What you’re seeing in the picture is the shore of Elgol—100% one of the places you should visit if you only have one day on the Isle of Skye. But let’s be realistic; you only have one day, so maybe you should only do a quick drive-by of the shore of Elgol.
If you can, we’d recommend motorhome hire and staying for a couple of days before driving off into the sunset (or sunrise, or midday sun, or more likely Scottish rain).
Still, if you do only have one day, read on for all the things we think you can cram into your time there.
Start Your Day With the Old Man of Storr
Start your trip from the Old Man of Storr. Storr is one of Skye’s most recognisable landmarks. If you like waking up early (or even if you don’t), we’d recommend coming right after dawn for perfect views and fewer people. The trek is not too tricky, but it does take some effort (especially after all the festive indulgence recently – take a good pair of walking shoes! At the top, expect breathtaking, expansive views of the landscapes, including the Sound of Raasay. It’s the ideal Instagrammable location.
Spend around two hours here. Some might think it’s a large chunk of your day in the Isle of Skye, but for people who value nature, it will absolutely be worth it.
Stop by Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
Next, you must drive for approximately 20 minutes towards Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. This one is more of a pit stop, but it’s definitely one that you would not want to skip.
Kilt Rock is an enormous cliff that has the shape of a kilt, and Mealt Falls is a waterfall that dives straight into the ocean. Mealt Falls is heaven, and the sound of water colliding with the sea underneath is truly magnificent. There is a viewing area, which means you won’t have to wander deeply away from your motorhome to see the sights.
Take around 20 to 30 minutes here: you need just the right amount of time to relish the view, take pictures, and appreciate the beauty of the area.
Head to Portree For Lunch
By this point, you must surely be feeling hungry. Make your way to Portree, the biggest town on the island.
Portree is breathtaking with its colourful buildings in the harbour. There are so many nice restaurants and pubs for a wholesome, mouthwatering meal. If you enjoy seafood, you’ll love it in Portree. A lot of restaurants serve freshly caught fish and shellfish. We’d recommend going to Lower Deck or Sea Breezes for something unique and tasty.
You can stroll by the harbour, go into some quaint shops, or people-watch while sitting at a nearby cafe. You can spend around one to one and a half hours on lunch and a stroll.
Explore the Fairy Pools
Now, head towards the Fairy Pools a bit west of Glenbrittle. The drive will take around 40 minutes, which sounds like a lot after lunch, but the jaw-dropping landscapes will definitely keep you awake.
When you reach your destination, you will understand why everyone calls it The Fairy Pools. While the scenery is very picturesque, the stunning clear waters bordered by rocky hills provide the perfect gentle contrast. Most tourists will find it easy to hike to the pools.
Allow around 2 hours at the Fairy Pools. That’s enough time to cool off (unless it’s not summer and warm), take photos, and, most importantly, say that you’ve swum in a fairy pool.
Catch Sunset at Neist Point
Finally, head over to Neist Point at the edge of Skye Island. Here, you’ll see a traditional, old-school lighthouse looking out over incredible views. Although an hour’s drive from the Fairy Pools, it is the best spot to put a lid on your excursion.
The Neist Point Walk is simple enough that you will be able to enjoy the beauty the nature has to offer, especially during sunset. One of the best sights of the walk is the mouth opening of the lighthouse. It is beautiful beyond imagination, making it the perfect location for looking at the golden rays basking on the cliffs while the sea roars in front of you.
If you plan on coming here, come prepared with a warm jacket because it tends to get windy.
All that sounds like the perfect day to us! The Isle of Skye will leave you in awe, and we promise you won’t think one day is enough. Let’s know if you take the route!
