10 Best Views on the Isle of Skye
Where to Take the Best Photos on the Isle of Skye?
The Isle of Skye is a delight for those that reach its shores in the north of Scotland. Boasting dramatic scenery filled with intensely rugged landscapes, awe-inspiring vistas, and a healthy dose of medieval history, there’s no shortage of incredible views to capture.
The largest island of the Inner Hebrides archipelago is littered with idyllic lochs, monolithic rocks, and commanding mountains that impress with their sheer intensity. Photographers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts are all regular visitors to the island’s impressive landscapes. But, with so much to absorb, knowing where to find the best vantage points can be tricky. We’ve pulled together this list of the best views on the Isle of Skye, so you won’t miss any of them.
1. The Old Man of Storr
The view is worth the climb
Good for: Photo, Budget, Adventure
The Old Man of Storr’s angular basalt rocks jut imposingly from the Trotternish Ridge just north of Portree. Towering 164 ft up toward the skies above, this viewpoint is one of Skye’s most well-known scenic spots. If you think it looks daunting to climb, you’re not alone. The pinnacle remained unscaled until 1955 when legendary English climber Don Whillans tackled the pillar.
While easily seen from the road below, Storr begs closer inspection to fully appreciate its magnitude. The 2.8 mile round-trip hike from the road ascends about 900 feet to offer views across the Isles of Rona and Raasay in the east and is the ideal introduction to the awe-inspiring landscapes on Skye.
Location: Old Man of Storr parking lot, A855, Portree, Isle of Skye IV51 9HX, UK
The Old Man of Storr
2. Loch Fada
Dramatic reflections of the Old Man of Storr
Good for: Photo, Budget, Unusual
Under the right weather conditions, you’d be forgiven for feeling like you’re in a dreamscape as you explore the sublime landscape around Loch Fada. Just south of The Old Man of Storr and adjoining with equally gorgeous Loch Leathan, this glass-like lake is a photographer’s dream. Serene scenes perfectly reflect the Old Man himself across its silky waters.
Early morning and late afternoon provide the ideal light conditions and a dramatic glowing sky, just perfect for an artistic photoshoot. You can create dynamic compositions while enjoying peaceful and contemplative moments, as you’ll often have the place to yourself. The crowds tend to flock to more popular vantage points higher up the hillsides.
Location: Loch Fada, Portree IV51 9HX, UK
Loch Fada
3. Kilt Rock
Panoramic views overlooking Mealt Falls
Good for: Photo, Budget
Enjoy 2 brilliant sights from a single viewpoint on dramatic ocean-side cliffs, affectionately named Kilt Rock. The 300-foot-high weathered basalt columns resemble the pleats of a kilt, making it a truly Scottish site. As well as this natural marvel, you’ll encounter the incredible Mealt Falls, plunging 180 ft into the ocean.
It isn’t only your eyes that’ll be treated to an epic experience here. When strong winds whip along the coastline, an aural element accompanies the views. While not a natural phenomenon, the fencing around the viewpoint emits a hauntingly beautiful sound as the wind passes through small holes. In more favorable weather, you might even be treated to panoramic views of the distant Isle of Lewis.
Location: Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls viewpoint, A855, Isle of Skye IV51 9JE, UK
Kilt Rock
4. The Quiraing
The pinnacle of viewpoints on Skye
Good for: Photo, Budget, Adventure
The most dramatic of all Skye’s views belongs to The Quiraing. Formed by Britain’s largest landslide, it has been hailed as the most beautiful landslip in the world thanks to its linear peaks and dipping valleys. Sat along the Trotternish Ridge, which also houses The Old Man of Storr, The Quiraing dominates the escarpment of Staffin Bay.
Photographers are particularly drawn to the 4 mile hiking trail, taking you over pinnacles and across steep slopes for sweeping views overlooking the Isle of Skye. You’ll be treated to intriguing geological features as you traverse the landscape, including The Needle, The Table, and The Prison, some of the most incredible natural formations in Scotland.
Location: The Quiraing, Portree, Isle of Skye IV51 9LA, UK
The Quiraing
5. The Fairy Glen
Stunning waterfalls and vivid blue pools
Good for: Photo, Budget, Unusual
The enchanting Fairy Glen is hidden among rolling green hills and farmland. Cone-shaped mounds protrude from the surrounding green space and ponds are scattered around the glen. Much like the nearby Quiraing, this whimsical landscape was caused by a landslip, creating the unique arrangement of rocky hills.
