Wildlife, whisky and watercolours…there’s still plenty to enjoy when the heavens open.
Let’s face it, you come to Scotland, you expect the rain but it can still feel frustrating when there are so many outdoor attractions you want to explore. We knew to expect rain when we set off on this adventure (read about our road trip to Skye here). With the right wet weather gear, exploring is still possible. But on some rainy days, dragging yourself through a soggy hike with the views obscured by clouds just doesn’t appeal. Luckily, Skye is an enchanting and surprising island where alternatives can be sought at short notice until the rain blows over (which it will!) Here are plenty of ideas to plan a perfect rainy day on Skye.
Go on a Distillery Tour
What better way to warm up on a rainy day than sampling the rich, diverse flavours of some of the world’s finest whiskies? Including Raasay, the three distilleries that form the Skye & Raasay Whisky Trail are within a 50 mile radius of each other. Talisker offers a multi-sensory experience, but does book up far in advance. It is possible to visit Torabhaig and Isle of Raasay Distillery: First Legal Scottish Distillery distilleries with several tour slots and tasting options on the day. These are a perfect choice for when the sky looks grey. If a visit to a distillery is too much to plan, The Isle of Skye Distillery is open 7 days a week and stocks independent spirits from all over the island. It also offers £10 whisky or gin tasting flights. Or you can book a spot at one of their stills and create your own blend! It’s even dog friendly!
Tour a Castle
There is no more romantic place to watch storm clouds rolling in than through a stained glass window. You can imagine you’re a member of an ancient clan as you walk the halls of Dunvegan or Armadale castle. Smaller churches and ruins throughout the island complete the experience. Armadale and Dunvegan also have great cafes and gift shops to wait out anyone rain storms.
Visit Artists & Their Galleries
Art Skye is a fantastic trail that showcases the creative community of Skye. The trail that can be downloaded here leads you around an astonishing variety of genres and disciplines of art, whilst taking in a tour of the island. A wonderful way of meeting the creative community of Skye and perhaps picking up some original souvenirs of your time on the island. There are plenty of shops around the island stocking unique artistic pieces too, our favourite is Or in Portree, which happens to be extremely dog friendly.
Watch Wildlife
Luckily for keen nature lovers, the animals of Skye are far hardier than the tourists. So, if you know where to look, you can still see some stunning sights on a rainy day. Kylerhea Otter Hide will keep you warm and dry while you watch for wildlife. Use expert knowledge and the on site information boards and binoculars to spot otters, seals and dolphins in the bay below. For those eager to see the rare golden eagles, a rainy day is an ideal chance to see them sheltering in their nests. Best to book in with a local guide who’ll know where to look. Spend time at the Rubha Hunish bothy and you’re bound to be rewarded with sightings of marine wildlife.
Admire Flowing Waterfalls
Although you may not want to linger for long, the added rainfall will make the island’s many waterfalls and pools more dramatic. Walk a short distance from your car and gaze at the cascades of Lealt Falls or Glenbrittle without getting too wet (unless you fancy a paddle!).
Snap the Perfect Photograph
The best thing about the rain on the Isle of Skye is that it it often blows over quickly. Therefore giving photographers a great chance of capturing rainbows in some iconic locations. Plan to head to your favourite places on a rainy day in Skye, and be ready to snap a shot of some familiar views with dramatic clouds, bolts of lightning and hopefully a rainbow.
Learn about Skye at a Museum
There are a few quirky museums on the island run by passionate experts eager to share their knowledge. Staffin Dinosaur Museum gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric roots of the island. It also offers tips on how to find the elusive dinosaur footprints on nearby Staffin Beach. Further north, you will find The Museum of Island Life. This is the perfect place to explore to make sense of the ruins scattered across the island. You will leave this museum marvelling at human ingenuity and the craftspeople that continue to flourish on Skye.
Enjoy a Film or Live Entertainment
Skye is home to the fantastic arts organisation SEALL. SEALL promotes and hosts a full array of theatre, live music, and dance events all over the island. Listening to a traditional band while the rain taps the window outside is a cosy and special way to spend a rainy day on Skye. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, the island’s only cinema, LAS Portrigh, could be the place for you. LAS Portrigh shows the local film ‘Skye Story’ on an almost daily basis. It also screens mainstream films and blockbusters if you’re looking to escape a rainy day on Skye for a few hours.
Lauren
Lauren is a qualified teacher, theatre practitioner and writer. Her proudest moments include taking a student expedition team to Ecuador, drafting her first novel and recently reaching the top of a climbing wall. Lauren loves travelling, having treated herself to a trip of the Trans-Siberian railroad for her 30th birthday, she is now looking forward to being in Japan for her 40th. Together with Jon, Lauren has enjoyed plenty of adventures from a road trip around Cuba to diving in the Galapagos Islands. Lauren is now working hard to write full time whilst being available for teaching and tutoring sessions, specialising in Shakespeare.