Isle of Skye
Legendary scenery, famous landmarks and the kind of road trip moments people travel across the world to experience.
- Distance
- ~150 miles245 km. Ferries and detours extra.
- Drive
time - Around 5 hoursDriving only. Allow extra for stops and detours.
- Time
needed - Two to four daysSuggested. Allow longer for walks and detours.
- Best
for - Mountains, coastal drives, history and walks.
- Key
stops - Portree · Storr · Uig · Dunvegan · Sligachan.
- Fuel
availability - Plan aheadRefuel before remote outings. Check opening times.
- Mobile
signal - VariesNetwork-dependent. Download maps ahead.
- Public
toilets - Broadford · Portree · Dunvegan.
Join Skye by ferry from Mallaig to Armadale or by the bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh. The mapped journey runs from Mallaig, across to Armadale and on to Kyle of Lochalsh.
One beautiful island. A journey to remember.
About 152 miles / 245 km from Armadale to Kyle of Lochalsh, across four sections. Ferry travel and optional detours are additional.
Explore the route
Choose a section to see its route, distance and driving estimate.
Find your places on Skye
Places across Skye
Skye listings are on their way
We’re preparing our collection of places to stay, eat and explore. You can still explore the journey on the map.
Skye is one of Scotland’s great bucket-list destinations, and for good reason. This is the island of the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Fairy Pools, Portree’s colourful harbour and Dunvegan Castle — a place of famous landmarks, dramatic roads and the kind of scenery that more than lives up to the hype.
It is best experienced as a journey rather than a checklist. Allowing 2 to 4 days gives you time to enjoy the main route at a proper pace, take in the best-known sights, and leave room for the weather, the light and the spontaneous stops that so often become the highlight of Skye.
One Skye journey, four distinct sections
Swipe to explore the four sections
Section 1 · Gateway to Skye
Armadale → Portree
Approx. 42 miles / 68 km
Along the way
- Armadale Castle gardensRomantic ruins, lush gardens and stories of Clan Donald.
- Sleat coastlineSheltered shores with mainland mountains across the water.
- Portree harbourColourful houses, fishing boats and a welcome sea breeze.
Section 2 · Skye’s Most Iconic Drive
Portree → Uig
Approx. 35 miles / 56 km
Along the way
- The Old Man of StorrA legendary skyline and a rewarding uphill walk.
- Lealt FallsTumbling water and a gorge carved into the coast.
- Kilt Rock & Mealt FallsDramatic cliffs and a waterfall plunging towards the sea.
Section 3 · The Wild North West
Uig → Dunvegan
Approx. 28 miles / 45 km
Along the way
- Uig BayFerries crossing a sheltered bay beneath green slopes.
- EdinbaneHandmade pottery and a slower pace of island life.
- Dunvegan Castle & GardensA short detour for lochside gardens and clan history.
Section 4 · From Dunvegan to the Bridge
Dunvegan → Kyle of Lochalsh
Approx. 48 miles / 77 km
Along the way
- Sligachan Old BridgeAn old stone bridge beneath the magnificent Cuillin.
- Broadford BayWatch shifting light sweep across the island-studded bay.
- The Skye BridgeA sweeping sea crossing with one last island panorama.
Distances follow the main driving route. Allow extra time and distance for visits, walks and detours.
Optional Detours Worth Taking
Optional side journeys to some of Skye’s most memorable coastal viewpoints, mountain settings and quieter corners.
From Dunvegan · end of section 3 / start of section 4
Coral Beach
Walk to pale shores and turquoise water. This quiet coastal corner feels a world away from the main road.
From Dunvegan · end of section 3 / start of section 4
Neist Point
Head west for a lighthouse at the edge of the Atlantic: sheer cliffs, big skies and unforgettable evening light.
From Broadford · section 1 or section 4
Elgol & the Black Cuillin
Follow the winding road to a spectacular finale: the jagged Black Cuillin rising across Loch Scavaig.
From Sligachan · section 4
Fairy Pools
Walk beside clear pools and tumbling waterfalls beneath the Black Cuillin. Allow time for the trail beyond the road.
