In the midst of an urban adventure in Edinburgh or Glasgow, you might begin to yearn for a deeper connection to nature. The five-hour drive to the Isle of Skye may seem long at first, but as soon as you leave the city and start passing through the Highlands, any worry about time or stress will vanish. From dramatic mountain landscapes to miles of sandy beaches, Skye has everything you need to complement your urban excursions. Here’s how to cover some ground without missing the must-dos.

The island, the largest in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, is 48 miles long and up to 25 miles wide, with a population of 10,000. I highly recommend driving north as you enter through South Skye and Sleat. Once north, make your way across and visit the towns in the central region — Portree and Sligachan are quaint and photogenic. 

See

Eilean Donan Castle. Photo by Kris Williams via Flickr

Eilean Donan Castle

This castle is perfectly situated to break up the drive right before you get to Skye. Here is where three great sea lochs meet, taking you back in time for a 13th-century history lesson and delivering one of the most iconic images of Scotland. Note: Getting here requires a minor detour, but no visit to the Highlands would be complete without experiencing the powerful beauty of this particular castle and its surroundings.

Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie by Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland, IV40 8DX. +44 01599 555202; eileandonancastle.com

Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock

For the meditators of life, this spot will lull you into a pleasant trance. Do climb over the fence (with caution) and find yourself a cozy seat. The waterfall, which rushes over the cliff, is gigantic, and sometimes the wind blows so hard that the water doesn’t reach the bottom. While most tourists perch up by the fence, snap a picture and leave, I found this particular place worthy of long, dedicated contemplation.

Do

Fairy Pools. Photo by Loïc Lagarde via Flickr

Kinloch Forest Walk

The Isle of Skye is the ultimate hiker/walker’s paradise. There are hundreds of paths to choose from, ranging from very challenging to leisurely. This walk through the forest is mild and lasts about two hours. Climb along a narrow path through meadows and find yourself among colorful wildflowers in spring and summer, and vibrantly hued trees come autumn. Then ascend to an overlook where you can see more of the islands of the Inner Hebrides.

 

Fairy Pools

A definite highlight of this trip, the crystal-clear Fairy Pools are best discovered in the late afternoon or early evening. Walking to the pools takes only about 35 minutes from Glenbrittle on the western point of the island. To avoid throngs of tourists, try getting there in time for sunset. Evenings are not only strikingly beautiful but serene — the epitome of magic.

Drink

Talisker Whiskey Distillery via Website

Talisker Whiskey Distillery

Talisker is the only distillery on the Isle of Skye — but worry not, for this whiskey is as good as they come. Visiting the distillery will give you an insider’s understanding of the delicate process of making single malts. And if you don’t know what that means, it’s even more of a reason to go.

Carbost, Isle of Skye, Scotland, IV47 8SR. +44 01478 614308; discovering-distilleries.com

Eat

The Oyster Shed via Facebook

The Oyster Shed

The Oyster Shed isn’t your typical oyster joint. This farm attracts people from all over the world, especially those keen to experience Scotland’s top-of-the-line seafood. Also located off the beaten path — like most must-see places in Skye — this eatery is run by Paul McGlynn with help from his mother-in-law. The menu is packed with all sorts of local seafood, and you can eat outside among nature provided the weather cooperates (bring a coat).

Carbost (1-min. drive past Talisker Distillery), Isle of Skye, Scotland, IV47 8SE. +44 01478 640383 or +44 07762 436913; skyeoysterman.co.uk 

Stay

Kinloch Lodge via Website

Kinloch Lodge

This historic family-run hotel is ideal for sitting back and relaxing after all the adventuring around the isle. Situated in a remote point on the northwest coast, Kinloch Lodge has white roofs that you’ll spot from the distance. It’s nestled among the rolling hills and surrounded by nothing but trees, hills and water. A quaint living-room-like lobby welcomes you, and the staff is accommodating to the point of making you a snack even if the restaurant is closed. Not to mention the fact that the on-site restaurant is arguably the best in all of Skye, with Brazilian-Scottish chef Marcello Tully at the helm.

Sleat, Isle of Skye, Scotland, IV43 8QY. +44 01471 833333; kinloch-lodge.co.uk

By Jade Moyano
Jade is a Brazilian-born travel writer and creative strategist. You can find her bouncing around the world, in LA, or NYC (depends on the time of year), usually with a yoga mat handy and no return ticket.  Her work can be seen in print magazines such as Monocle and Conde Nast Traveller UK, she also contributes to online publications such as Fathom, A Hotel Life, and SUITCASE Magazine and is the co-founder on new travel platform Abroad Everywhere (coming soon). When she’s not traveling or writing, she can be found in her studio in Topanga, California. Follow her on Instagram.
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