Looking for a rugged outdoor Highlands Trip experience? This article discusses a 1-day trip by car exploring the magnificent Isle of Skye.
We began our adventure to see the Scottish Highlands departing from the town of Inverness, Scotland. It is roughly an hour and forty-five minutes from Inverness to our first destination, the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle.
Eilean Donan Castle
Have you seen the James Bond movie, The World is Not Enough? Then, you have seen this magnificent castle. It’s one of the most distinguishable locations in Scotland, sitting on it’s own private island. Eilean Donan Castle is on the way to Isle of Skye, and worth seeing just even for a short trip. Here is their website for hours and general information.
Eilean Donan Castle – One of the most photographed castles in the country and considered by many to be the “Archetypal Scottish Castle,” Eilean Donan Castle is a sight to behold. Sitting proudly on its own island at a point where three great sea-lochs meet, Eilean Donan overlooks the Isle of Skye, with the mountains of Kintail creating a gorgeous backdrop for the castle. If you’re looking for a Scottish icon, look no further.
Isle of Skye
Our Highlands trip continues as we head out over the bridge to the Isle of Skye, where the spectacular Cuillin mountain range is in the backdrop. If you have time for lunch, make a brief stop in Portree a small quaint harbor town.
The afternoon we spent exploring the northeast peninsula of the Isle of Skye. Stops along the way that might be of interest: Trotternish ridge, for photos of the Old Man of Storr in the distance, and Kilt Rock.
Quiraing is my #1 MUST SEE destination in the Isle of Skye. You can practically drive up to the top, park your car, then walk up to the hill for as short as 5 minutes and see the most spectacular view you can imagine. It’s one of the most beautiful places I have been to, and if you like to walk trails, it was worth the time. We spent a few hours walking the trails and highly recommend it. We didn’t make it to the Fairy Pools, which maybe worthwhile to see.
Shligachan Hotel, Isle of Skye, IV47 8SW, Scotland, United Kingdom
After a full day of exploring the amazing sights of Isle of Skye, we headed to our hotel, Sligachan. I will provide the Hotels.com link, since we did have a comfortable stay even though the hotel is dated. It has a restaurant on property which was especially nice in this remote location.
