our recommended activities for your trip to skye
Take advantage of the beautiful nature in Skye to boost endorphins and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Increase self-esteem, self-confidence, and creativity and go home feeling fully refreshed.
Things to do in Skye
There’s so Much to Explore…
Skye really is a world of adventure all of its own. From sea trips on glass-bottomed boats to whisky tasting at one of the island’s two distilleries, it’s a place rich with opportunity. If you’re coming with a family, then there are some exceptional things to do in Skye, from visiting the Fairy Pools in Glenbrittle to trying your hand at some archery in Portree.
Of course, there are shops, galleries and castles to visit as well. Why not pop into Skylight Staffin for some locally made gifts, or visit the imposing Dunvegan Castle before taking a walk to the coast? We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite things to do in Skye. It’s by no means exhaustive, but it represents some of the best opportunities to enjoy the kinds of outdoor adventures that Skye is famous for. Do contact companies and venues in advance, as some of these activities will require you to pre-book.
Wild Swimming
Nothing beats the profound effect on the body and soul of wild swimming.
That’s why this life-affirming activity is number one on our list of things to do in Skye. Opportunities abound across the island, with the beautiful black sand beach of Stenscholl being a great place to start.
Take in the breathtaking mountain views and even swim with a seal, if you’re lucky. Move inland if you’d like to swim in the Fairy Pools at Glenbrittle or lose yourself in the remote pools of Coire Lagan, nestling amongst the purple heather. Finish your restorative, endorphin-filled adventure with a dip in the Healing Pool at Loch Shianta.
TOP TIP: check the Isle of Skye Tide Table to keep track of the local tide times.
Wild Swimming
Nothing beats the profound effect on the body and soul of wild swimming.
That’s why this life-affirming activity is number one on our list of things to do in Skye. Opportunities abound across the island, with the beautiful black sand beach of Stenscholl being a great place to start.
Take in the breathtaking mountain views and even swim with a seal, if you’re lucky. Move inland if you’d like to swim in the Fairy Pools at Glenbrittle or lose yourself in the remote pools of Coire Lagan, nestling amongst the purple heather. Finish your restorative, endorphin-filled adventure with a dip in the Healing Pool at Loch Shianta.
TOP TIP: check the Isle of Skye Tide Table to keep track of the local tide times.
Climbing
There’s a great climbing opportunity around every bend, but for a true climbing experience, head to the Cuillin ranges.
Separated by Glen Sligachan, Black Cuillin and Red Cuillin dominate the island, with the Black Cuillin alone being over 11 kilometers long and above 3000 feet in places. The granite ridge contains 11 Munros and 16 other summits, with the high point of Sgurr Alasdair a goal for many an experienced climber. Red Cuillin offer climbers a gentler slope and is popular with hill-walkers and climbers alike.
A less challenging walking experience can be had at Brothers Point, in the north-west of the island. Follow the dirt and gravel paths, and the views from the peninsula of Rubha nam Brathairean are truly inspiring.
Cycling
You’ll find a range of bike hire facilities in the main towns, if you haven’t brought one with you for your visit. Some road routes are relatively flat and picturesque whilst off-road routes can be more technical, taking you through some of Skye’s remotest landscapes. Some of our favorites include the route out and back to Waternish Point via Unish, which takes you along a well-maintained 4×4 track, and the short but enjoyable route to the old Coastguard Lookout above Rubha Hunish.
For a more challenging adventure, try the 20-mile off-road route to MacLeod’s Maidens from Orbost Farm.
Cycling
You’ll find a range of bike hire facilities in the main towns, if you haven’t brought one with you for your visit. Some road routes are relatively flat and picturesque whilst off-road routes can be more technical, taking you through some of Skye’s remotest landscapes. Some of our favorites include the route out and back to Waternish Point via Unish, which takes you along a well-maintained 4×4 track, and the short but enjoyable route to the old Coastguard Lookout above Rubha Hunish.
For a more challenging adventure, try the 20-mile off-road route to MacLeod’s Maidens from Orbost Farm.
Fishing
Cast your line at Staffin and you’re likely to catch dogfish, cod, dab and the occasional thornback ray. Move around the corner to the Pinnacles and you’ll find pollock and wrasse in abundance too. Over on the west coast near Talisker Bay, you’ll be able to catch flounder, plaice and bass. Perhaps the best option is to book a seat on one of the many boats that take visitors out to sea to fish on a daily basis in the tourist season.
The Portree Angling Association also allows fishing for salmon and trout in some of Skye’s lochs.
Golf
Ideally suited to the undulating and unpredictable terrain of the island, it’s a welcome opportunity to relax and admire the scenery at the same time. Where better to play a round of golf than with the Red Cuillin mountains ahead of you? The Isle of Skye Golf Club’s course also looks out seawards towards the Isle of Raasay, making the location hard to beat.
The nine-hole course is kept in excellent condition and the 18 tees offer variety at every visit. So does the wind, which can be a challenge, even on a relatively calm day. It’s open all year round, and welcomes golfers of all ages and abilities.
Golf
Ideally suited to the undulating and unpredictable terrain of the island, it’s a welcome opportunity to relax and admire the scenery at the same time. Where better to play a round of golf than with the Red Cuillin mountains ahead of you? The Isle of Skye Golf Club’s course also looks out seawards towards the Isle of Raasay, making the location hard to beat.
The nine-hole course is kept in excellent condition and the 18 tees offer variety at every visit. So does the wind, which can be a challenge, even on a relatively calm day. It’s open all year round, and welcomes golfers of all ages and abilities.