12 Best Things to Do on Skye in Scotland, Making Me Want to Go Back ASAP

If you’re looking for the best things to do on the Isle of Skye, let me take you through my recent trip. For a relatively small place, there are some great things to do on Skye, here goes…

I took approximately 1000 photos and videos during my three days in Skye. If you’ve ever dreamed of running away to a faraway place, trekking through magical landscapes and living in a pretty village – the Isle of Skye in Scotland is your next destination.

I can’t begin to describe the beauty of its natural, raw lands. Every sheer cliff and green covered mountain was a camera moment. After my first time, I went back again for more!

There are just so many things to do in Skye.

Skye is one of the most scenic places I’ve ever been. Every way you looked there was more Instagrammable beauty luring me in, tempting me with its brown hues, purple fauna and every-blue-on-the-spectrum waters. The earthy autumnal colours of the land from a mild December made for a beautiful palette, and the area had recently been shaken up by the passing Storm Frank just a few days before giving a rugged and rough look, although when I mentioned it ‘the look’ is apparently standard.

Photos of things to do in Skye

We were lucky. I went to Skye from the 2-5 January and the visibility was perfect. We could see out to the other islands from our viewpoints and the rain held off. The cold wind though, jeez, I took some videos and you can’t even hear what I’m saying the wind is carrying my voice away.

I was worried I’d get blown away at some points – good job I ate all those delicious fish and chips and Highland beef burgers along the way to keep me grounded.

Best Things to Do on Skye in Scotland

I’ve been to the Isle of Skye twice now. Once as part of a group trip exploring the best of the area, and once with my friend Helen when we were wild camping in the Outer Hebrides. Here’s what I think are the best places to visit on Skye for your trip.

1. Glenfinnan in Skye

As you head into the Scottish Highlands and towards the isles, you’ve got two major attractions to stop by. Glenfinnan, just off the Isle of Skye, is one of them.

This Scottish hamlet was the site of the 1745 Jacobite rising and of pop media fame, where the Harry Potter bridge is located. The railway viaduct is a gorgeous curved landmark that runs above the treetops; the railway on which the Hogwarts Express Train speeds towards the magic school. 

2. James Bond’s birthplace

Along the road to the Isles is another pop media related stop – the rural lands of Glen Coe. The road to Fort Williams offers a rather surreal vista, the tranquil valley a great spot for wild camping. It may also look familiar to hardcore James Bond fans. 

That’s right; it’s where Skyfall House was set.