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Wild, rugged and dramatic, northern Skye has one of the most ethereal landscapes in all of Scotland, its extraordinary rock formations, steep valleys and sheer cliffs contrasting with vibrantly green hillsides and sweeping, windswept beaches.
This private tour with a driver-guide takes you to some of the island's most scenic viewpoints as well as offering the flexibility to get out and explore on foot, should you wish. The geology, myths and cultural significance of the landscapes come to life with the help of your expert local guide who will regale you with stories of the island's history and its hardy residents.
On the day of your tour you'll be picked up at your hotel by your driver-guide in the morning and set off to explore the northernmost section of Skye, which is dominated by the arresting scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula.
An enormous ancient landslip runs almost the entire length of the peninsula, creating some of the island's most recognizable landmarks, a series of jagged rock pinnacles which top sheer cliffs. The Old Man of Storr is the most remarkable of all, standing aloof apart from the main cliff and inadvertently becoming one of the island's most photographed locations.
Further up the road is Kilt Rock, a towering, curtain-like spread of basalt columns that resemble a pleated kilt, with a waterfall dropping straight into the sea. Nearby Staffin is home to some dinosaur footprints preserved in a bed of sandstone on the beach, and there are more at Duntulm at the very north of the peninsula.
The Quiraing is possibly northern Skye’s most iconic and bizarre formation, particularly as it has been used as a filming location for The BFG (2016), Stardust (2007) and Macbeth (2015), among others. It’s a sweeping rock shelf overlooking the ocean with individual pinnacles and clumps that appear to have been swept into odd positions by the wind. Except in winter, the grass here is especially verdant, which lends an otherworldly feel to the place and makes it an even more extraordinary sight.
The region offers superb hill walking with outstanding panoramas and if you'd like to get out on foot your driver-guide can suggest various locations for a hike depending on the weather, timing and your fitness levels.
After spending the day exploring this beautiful and geologically intriguing peninsula you'll be driven back to your hotel. There will also be time to stop for lunch (not included), and your driver can recommend the best local places to eat, depending on your preferences.
This tour is highly flexible and can be adapted according to any particular interest you may have. Your driver-guide will determine the route depending on the weather and how busy various places are likely to be, but will always attempt to accommodate any special requests you may have.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Scotland specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Dunvegan Castle after-hours tour
Enjoy exclusive access to lakeside Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continually inhabited castle in Scotland. This guided tour takes in a short cruise to see the impressive structure from the water as well as a private meeting with the estate manager.
Fly-fishing with a local ghillie
Try your hand at fly-fishing in the renowned River Snizort on the Isle of Skye. A local ghillie (hunting and fishing guide) will help you perfect your casting technique and bag a catch of Atlantic salmon.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
