip from Portree to Elgol takes almost two and a half hours and covers almost 80 miles. This allows enough time to take the three-hour trip to Loch Coruisk or choose a challenging hike through the Black Cuillins.
Day 3: The Minginish Peninsula
Your third day allows plenty of time to visit the famous Fairy Pools, one of the Isle of Skye’s most iconic locations on the Minginish Peninsula.
Portree
Start your day in Portree, exploring the capital of the Isle of Skye. Perhaps find a little cafe for breakfast or coffee before setting off.
Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools of the Isle of Skye are a series of clear pools that tumble down the northern slopes of the Black Cuillin mountains. While they’re icy cold, they’re popular wild swimming spots – go prepared with towels and spare clothes if you fancy taking a plunge.
Getting to the Fairy Pools involves a 45-minute drive from Portree. Then park at the Glenbrittle Forest car park, opposite the start of the gravel path you’ll take to walk to the Fairy Pools, crossing bridges over the fabled waters. You reach the first pools after about a 20-minute walk.
Talisker Bay Beach
After the Fairy Pools, make the most of being in this part of the beautiful isle and head to Talisker Bay Beach, where you can walk to see the Talisker Bay Waterfall, one of the UK’s highest single-drop falls.
Talisker Distillery
On your way back from Talisker Bay Beach, stop at the Talisker Distillery near Loch Harport. Taking a guided tour of Skye’s oldest working distillery is well worth it to explore the whisky production methods to create the famously sweet and smoky spirit.
Don’t let the non-driver have all the fun – book accommodation in Carbost, such as The Old Inn & Waterside Bunkhouse, to enjoy a wee dram or two.
Alternatively, if you’re a fan of seafood, head to the Oyster Shed in Carbost for a selection of Isle of Skye crab and oysters—best enjoyed al fresco as the sun sets.
Portree
If you don’t decide to stay in and around Carbost, continue to Portree to be in a good spot to start your journey around the Trotternish Peninsula, visiting some of the most famous places on the Isle of Skye, including the Old Man of Storr, Fairy Glen and the Quiraing.
Time on the road and miles travelled
If you travel between Portree today, your total driving time will be slightly over two hours, and you’ll cover over 50 miles.
Day 4: The Trotternish Peninsula
There’s plenty to see and do on the Trotternish Peninsula of the Isle of Skye, so plan to make an early start to allow yourself enough time to spend at some of the scenic highlights on this busy day on the Isle of Skye, including the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Glen.
It’s a circular road trip that clings to a mostly coastal road around the peninsula and a route that some visitors take if they just want an Isle of Skye day trip.
Portree
Before setting off too quickly, take some time to explore Portree Harbour and see the colourful houses that line it. You could also take some time to shop for gifts and souvenirs at the Isle of Skye Candle Co., which sells handmade soaps and candles made from sustainable soy wax.
Once you set off, head north on the A855, passing Loch Fada. You could stop to admire the Bride’s Veil Falls or continue to Storr.
Old Man of Storr
The looming pinnacle of basalt is known as the Old Man of Storr. You can walk up its foot from the car park at the northern end of Loch Leathan – it’s around a two-mile round trip that’ll take about an hour. The Old Man of Storr was allegedly unclimbable until it was first scaled by English mountaineer Don Whillans in 1955 and only repeated a handful of times since.
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
Named after the basalt cliffs, which are said to resemble the pleats on a Scottish plaid, Kilt Rock is an impressive sight. A thundering waterfall plunges into the sea below, and as you look out across the ocean, you may spot fins slicing through the water. Common dolphins, minke whales, and even orcas have been spotted at Kilt Rock.
The sea cliff waterfall of Mealt Falls is also here, and the Mealt Falls viewpoint is right next to the car park for easy access—perfect if you’re keen to continue your journey without a long pause.
An Corran and Staffin Beaches
A stop at An Corran Beach is ideal if you can time your visit with low tide, making the most of the wide sands and rock pools. At neighbouring Staffin Beach, dinosaur footprints were discovered – the largest of their kind found in Scotland. They’re notoriously hard to find, so if you’re interested, your best bet is to visit the Staffin Dinosaur Museum, which offers tours to see them.
