There are hundreds of articles about the best things to do in Skye so in this article we will focus on suggesting some of the more interesting or less well known experiences on offer to visitors to the island.
Sea Kayaking around Skye
Get away from the crowds and see Skye from a different angle by taking a sea kayaking exploration around the coast. Paddle along Skye’s stunning coastline, exploring sea caves, arches, and towering cliffs, especially around areas like the Trotternish Peninsula and Neist Point. The waters around Skye are known for their rich marine life so sea kayaking provides opportunities to see seals, dolphins, sea eagles, and even basking sharks from another angle.
Lochs such as Loch Scavaig, Loch Bracadale, and Loch Dunvegan offer sheltered waters with breathtaking scenery, ideal for both beginners and experienced kayakers. Several local companies offer guided kayaking trips and equipment rental, catering to all skill levels.
The best times for kayaking are typically from late spring to early autumn when the weather is milder and seas are calmer.
South Skye Sea Kayak
Friendly small company who offer half-day, full-day, and multi-day kayaking trips in small groups on Skye. Their guides are highly experienced and qualified through the Scottish Canoe Association and British Canoeing. There is parking available at their site, big enough for campervans, and there are 2 Aires and a campsite nearby. They provide all kayaking equipment, so there won’t be lots of wet clothes after your session.
Nestled in the heart of the Cuillin mountains, Loch Coruisk is a remote freshwater loch accessible either by boat or a challenging hike. Even on this well-visited island, it remains unspoilt.
Loch Coruisk is surrounded by the imposing Cuillin mountains, creating a dramatic backdrop with steep rocky slopes plunging into the loch’s deep, dark waters. The area around the loch is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to see seals, sea eagles, and otters. Boat trips to the loch often encounter large colonies of seals basking on the nearby rocks. Loch Coruisk is quite remote, accessible mainly by boat from Elgol or via a challenging hike. Its isolation adds to the sense of adventure and offers a peaceful escape from busier tourist spots on Skye.
The loch is a great spot for hiking, with trails offering breathtaking views of the Cuillins. Popular hikes include the Sgurr na Stri climb for panoramic views or simply following the loch’s shores for a less strenuous experience.
Reach Loch Coruisk by taking a scenic boat trip from Elgol, adding to the adventure with stunning coastal views. Alternatively, hiking in via the Camasunary Bay route offers a challenging but rewarding route.
A former coastguard lookout turned bothy is situated at Skye’s northernmost point. The Look Out at Rubha Hunish offers panoramic views over the Minch, with sights extending to the Isles of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides. On clear days, marine wildlife such as whales and dolphins can be observed from its large, panoramic windows. Staying at the Lookout Bothy offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the rugged beauty of Skye’s northern coastline.
As a traditional bothy, the Lookout offers minimal facilities. There is no running water, electricity, or toilet facilities. Visitors should bring essential supplies, including food, water, and sleeping equipment. The bothy provides shelter and a dry resting place, but guests must bring in all other necessities.
Perched atop cliffs, the bothy boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding seascape. The large windows, remnants from its time as a lookout station, allow for uninterrupted vistas, making it an ideal spot for photography and wildlife observation.
Due to its remote location and lack of amenities, being well-prepared is crucial. Bring sufficient food, water, and appropriate clothing. A map and compass are also advisable, as weather conditions can change rapidly.
Bothy Etiquette
The Lookout Bothy is maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA). Visitors are expected to follow the Bothy Code, which includes principles like leaving the bothy clean, respecting other users, and not overcrowding
How to Get There
Drive to the small car park near the Shulista turn-off on the A855 road north of Kilmaluag. This is the closest parking area to the bothy.
From the car park, follow the footpath signposted to Rubha Hunish. The trail is approximately 2 km to reach the bothy. It is a moderately challenging path, especially if you are carrying supplies and equipment. The path traverses moorland and can be muddy after rain, so waterproof footwear is recommended. As you approach the clifftop, you’ll encounter a gate and two stiles. After passing through, turn right and follow the rough track up the hill to reach the bothy.
Take a trip on the Glenelg-Skye Ferry to the Glenelg Brochs
Take a short ferry ride to Glenelg to visit the well-preserved Iron Age brochs of Dun Telve and Dun Troddan. These ancient stone structures provide a fascinating insight into Scotland’s early architectural heritage and are set amidst stunning Highland scenery.
To get there, you will ride Scotland’s last manually operated turntable ferry, the MV Glenachulish, which connects Glenelg to Kylerhea on Skye. A turntable ferry is a unique type of ferry with a rotating platform (turntable) on its deck. Vehicles drive onto the ferry from one direction, and once onboard, the platform is manually rotated to allow them to disembark in the opposite direction without the ferry needing to turn around. This design is particularly useful for operating in narrow or confined waterways, such as the Kyle Rhea strait, where manoeuvring space is limited.
The Glenelg-Skye Ferry is a unique and scenic way to travel from Kylerhea on the Isle of Skye and the mainland village of Glenelg, where you can visit the Glenelg Brochs. Operating from spring to autumn, the ferry provides an alternative to the Skye Bridge, allowing travellers to experience a more traditional and charming crossing over the narrow and tidal Kyle Rhea strait. The ferry, named MV Glenachulish, has been in service since 1969 and is operated by a dedicated community trust. The crossing takes around five minutes, and the ferry can accommodate cars, motorbikes, bicycles, and foot passengers.
Located in the beautiful and remote Glenelg area, the brochs are surrounded by lush green hills, rugged landscapes, and views across to Skye.
The Glenelg Brochs — Dun Telve and Dun Troddan — are among the best-preserved examples of Iron Age brochs in Scotland and are believed to date back over 2,000 years. A broch is an ancient stone tower, and were likely used as defensive dwellings and status symbols for local chieftains. Exploring them offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s prehistoric past.
