The road to Skye

Written By Emma Thorpe

Cuilcheanna House is located along the gateway routes to the Isle of Skye and many, even most, of our guests plan to visit or have already been to this bewitching Hebridean island. Only two hours’ drive away, you can visit Skye while staying at Cuilcheanna House or have a rest stop in Lochaber to break up a long journey through Edinburgh or Glasgow.

So, why has Skye in particular captured the imagination of the world’s travellers, compared to other parts of Scotland’s far west?

Scottish drama

Skye is predominantly famous for its dramatic landscapes. Travellers are drawn to the island’s rugged peaks and green valleys (glens), like those at the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing, which offer jaw-dropping views and wonderful hiking trails. For many, seeing the otherworldly Fairy Pools - crystal-clear streams and waterfalls at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains - is high on their bucket list.​

Skye’s coastal scenery is equally captivating, with sights such as Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, where the cliffs resemble tartan fabric and waterfalls plunge into the sea. The hub town of Portree, with its colourful harbour houses, provides an authentic Highland experience and a chance to see local culture and wildlife in action.​

Making memories

Wildlife lovers flock to Skye for boat rides to see whales and sea eagles, folk music fans make sure to hear traditional Scottish music in Portree, and history buffs explore sites like Dunvegan Castle and the Clan MacLeod’s museum. There are tales of magical creatures in places like the Fairy Glen, exceptional seafood to sample, and the opportunity to spot the northern lights during winter.​

For intrepid climbers and hikers, scaling the challenging Cuillins, perhaps as part of a Munro-bagging adventure, can be a lifetime achievement. Outdoor enthusiasts also love to explore Neist Point Lighthouse and discovering the hidden beaches that make Skye a paradise all year round. Each journey to Skye offers the chance for stunning photographs, wild moments in nature, and a connection to Scottish heritage.

Finding peace

One point to be aware of when planning your Skye visit is how very busy it is in the summer season. If Skye is top of your travel list, you may want to consider going in spring or winter when the weather can be wild but you will find the kind of peace and emptiness that isn’t possible at other times of year. The area directly around Cuilcheanna House - the Nevis range, Glencoe, the Ardnamurchan peninsula and the road to Mallaig - offer wonderful, less trodden opportunities for stillness, dramatic landscapes, and pristine beaches, all year round. If you’d like our help planning your adventure, just get in touch.

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Emma Thorpe