Isle of Skye
After landing at Inverness airport, I rented a car and drove directly to Portree, the largest town on the Isle of Skye. As someone who’s spent the last 10 years living in Southern California (a temperate but dry climate), the 3-hour drive with enviable green valleys and deep blue glens was a heartwarming escape.
The majestic geological landscapes and dramatic cloud patterns quickly put me in an emotional state. Maybe it was because, after numerous failed attempts at planning, it was surreal that I was there. The Scottish Highland was on my bucket list for years, and it did not disappoint.
After researches on print and on the web, I decided on this itinerary:
Day 1
London → Inverness → Portree
Day 2
The Storr
Gin-Making Workshop at Isle of Skye Distillers
Day 3
Talisker Distillery
Neist Point Lighthouse
Talisker Distillery
The Fairy Pools
Day 4
The Fairy Glen
Quiraing
Day 5:
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Portree → Fort Williams
Day 6:
Glencoe
Steall Waterfall
Day 7:
Fort Williams → Inverness → London
Here are my top tips for traveling to Isle of Skye:
Rent a car if possible. Isle of Skye and Glencoe are best experienced at your own pace. Otherwise, small group tours are available from nearby towns like Portree, Inverness, etc
Get an international driving license from your country, it will save you a headache or two
If you’re going in summer expect 18 hours of daylight, if you’re going in winter expect 6 hours
Pack hiking gear, boots, and waterproof socks
Lessons learned that I will carry with me for my next trip:
Spend more time in Glencoe, it’s worth a trip on its own
Do a more extensive hike in Quiraing and The Storr
More gin-making workshops!
I would love to hear any tips and recommendations if I missed anything.
Thanks for reading, more photos below.
