An Awesome Alternative Guide to Skye’s Must See Attractions

Most visitors to the Isle of Skye come with a list of must-see attractions to ‘tick-off’. Whether inspired by Instagram posts or Outlander, the stunning Isle of Skye is packed with jaw-dropping natural attractions tourists flock to every summer. Since driving here for the summer season, we’ve been overwhelmed by the beauty and variety of the landscapes. Here is an alternative guide to Skye featuring lesser known, but similarly stunning alternatives to beat the crowds and experience a wilder side to the Isle of Skye.

The fairy pools are a beautiful natural wonder. No surprise that over 200 000 tourists visit the site each year to marvel at the cascading waterfalls. However, what the photos don’t usually show you are the hordes of people queuing up the gravel path or the large, packed car park at the foot of the falls. Ten minutes down the road, is Glenbrittle Youth Hostel. Jump out here and you can trace a path along a similarly stunning set of waterfalls in unspoilt, green surroundings. If it’s the wild swimming that has attracted you to the Fairy Pools then a little visited Coral Beach just north of Dunvegan will provide you with perfect turquoise water, white coral sands and a view that could be from the Caribbean.

The Old Man of Storr is an iconic sight and probably the first thing that appears in an image search for the Isle of Skye. It has appeared on film (Stardust) and is a ‘must-see’ attraction for most visitors to Skye. Visitors are drawn to the imposing black basalt rock formations that jut out of the land, dominating the skyline. Sadly, when hiking around the Old Man of Storr, you don’t get much time to stop and appreciate the view as the next tourist will be right behind you. The path is narrow and rocky meaning a single-file line of walkers can be found climbing up and down the Storr all day. Just a little way up the coast, Brother’s Point gives visitors the opportunity to take their time wandering the black basalt cliff side while surrounded by far wilder views. The point is also one of the best places in Skye to look back and see Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls in all their splendour. What makes Brother’s Point even more attractive is its isolation. Your only walking companions are likely to be sheep.

Many experienced climbers and extreme hikers come to the Isle of Skye to tick the Cuillins off their bucket list. From every vantage point, the Cuillins are a spectacular mountain range. They are to attempted by serious climbers only and best enjoyed from afar if you haven’t planned adequately. Luckily a heart-pounding hike around the Coire Lagan, leads you right into the heart of the Cuillins without having to face the peril of the mountains themselves. Featuring hidden waterfalls (Eas Mor), exhilarating scrambles and a ridge made famous in Highlander, the Coire Lagan circuit is a brilliant alternative to a full scale climb of the Cuillins themselves.

Staffin is home to one of the few places on the Isle of Skye where traces of its prehistoric past are readily visible. The beach is famous for its dinosaur footprints. Visible at low tide (and hidden beneath seaweed), the prints are impressive…if you can find them. The beach is beautiful but the footprints themselves are easy to miss, often obscured and tide-dependent. For a more satisfying delve into history, head to Bearreraig Bay. Not only does the bay lie beneath the imposing Old Man of Storr, but it is also littered with fossils. It is easy to lose an afternoon here spotting dolphins and porpoises in the sea and ammonites in the rocks. Just make sure to go at low tide and make sure you return before the tide begins to rise.

Dunvegan Castle is an impressive sight, its gardens are charming and the seal colonies in its bay are a delight. The castle is certainly worth a visit, however it’s difficult to immerse yourself in the history during peak season when you’ve had to queue for tickets, shuffle past the gift shop and wait your turn to take a photo. If you want your imagination to really run wild and magic you away to ancient times of clans and battles, then you’re spoilt for choice. All over Skye can be found castle ruins and, more tragically, entire ruined villages whispering their pasts to those who spend time exploring the sites. The most dramatically situated ruined castle is Duntulm. Standing on a cliff edge at the most northerly point of Skye, Duntulm is a rewarding ruin to clamber around. The remaining stone window frames the crashing waves and the distant islands perfectly.

The Fairy Glen is a grassy wonderland filled with sheep, pools and stone circles. It also featured in Stardust, and has all the magic associated with that film. However, the site is easily accessible by road from Uig and has ample parking meaning you’ll never catch a moment to yourselves. In addition, the site is well cared for with many stretches roped off to allow for regrowth. This means all visitors are funnelled along the same tracks. If you’re looking for an alternative walk that will provide the same sense of wonder, then Dun Ardtreck is a great choice. Dun Ardtreck is a well preserved broch, perched on a grassy cliffside. The only other visitors tend to be sheep. This leaves you free to explore the ruin and the surrounding cliffs and beach, enjoying the stunning coastal views to yourself.

Neist Point Lighthouse is an iconic view; popular on postcards and Instagram alike. On a clear day, you may find yourself battling for a parking space. The lighthouse is hidden from the car park area making a steep climb necessary. The lighthouse itself is splendid as are the views but the walk is an uninspiring series of concrete steps. It’s far more fun to hike across the heaths and cliffs of Skye’s most northerly point, Rubha Hunish. From the tip of this peninsula, rock stacks crammed with birds nests rise from the water which teams with life. As a viewpoint for wildlife watching it is unbeatable. We’ve been lucky enough to see minke whales, dolphins and even orcas passing close by in the deep channels below the rocks. There’s even a lookout bothy to provide info and shelter.

For hikers holidaying in Skye, Quiraing is top of the list. The otherworldly rock formations and grass topped escarpments are a unique feature of the Misty Isle. However, competing for a space on the hiking trail often means long tailbacks on the single track road, arguing for a parking space and queuing at the iconic viewpoints. A far more accessible hike which offers intrepid hikers an awe-inspiring panoramic view can be found at Ben Tianavaig. This is a delightful hike that has a few cake honesty boxes at the start as well as camping by a bay (perfect for a post-walk paddle to cool off). From the peak, you will see Portree harbour, the rock formations of the Old Man of Storr, plenty of other islands and, if you’re lucky, a pod of dolphins traversing the Sound of Raasay. The real hidden gem however, are the jutting hidden rock formations to rival anything you can see at the Quiraing.