Despite the name, there is no official link to folklore connecting the land to faeries or any other mystical beings. However, the space does exude a sense of magic to those who explore its crevices. For the best viewpoint over the region, make the short climb up Castle Ewen, a natural rock formation resembling ancient ruins. The views over these rare geological formations are captivating.
Location: The Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye IV51 9YG, UK
The Fairy Glen
6. Dunvegan Castle
Overlooking gardens, lochs, and surrounding woodland
Good for: History, Photo
Castle Dunvegan, set beside an idyllic loch of the same name, is the longest continually inhabited castle in Scotland. The castle’s interior is award-winning, with quaint Victorian holiday cottages for guests surrounding it. Unlike most of the barren moorlands and mountainous landscapes that dominate Skye, Dunvegan Castle possesses an oasis-like feel.
Here you can explore 5 acres of formal gardens, woodland glades, and waterfalls and streams that flow towards the sea. Plant enthusiasts will be pleased with the greenery on show throughout the Glass House, water garden, and walled garden within the castle grounds. Beyond the castle estate, you can take a traditional clinker boat across the loch to see the local seal colony that lazes along the rocky shoreline.
Location: Dunvegan House, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye IV55 8WF, UK
Open: April–mid-October from 10 am to 5.30 pm (closed mid-October–March)
Dunvegan Castle
7. Neist Point
Exquisite sunsets at Skye’s most westerly point
Good for: Couples, History, Photo, Budget
There’s nowhere better to watch the sunset than Skye’s most westerly point. The rippling coastline here is saturated in golden tones as the sun slips over the horizon at this rocky outcrop near Glendale. While you can walk the 1.3 mile path to the lighthouse at the tip of the point, the best views are from the hilly cliffside looking out over Moonen Bay, towards Waterstein Head.
It’s not only the landscape visitors can admire. The lighthouse at the end of the point was first lit in 1909 as a guiding light for seafarers and attracts many visitors. Neist Point is also one of the best places on Skye to spot whales, porpoises, basking sharks, dolphins, and seabirds.
Location: Isle of Skye IV55 8WU, UK
Neist Point
8. Talisker Bay
Ocean views with a dram of whiskey
Good for: Photo, Food, Budget
Resting at the foot of Glen Oraid, the beach that lies in Talisker Bay is just a short walk from the nearby road. Wedged between craggy sea cliffs and an impressive sea stack, the azure waters below lap at the small shoreline of coarse shingle. Easy to access, the dramatic surroundings and nearby waterfall also make excellent features for photographers.
A short 5 mile drive will lead you to the nearby town of Carbost and the Talisker Distillery, the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye. The distillery is set on the shores of Loch Harport and set against the striking background of the dramatic Cuillin mountain ranges.
Location: Talisker Bay, Isle of Skye IV47 8SF, UK
Talisker Bay
9. Elgol
A hiking hub surrounded by viewpoints
Good for: Photo, Budget, Adventure
Famous for its stunning mountain views and picture-perfect seaside scenery, the small fishing village of Elgol treats visitors to magical views before they even reach their destination. Traversing the road through the Red Cuillins mountain range and Strath Suardal valley towards the shores of Loch Scavaig, dramatic scenes unfold as you pass the ruined Cill Chriosd (Christ Church) and its graveyard.
Unlike other views of the Cuillins, Elgol is one of the only places to take in the horseshoe shape of the mountain range. Those wishing to make the most of the region’s many viewpoints can explore the hiking routes that start here, heading towards both the Black and Red Cuillins.
Location: Elgol, Isle of Skye IV49 9BJ, UK
Elgol
10. Sligachan
A beautiful historic bridge with hikes to match
Good for: Photo, Budget, Adventure
Where the roads from Dunvegan and Portree meet lies a picturesque stone bridge set against breathtaking scenes of the Cuillin mountains and the tiny village of Sligachan. The river of the same name runs beneath the bridge’s 3 arches and is a popular spot for taking postcard-perfect photos. Moody skies and temperamental mists and clouds create an ever-changing atmosphere at this vantage point, creating unique and emotive shots for every visitor.
The nearby Glen Sligachan runs for almost 8 miles to the south towards Elgol and divides the Red and Black Cuillin ranges. An ideal base for visiting many viewpoints in the region, hikers can tackle the numerous routes that surround these crossroads in the south of Skye.
Location: Sligachan, Isle of Skye IV47 8SW, UK
Sligachan
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