The Quiraing
From An Corran Beach, drive inland for a few miles to the Quiraing.
The landscapes of the Quiraing were used for scenes in the 2016 adaptation of The BFG and as the magical setting for the 2007 movie Stardust.
Rubha Hunish
Marking the northernmost point of the Isle of Skye, Rubha Hunish is a scenic spot. You can take an exhilarating hike down a steep cliff to the peninsula.
Skye Museum of Island Life
From Rubha Hunish, continue to the Skye Museum of Island Life to glimpse what the Isle of Skye was like for its 19th-century residents. The museum is open seasonally, typically between April and October.
Fairy Glen
It takes around 30 minutes to get to Fairy Glen, and you should plan to spend an hour or two exploring the magical landscape. With its conical hills and mysterious fairy circles, Fairy Glen is considered a geological wonder and a favourite place on the Isle of Skye.
Time on the road and miles travelled
Today’s circular road trip from Portree covers over 56 miles with a driving time of over two hours. It allows you enough time to stop and spend time on the beaches, take some memorable walks and see some of the most famous places on the Isle of Skye. It’s worth planning ahead – particularly if you take longer walks- to ensure you have enough time to see everything you want to.
At the end of Day 3, you could return to your accommodation at Portree, find a campsite, or even try wild camping. Alternatively, head straight to Dunvegan Castle, the starting point of Day 5, where holiday cottages or camping are nearby.
Ready to explore the stunning landscapes of the Isle of Skye? Rent your ideal vehicle on Turo, with options ranging from spacious minivans to luxurious SUVs and compact hatchbacks. Skip the rental counter and hire directly from local Turo hosts in Scotland, so you can hit the road right away.
Day 5: The Duirnish Peninsula
The final day of the road trip focuses on the island’s western side, an Isle of Skye region known as the Duirnish Peninsula, checking off three major landmarks, including Dunvegan Castle and Neist Point.
Dunvegan Castle
Beautiful Dunvegan Castle is a must-visit for anyone travelling to the Isle of Skye. This beautiful fairy-tale-like castle stands majestically on Loch Dunvegan. As the oldest continually inhabited castle in Scotland and the ancestral home of Clan Macleod for 800 years, it’s a special place. You can tour the castle, take a boat trip to the seal colony of Loch Dunvegan, or walk through the beautiful castle grounds, where you’ll come across manicured areas and wild patches with waterfalls.
Coral Beach
From Dunvegan Castle, head north. You could stop at the Ceann Liam scenic viewpoint or continue straight to Coral Beach. It would be best to allow around 20 minutes from the castle to reach the Claigan car park. You’ll need to walk to the beach from here, which can take around 30 minutes, but it’s worth taking.
Coral Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Isle of Skye. Its white shoreline is comprised of crushed coral—hence the name—bleached by the sun. You might be lucky enough to see the Outer Hebrides or a sea otter playing on a clear day.
Neist Point Lighthouse
One of Scotland’s most famous lighthouses is at the most westerly point of the Isle of Skye. The white-and-yellow Neist Point Lighthouse is unmanned today, and to see it, you’ll need to make the 30-minute journey down a single-track road from Dunvegan to the car park, then allow at least 45 minutes for the walk.
Making Neist Point the last stop of your day means you might be able to coincide your visit with the sunset, although, in daylight hours, Neist Point is considered one of the best locations on the Isle of Skye for whale watching. Minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises are often spotted in the water here, as well as a large selection of seabirds.
Portree
It’s up to you to decide where to spend your last night on the Isle of Skye. Perhaps you’ll return to your base in Portree, find a final spot for a night under the stars wild camping in the Isle of Skye’s wilderness, or treat yourself to a luxury hotel before making your return trip.
Time on the road and miles travelled
Assuming you start and end your day in Portree, today’s journey covers 75 miles. Your total time in the car will be around three hours, giving you ample time to take a coastal walk at the westernmost point of the Isle of Skye.