The brochs showcase remarkable dry-stone construction, with some walls standing over 10 meters (33 feet) high. Their double-wall design, intricate stairways, and inner galleries highlight the advanced building techniques of their time.
Unlike some of the more crowded attractions on Skye itself, the Glenelg Brochs offer a quieter, more atmospheric experience. Explore the ruins at your own pace and soak in the peaceful surroundings without large crowds.
While visiting the brochs, you can also explore the charming village of Glenelg, the Glenelg Barracks, and the beautiful coastal scenery along the Sound of Sleat.
The Isle of Skye Smokehouse is a relatively new addition to the Skye foodie scene. It was launched in 2017 by John Corfield who previously worked as a Chef at the Ritz Hotel and Gordon Ramsay’s 3 Michelin-starred restaurant in London.
The smokehouse’s design, featuring stone walls and a peat roof, reflects the region’s heritage. Visitors to Skye’s only commercial smokehouse will learn how the local alder wood used to smoke the fish is prepared by hand using an axe. The axe is used to fire the smokehouse and create the smoke. John will explain the traditional curing and smoking process, culminating in a tasting session of canapes made from their smoked trout and salmon.
The smokehouse is at 2 Ard Dorch, Broadford IV49 9AJ, Scotland. You can find out more and contact John via The Skye Smokehouse website.
Coral Beach, near Claigan on the Isle of Skye, is one of the island’s most stunning and unusual coastal spots. Unlike most beaches, which are made of sand or pebbles, Coral Beach gets its striking white appearance from crushed maerl, a type of calcified seaweed resembling coral. This gives the beach a tropical look, especially on a sunny day when the turquoise waters add to the illusion of a Caribbean beach. Coral beach is an ideal place for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views over Loch Dunvegan, with the possibility of spotting seals basking on the nearby rocks.
What makes Coral Beach extra special is its remote, unspoiled beauty and the sense of tranquillity it offers. The shallow, crystal-clear waters are perfect for paddling, and at low tide, you can walk across to a small tidal island known as Lampay. From the top of the island, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of Skye’s rugged coastline. The beach is also an excellent spot for wildlife enthusiasts, with plenty of seabirds and the occasional otter making an appearance.
Reaching Coral Beach is relatively straightforward. From Dunvegan, follow the single-track road north for about 3 miles (5 km) to Claigan. There is a small parking area at the end of the road, from which a well-marked footpath leads to the beach. The walk will take around 25 minutes, being around 1.5 km (just under a mile) each way. While the path is mostly flat, it can be muddy after rain, so dress appropriately.
Wildlife Safaris
The Isle of Skye offers incredible wildlife safari experiences that allow visitors to observe the island’s diverse and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat without any involvement in hunting. Guided by experienced local experts, these safaris provide the opportunity to see spot the “Skye Five”– the top five iconic wildlife species on the island red deer, golden eagles, white-tailed sea eagles, otters and seals, among other species.
Whether by 4×4 vehicle, boat or on foot, these tours immerse visitors in Skye’s stunning landscapes, from dramatic coastal cliffs to rugged moorlands and lush glens, all while learning about the island’s unique ecosystem and conservation efforts.
There are quite a few companies and guides offering wildlife safaris for nature enthusiasts and photographers. These tours often include expert commentary on the behaviour and habitats of Skye’swildlife. Many experiences provide the chance to see wildlife up close through binoculars and spotting scopes so there is minimal disturbance to the animals.
Whether it is watching a majestic eagle soaring above the Cuillin mountains or spotting an elusive otter along the shore, Skye’s wildlife safaris offer an ethical, educational, and unforgettable way to experience the island’s rich natural resources.
Day tours around Skye with Andy to observe a wide variety of wildlife in various habitats, with an excellent success rate in encountering the Skye Five in their natural environment. They see Golden Eagles and White-tailed Sea Eagles almost every tour. Golden Eagles in particular are very regular with only a few days each year they don’t manage to find any. Otters are understandably popular with guests and they see them most trips. Deer and seals are almost guaranteed. Tours depart from Portree.
Mitchell offers seasonal fly fishing, red and roe deer photo stalking experiences and foraging experiences amidst Skye’s dramatic landscapes. Suitable for all experience levels. Or join Mitchell on a wild walk, escaping the main tourist spots to learn about Skye’s flora and fauna whilst foraging for wild snacks en route. You will also learn a bit of bushcraft – gathering, building and starting a fire. Along the way he will tell you colourful tales of Skye’s natural and human history. Stories about when Dinosaurs ruled Skye, Ancient Island Settlements, Viking Raiders and The Highland Clearances.
Mitchell also has a park up facility for just two campervans only to stay on his private land, with views to the Cuillin mountains to the southeast and Loch Harport directly (100m) to the east. There is electricity and water but no waste facilities.
David, an experience professional ecologist will lead you on a 4×4 wildlife adventure to spot the ”Skye Five” – otters, golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, red deer and seals. You will see plenty of other wildlife and sealife along the way. Skyefari offers full-day tours, exclusively for individuals, families, or friends booking together.
You can also book a private tour of the island. Their local knowledge and connections mean you will get to visit remote areas of the island you would not be able to access on your own.
Big Sky Campers Campervans for Hire
Scotland
We hope you are inspired by our choice of the best things to do in Skye. If you are looking for a campervan to hire to explore Skye please take a look at our top of the range VWs for hire near Edinburgh. All our campervans come fully equipped with everything you will need for your road trip to Skye. Everything is included in the price, including camping accessories, bike racks and extra sets of bedding if requested.
Got a question? Give us a call.
+44 (0)7768 973804