Drive the Isle of Skye in Scotland
A Driving Tour on the Isle of Skye off the West Coast of Scotland
Take this circular drive from Sligachan on Skye, the Winged Island, and visit Portree, Kilt Rock, the Quirang, Duntulm Castle, Dunvegan Castle and Kilmuir on the way
Go over the sea to Skye and you'll see one of Scotland's most beautiful, atmospheric and romantic islands. It has been nicknamed the Winged Island, due to the shape of its northern end where you'll find the unusual formations known as the Quirang. The views from Skye's coast, out to some of the other islands and to the Hebrides, are spectacular. So too are the sunsets. A long, slow drive around Skye is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty of this very special Scottish island.
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Facts about the Isle of Skye Drive in Scotland
- The total distance is about 170 miles (272kms)
- The drive could take up to two days, to enjoy everything fully
- If time is short, omit the visit to Dunvegan Castle which would take 100 miles (160kms) and one whole day off the drive
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Route for the Isle of Skye Drive in Scotland
The Skye drive starts in tiny Sligachan, in the centre of the island. It stands by the sea loch also called Sligachan, which is sometimes pronounced Slee-gan and means 'place of the shells'. Take the A87 to Portree.
In Portree take the A855 for Staffin and after about 5 miles (8kms) look for the parking area on the left of the road which allows you to stretch your legs and get great views of the rock pinnacle known as the Old Man of Storr. Continue on and the road takes you past the Kilt Rock and into Staffin.
Continue on through Staffin and after 1 mile (1.6kms) look for the left turn to the strange, twisted escarpment landscape known as the Quirang. After enjoying the breathtaking views return to the main road and continue on the drive around the northern tip of Skye till you reach Duntulm Castle.
Duntulm Castle has wonderful views across to the Isle of Harris. The castle was once the stronghold of the Macdonalds of Sleat. Drive on south to reach Kilmuir, a good spot for a break to see the Skye Museum of Island Life. Then comes the pretty harbor town of Uig (pronounced yoo-ig), where it is decision time.
From Uig you continue on south and in 15 miles (24kms) you would return to Portree and from there drive on back to Sligachan. However, about 10 miles (16kms) south of Uig there is a right turn onto the B8036 and then onto the A850 to Dunvegan Castle.
Dunvegan Castle is the oldest inhabited castle in the north of Scotland, and is well worth the detour to take a tour of the place. It has been the stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, and still remains their home today. After visiting Dunvegan Castle take the A863 back to Sligachan.
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For details of a Monster Drive around Loch Ness in Scotland, click here.
For a Highlands of Scotland drive, click here.
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