Getting to the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is a far-flung destination in the Scottish Highlands, and while there’s a small airfield, there aren’t regularly scheduled flights. Instead, a road trip is easily the best way to reach the island, crossing the Skye Bridge or taking the car ferry from Mallaig. Which option you choose depends on where you want your journey to begin.
Option 1: Isle of Skye itinerary from Inverness
Many set off on a road trip to the Isle of Skye from Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, perhaps even following an Edinburgh to Inverness road trip to get there. You’ve got the choice to collect a car booked on Turo in Edinburgh or Inverness.
Inverness
Depending on how much time you’ve already had in Inverness, perhaps exploring Inverness Castle or the Culloden Battlefield, kicking your Isle of Skye road trip itinerary in the morning means you can make a day of the journey to the Isle of Skye, planning plenty of scenic stop-offs.
Urquhart Castle
Heading south from Inverness, you will reach the mysterious Loch Ness. Drive down the west coast of the loch and stop at the ruined castle, Urquhart Castle, which has witnessed chapters of Scottish history over its 500-year existence.
From Urquhart Castle, continue down the western flank of Loch Ness before taking the A887. This evolves into the A87 and tracks along the northern edge of Loch Cluanue before heading northwest towards Loch Duich. There are plenty of scenic places to stop on the A87 if you want to break up the drive.
Eilean Donan Castle
At the northern end of Loch Duich, where it meets Loch Alsh, stands Eilean Donan Castle, a magnificent 13th-century Highland castle. Stop for a tour or a coffee at the cafe before continuing on the A87 towards Kyle of Lochalsh.
Kyle of Lochalsh
Access to the Isle of Skye is via the Skye Bridge from the Kyle of Lochalsh. There’s no toll to cross the bridge, and it only takes a few minutes as the bridge span is 500 metres. Once you arrive on the Isle of Skye, the first village you’ll come to is Kyleakin, which has plenty of guesthouses and self-catering accommodation. You can also continue away from the town to find beautiful wild camping spots.
Time on the road and miles travelled
If you take the route via Loch Ness, Loch Cluanue, and Loch Duich, it’s around an 82-mile journey between Inverness and Kyleakin. If you drove it without stopping, it would take around two hours, allowing you plenty of time to take this leg of your road trip at a leisurely pace.
Option 2: Isle of Skye itinerary from Glasgow
If you’re collecting a rental car in Glasgow, you’ll want to start early on your road trip to the Isle of Skye, particularly if you want to stop at some scenic highlights. Alternatively, you could start your Isle of Skye road trip from Fort William by taking the Caledonian Sleeper train from London Euston to Fort William.
Glasgow
You’ll want to set off for the Isle of Skye in the morning, so factor in some time to explore Glasgow for a day or two before starting your Isle of Skye road trip itinerary. There’s plenty to hold your interest in the city, from the exquisite Glasgow Botanic Gardens to the incredible Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
Loch Lomond
Leave Glasgow and take the A82 north, driving through the Trossachs National Park and hugging the western edge of Loch Lomond. On your journey north, you’ll cross the faultline that divides the Scottish Lowlands and the Scottish Highlands.
Glen Coe
Glencoe village is tucked between Loch Leven, overlooked by towering mountains formed by glaciers and volcanos. The Glencoe Mountain Resort is a hotspot for skiing, but it’s an outdoorsy place all year round. Scenes from the 2012 James Bond movie Skyfall were filmed around Glen Coe.
From Glencoe, you’ll cross Loch Leven at the Ballachulish Bridge and continue on the A82, tracking the eastern side of Loch Eil to Fort William.
Fort William
Home of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s tallest peak, Fort William is often called the Outdoor Capital of the UK. You could choose to stop over night here if you want to take advantage of the trails or take the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola for some epic scenic views.
To get to the Isle of Skye from Fort William, join the A380 and head westbound along the northern edge of Loch Eil towards Glenfinnan.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Within 30 minutes of leaving Fort William, you’ll reach Glenfinnan. Home to the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (immortalised in the Harry Potter movies, with the scarlet Hogwarts Express crossing the 21 arches), stop at one of the viewpoints. If you’re lucky with your timing, you’ll see the Jacobite steam train crossing the iconic railway bridge.
