The misty Isle of Skye is awash with romance and myth, lush green gardens, and steep, magnetic mountains. Its extraordinary natural beauty and royal connections see it rank highly on most visitors' must-see lists, while its proximity to the mainland makes it one of Scotland's most easily accessible islands.
Skye has a dramatic, mysterious, and mountainous landscape, where sunsets linger brilliantly until late at night and otherworldly mists roll gently through the valleys. Much photographed are the old crofts, one or two of which are still inhabited today. It also has an impressive range of accommodations, and restaurants that showcase the best of the island's produce and culinary talent.
To reach Skye, cross over the bridge spanning the narrow channel of Kyleakin, between Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin. Or, if you're visiting in the summer, take a romantic boat trip between Mallaig and Armadale or between Glenelg and Kylerhea. You can tour comfortably around the island in two or three days, but a bit longer will allow extra time for hiking or sea kayaking.
Orientation is easy: in the north, follow the roads that loop around the peninsulas of Waternish and Trotternish; in the south, enjoy the road running the length of the Sleat Peninsula. There are some stretches of single-lane road, but for careful drivers these shouldn't pose a problem.
