How Do You Get To The Isle Of Skye?
Published: Wed Aug 11
Learn about getting to the Isle of Skye with us - join us on our Isle of Skye tour to learn all about the hidden nooks and crannies across the vast island scenery... we may have some surprising legends of our own to share with you.
Derived from the Norse word SKI meaning ‘cloud’ and EY meaning ‘island’, the Isle of Skye is one of the most popular tourist destinations within Scotland and it is easy to understand why. Skye packs an incredible amount of dreamlike folklore and spectacular outdoor adventure into a mere 1,656 square kilometres.
With breathtaking landscapes that stretch as far as the eyes can see and a rich history coursing throughout this rugged, mountainous terrain; the Isle of Skye is a must-see when visiting the Highlands of Scotland. If you’re planning a trip to see the best of the Highlands, your first question should be “how do you get to the Isle of Skye?”
How do you get to the Isle of Skye - Skye Bridge
Before setting foot on the charming Isle of Skye, you must first travel across the Skye Bridge. Until the construction of the Skye Bridge began in 1992, there was only one way to arrive on the Isle of Skye and that was by ferry – before the 1.5-mile crossing from the village of Eilean Bàn over to the Isle of Skye was completed.
Finding the Skye Bridge crossing involves making your way to Scotland’s rugged west coast, towards Kyle of Lochalsh. From Inverness the fastest way is by car – simply follow the A82 along the Great Glen and Loch Ness, through the town of Invermoriston, and the picturesque Glen Moriston and Glen Shiel.
If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, why not join us on our Isle of Skye tour? We only use our comfortable 8-seater minibus for our tours, meaning you get panoramic views and plenty of opportunities to admire the stunning surroundings on your journey towards Skye. With your knowledgeable guide in tow, you’ll learn everything there is to know about the fascinating history of this part of the Highlands – including the impressive construction and intriguing controversy around the Skye Bridge.
How do you get to the Isle of Skye - Cuillin Mountain Range
Once you’ve made it onto Skye via the bridge, your journey will take you past the town of Kyleakin – now you might be wondering “how do you get to the Isle of Skye’s most famous landmarks?”
One of our favourite views along the Isle of Skye tour is the picturesque Cuillin Mountain range landscape. Made up of the Black Cuillin and the Red Cuillin, these mountain ridges are said to be the most challenging of hikes throughout the UK. The Black Cuillin alone is made up of 11 Munros and a further 16 summits, which stretch over 11 kilometres of breathtaking Isle of Skye terrain. The mountain ridge consists mainly of basalt and gabbro rock which, thanks to the years of unpredictable Scottish weather, has been transformed from the once enormous volcano that stood proudly in the Isle of Skye landscape to the jagged ridge we recognise today.
On the other side of the Glen Sligachan lies the Red Cuillin. This mountain ridge is primarily made up of granite, which is noticeably weaker than gabbro, and so the harsh Isle of Skye weather has slowly taken its toll on the ridgeline. Due to this rounded, softer ridge, the Red Cuillin has become an incredibly popular hiking trail for keen explorers. Looking to explore the Munros and mountain scenery of Scotland? Then check out our Highland Tours and see how we can guide you through the incredible, rugged Scottish terrain.
How do you get to the Isle of Skye - Dunvegan Castle
If the history of Scottish Clans is something you love learning about, then there is no better place to start than Dunvegan Castle. Despite the hundreds of thousands of visitors the castle welcomes every year, Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continually inhabited castle in Scotland. The Clan MacLeod has proudly resided within the castle walls for over 800 years and it was not until 1933 that Sir Reginald MacLeod opened the castle’s doors to the public.
Now Dunvegan Castle, including its four on-site gift shops and its rich, blossoming gardens, are open for the public to enjoy. You can even marvel at the legendary Fairy Flag. This mystical artefact is said to hold mysterious powers – should the Clan MacLeod ever step onto the battlefield with the Fairy Flag unfolded, legend says their enemies will be defeated and the Clan will emerge victoriously. If you love learning about the rich history behind the Highlands of Scotland then check out our Highland Tours and learn more about this beautiful lands’ storied history.
How do you get to the Isle of Skye - Old Man of Storr
Your journey through the Isle of Skye would not be complete without taking in the most famous walkway on the island, the Old Man of Storr. This large pinnacle of rock forms part of the Trotternish ridge which can be seen for miles across the Isle of Skye landscape. Due to the much-loved fairytales and folklore surrounding the Storr, it has become one of the most hiked trails in Scotland and of course, it is an incredibly popular location for keen photographers.
Luckily, there’s little chance of getting lost when exploring the 3.8-kilometre pathway through the Storr, since it’s the same route both up and down the ridge. You may even recognise this mountainous view from acclaimed films such as Snow White and the Huntsman, Prometheus and The BFG. This breathtaking piece of the Isle of Skye’s historic landscape is not to be missed, which is why you should and join us on our most popular tour through this most stunning Isle.
How do you get to the Isle of Skye - Portree
The heart and soul of the Isle of Skye has to be the village of Portree. Nestled amongst the hills and overlooking a gorgeous harbour, the Isle of Skye’s used to be a tiny fishing village. Today the village of Portree has around 2,000 locals who eat, sleep and breathe the Isle of Skye lifestyle. Portree is home to many charming restaurants, cafés, gift shops and book stores lining the edge of its picturesque pier. Get ready to sample some authentic, local fish and chips while strolling through this charming village and admiring the brightly painted buildings before journeying on with our Isle of Skye tour.
Get In Touch
Ready to delve in and explore all these stunning, history-filled, jaw-dropping views the Isle of Skye has to offer? Get in touch with our friendly team for more information at tours@happy-tours.biz or give us a call on +44(0)7828 154 683.