Mallaig
The working fishing port of Mallaig is a gateway to the Isle of Skye. The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry makes crossings to the island year-round, typically three crossings daily, which take around 30 minutes. If you have time before your ferry, there’s a circular walk with great views over the harbour and across to Loch Nevis.
Time on the road and miles travelled
Getting to the Isle of Skye from Glasgow is a pretty long journey – but also a wonderful scenic one. The route via Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and Fort William is over 150 miles, and you’ll need to allow around four hours of driving time. It’s still possible to make some stops along the way, but you’ll need to know which ferry crossing you’re taking from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye and make sure you arrive in plenty of time or plan to stay the night in Mallaig.
Isle of Skye tips for a successful road trip
The best Isle of Skye trips are those that are well-planned. Here are a few Isle of Skye travel tips to make your adventure go without a hitch.
Book your accommodation
Keep your Isle of Skye itinerary flowing like clockwork by researching and booking your accommodation ahead of time. Whether you want luxury hotels or want to try boutique guesthouses, choosing the location that suit the route you want to take around the Isle of Skye can really help. Then again, if you want to wing it and go wild camping in remote spots, there’s no better place to try it than the Isle of Skye!
Plan your route
Before setting out each day, use your in-car map, Google Maps, or Waze to find the best route, remembering that the most direct route isn’t always the most scenic. Live, internet connected maps can help identify any road closures to avoid, but remember that internet connectivity can be patchy, especially in the more remote spots on the Isle of Skye.
Allow plenty of time
While many days on the five-day Isle of Skye road trip itinerary only involve a few hours in the car each day, remember that walking is a big part of discovering the most scenic spots on the Isle of Skye. Plan your day to make sure you allow enough time for some of the longer walks.
Plan your charging stops
If you’re planning on booking an electric vehicle in Scotland for your Isle of Skye adventure, make sure you know exactly where you can charge. The latest EV models have good range, but the distances you’ll travel (especially when you factor in getting to the Isle of Skye in the first place) means you’ll certainly need a few boosts along the way.
The in-car map of your EV will usually direct you to the nearest charging point. Although new EV charging points are springing up all the time, given the remote location of the Isle of Skye, there aren’t as many as you’ll find elsewhere. You’ll often find charging points close to the main tourist spots like the Old Man of Storr, Dunvegan, and the Isle of Skye Candle Company.
The best time of year for an Isle of Skye road trip
The summer high season is one of the most popular times to visit the Isle of Skye. The warmer weather makes walking more enjoyable, and the days are longer, so you can spend more time out and about in the mornings and evenings. On the downside, there are more visitors to the island, so if you need accommodation, book ahead of time.
Visiting the Isle of Skye in the high season isn’t your only option. If you want to experience the atmosphere of the Highlands in the shoulder seasons or even in the wild depths of winter, a road trip can be just as rewarding. It’s worth bearing in mind that some of the Isle of Skye’s attractions, such as the museums and castles, are closed in the winter. So before you book, make sure you’ve mapped out your plans so you’re not disappointed.
The best cars for an Isle of Skye road trip
Even if you have your own vehicle, it doesn’t mean it’s the best car for road-tripping on the Isle of Skye. Instead, consider a rental car that’s perfect for the journey.
Minivans
Minivans are a popular option for an Isle of Skye road trip. You can fit the whole family in, plus plenty of luggage. Camper vans are a great option for road-tripping on the Isle of Skye, finding campsites along the way instead of choosing guesthouses or hotels.
SUVs
Luxury SUVs are a comfortable way to explore the gorgeous scenery of the Isle of Skye. A road trip can be long, especially if you’re tagging the Isle of Skye itinerary to a long road trip like the North Coast 500 or even the Edinburgh to Inverness trip (perhaps even a London to Edinburgh adventure), so comfort might be key.
Hatchbacks
Narrow roads and single-track lanes make smaller cars a compelling choice if just two of you are taking the road trip. Today’s hatchbacks are more comfortable than ever.
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