What to do in Skye?

Old Dec 31st, 2016, 07:41 AM
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What to do in Skye?

Hi there - will be spending two full days in Skye this coming June - our first trip to Scotland. Anyone have any suggestions on what we shouldn't miss? We love walks, hikes, nature, castles, small towns, boating trips, etc. We will have a rental car. Thank you so much!!
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Old Dec 31st, 2016, 08:23 AM
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I now see you also asked about the Jacobite. Since you are staying on Skye, taking the train makes next to no sense.

>>will be spending two full days in Skye>We love walks, hikes, nature, castles, small towns, boating trips, etc.
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Old Dec 31st, 2016, 08:52 AM
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Have lunch at The Three Chimneys. If money is no object, have dinner and stay the night.

Book well in advance, even for lunch.
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Old Dec 31st, 2016, 10:01 AM
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Visit Dunvegan castle. Hike - the Cuillins if you're up to it - I just did a circular stroll over the hills near Portree.
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Old Dec 31st, 2016, 12:33 PM
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The three chimneys is absolutely terrific but is VERY pricey and I'm not sure if you have children w/ you. I might skip it if you are a family.
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Old Dec 31st, 2016, 02:50 PM
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I'm assuming you have abandoned the Jacobite Steam train plan per janisj's comments but I would like to address the idea of giving too much credence to someone else's idea as to what you should see or do. It's very easy for one to offer their preferences but remember it is their preference and may not really be the best idea for you. Assuming you are an intelligent adult, a little research and YOU can decide what will work best for you without relying on another's opinion.

I suggest you to get a basic guide book. Any will do, Fodor's Frommers etc. A guide book will give you information on various sites, things to do, opening times, access etc. Then you can decide what interest you the most. Once you have an initial itinerary come back here for further advice. There are several here that are very knowledgeable regarding Skye as well as other parts of Scotland. Also if driving a good map and you will need to consult a route planner to get approximate driving times. For Scotland, I like AA route planner. You will need to add about 30% to their times. Driving in Scotland is different.

Regarding your list of interests, all are possible on Skye. There is only one castle, Dunvegan, that is intact. The rest are ruins and with one exception I wouldn't recommend any unless you have a fair knowledge of Scottish history. Plenty of walks but some of the routes on the Black Cuillins should only be tackled by experts and/ or with a guide. Skye also has a variety of boating trips from small boats at Dunvegan Castle used for seal viewing to the ferry that runs to Isle of Rassay and then there's the ultimate experience of sailing around the Isle of Skye itself.

Here is an excellent website that will give you an idea as to what Skye offers.They do list about 10 walks which should give you some good options. Check out the website, get a guide book and you should be able to come up with an itinerary that fits your needs.

In regard to hotels, B& B 's, restaurants we can make recommendations but need to know your budget. I can personally recommend several places but if they don't fit your budget, the information is irrelevant.
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Old Dec 31st, 2016, 02:52 PM
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Sorry, forgot to provide the website I mentioned. It's www.isleofskye.com

Hope this helps.
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Old Jan 1st, 2017, 07:10 AM
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thanks very much for the input/ideas
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Old Jan 1st, 2017, 09:23 AM
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One of my fondest memories of our day trip to Skye was sitting near a cliff and eating a picnic lunch while enjoying the beautiful views.
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Old Jan 1st, 2017, 11:24 AM
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We hiked to The Old Man of Storr and The Quiraing. Both offered wonderful views. The Old Man had a lot of "traffic" (hikers), but we had the Quiraing, and further, to ourselves.
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Old Jan 1st, 2017, 11:55 AM
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There's so much to do and see. Have a look at the map here and follow the links for text pages with lots of information and pictures.
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.u...highlands.html

For walks, this is the best website.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/

The Trotternish Peninsula is well worth exploring and can easily expand to fill a full day. It is also less popular than othr parts of th island.
Do it anticlockwise, out along the A855.
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.u...ish/index.html

First stop after Portree is in the car park to admire the Old Man of Storr - and possibly go up it.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye...of-storr.shtml

5 miles further along the road is sign to Lealt Falls at head of a gorge. Park in the lay by and it is a short walk to view the top of the falls. On a clear day the views across Wester Ross from along this stretch of the road are spectacular.

Next is the large lay by for Kilt Rock beside a small loch. It's a short walk along a reasonable path to see the 200ft high cliffs and 300’ Mealt Falls tumbling sheer to the pebbled shore below.

Continue north to Staffin (overlooking Staffin Island and Staffin Bay), an attractive crofting township with a number of shops and other services.

From Staffin a narrow road leads across Trotternish to Uig via the Quirang, spectacular pinnacles and rock formations. There is information about walking here.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/quiraing.shtml
Even if you aren’t planning to walk, it is worth driving the lower stretch of this road for the views.

Return back the way you came and continue round the tip of the headland. Look out for a small parking space on your right which gives views down to the ruins of Duntulm Castle. You can walk down to it, although there isn’t a lot left.

Isle of Skye Museum of Island Life is a few miles further, signed off left up a narrow road. This is well worth visiting and a fascinating glimpse into life 100 years ago.
http://www.skyemuseum.co.uk/
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.u...ife/index.html

After visiting the museum, continue driving to the top of the road to the cemetery and find where Flora MacDonald is buried. (She was the young lass who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the defeat at Culloden in 1745). On a clear day there are superb views across the Minch to the Western Isles.

Return to the main road and now head for Uig. This is the ferry port for Western Isles. There is a a gas station, shop and cafe. There is a small pottery and also brewery with shop which sells their bottled beers...

If you like walking, there is the Fairie Glen Walk in Uig:
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/fairyglen.shtml

I must admit, I am not over impressed by Dunvegan Castle. It seems to concentrate mainly on the history of the MacLeod clan and the inside is a bit boring. The gardens are nice though.

On the second day:
One of the other walks which was very popular is the Fairy pools.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/fairypools.shtml
This is a bit out of the way but could be linked in with Talisker, Eynort and Glen Brittle. If you are still feeling energetic, there is also the Eynort Forest Walk.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye...t-forest.shtml
The Glen Brittle and Eynort walk is longer and you may be pushing to fit this one in with the Fairy pools.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/glenbrittle.shtml

This will get you out into the more remote parts of Skye with plenty of nature!
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Old Jan 1st, 2017, 12:03 PM
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Yeah, since you're into "walks, hikes, nature", I'd definitely include Quiraing on your list if you have the time. You can get a pretty good idea of what to expect from the photos online... http://bknpk.com/?p=10554
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