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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Highlands And Northern Islands, Scotland

Nearby Destinations Overview

Explore iconic castles, picturesque villages, ancient brochs, and peaceful islands just a short journey from Skye.

These locations enrich your Scottish adventure.

Transportation Options for Each

  • Car: The most flexible mode of transport for day trips. It offers total freedom for timing and stops.
  • Bus: Limited connections exist. Citylink buses stop near Eilean Donan. Local buses serve Plockton.
  • Ferry: For Raasay, take the Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferry from Sconser. For Glenelg, the unique Glenelg-Kylerhea ferry operates seasonally.
  • Walking/Hiking: Many sites involve walking once you arrive, so wear appropriate footwear.

Organized Travel Choices

Decide between the flexibility of independent travel or the structure of an organized tour.

Independent Travel with a car

Offers maximum freedom for timing, spontaneous stops for photos, and exploring at your own pace. This is the preferred method for many visitors to Skye and its surroundings.

Advantages

  • Freedom to explore at your own pace.
  • Ability to make spontaneous stops.
  • Control over your itinerary.

Organized Tours

A few larger Highland tours might include Eilean Donan Castle. Dedicated day tours from Skye to smaller locations are less common.

Benefits of Tours

  • Structured way to see multiple places.
  • No driving or navigation concerns.
  • Expert local guides and commentary.

Time for Exploration

Shorter Visits

  • Eilean Donan Castle: 2-3 hours for exploring the castle and grounds.
  • Plockton: 2-3 hours for the charming village and waterfront.
  • Glenelg Brochs: 2-3 hours, ferry seasonal operation can influence travel time.
  • Roads can be single track with passing places, needing care and patience.

Longer Excursions

  • Isle of Raasay: Half-day to full-day trip for hiking or distillery visits.
  • This island trip needs coordination with ferry schedules for travel.
  • Weather can quickly change, influencing outdoor activities and plans.
  • Advance bookings for ferry travel during peak season are advisable.

Transportation Connections

  • Car TravelHighly Recommended
  • Public BusesLimited Routes
  • FerriesIsland Access
  • Train ConnectionsFrom Mainland Towns
  • Organized ToursConvenient for Highlights
  • Private HireFlexible & Personal
  • Cycling RoutesRequires Planning
  • Foot PathsNumerous Options

Planning Your Day Trip

For a wide selection of day trips and excursions, consider browsing options on GetYourGuide to enhance your journey.

Natural Escapes

Beyond Skye, the mainland Highlands offer spectacular natural escapes.

Kintail Mountains

A dramatic mountain range near Eilean Donan, home to "The Five Sisters of Kintail." This area offers hiking for experienced walkers.

Torridon

Further north from Skye, Torridon is a stunning wilderness with ancient mountains and pristine lochs.

Lochaber Geopark

Encompasses Ben Nevis and Glen Coe, with spectacular geological landscapes and dramatic glens.

Scenic Landscapes - Mountains and Coasts

Discover the grandeur of Scotland's wild beauty beyond Skye.

Applecross Peninsula

  • Accessible via Bealach na Bà, a dramatic, high road.
  • Offers incredible hairpin bends and panoramic views.
  • A challenging but rewarding drive for skilled drivers.

Assynt-Coigach

A region of striking, isolated mountains and numerous lochs.

Wilderness Exploration

  • A region of striking, isolated mountains like Stac Pollaidh and Suilven.
  • Presents a truly wild, remote experience.
  • Plan a full day or overnight stay for exploration.

Coastal Beauty & Seasonal Views

Morar/Arisaig"Silver sands" beaches and turquoise waters.
Loch MorarScotland's deepest freshwater loch, remote wilderness.
Autumn ColorsBest in mainland glens (Sept-Oct).
Snow-capped PeaksDramatic in winter (Nov-Mar) for photography.
Flora & FaunaSpring and summer bring wildflowers and active wildlife.
StargazingRemote areas offer dark skies, especially off-season.

Outdoor Considerations

  • Respect local wildlife and protected areas.
  • Stay on marked paths to preserve vegetation.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
  • Inform someone of your hiking plans.

Cultural Excursions

Explore historical and cultural sites beyond Skye's boundaries.

Historical Sites Beyond Skye

Discover significant historical landmarks in the surrounding mainland Highlands.

Urquhart Castle Loch Ness

  • Iconic ruined castle on Loch Ness shores.
  • Combine with a scenic drive along the loch.
  • A historic landmark with dramatic views.

Fort Augustus Loch Ness

A charming village at the southern end of Loch Ness, famous for its series of locks on the Caledonian Canal.

Canal & Village Life

  • Charming village at Loch Ness's southern end.
  • Famous for Caledonian Canal locks.
  • Watch boats navigate the impressive system.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

This famous railway viaduct gained international recognition from the "Harry Potter" films.

Iconic Railway Landmark

  • Famous railway viaduct from "Harry Potter" films.
  • View from specific points or by train itself.
  • A recognized landmark for rail enthusiasts.

Shieldaig & Ullapool

Explore charming communities that show traditional Highland life and serve as gateways to other regions.

Coastal Villages

  • Shieldaig: A picturesque fishing village.
  • Ullapool: A charming port town that serves as a gateway to the Outer Hebrides.
  • Discover authentic Highland communities and their unique atmosphere.

Cultural Highlights

Explore historical and cultural aspects beyond the well-known sites.

Heritage Insight

Learn about local traditions and historical events that shaped the region.

Community Engagement

Participate in local events or visit craft centers to experience Highland life.

Scenic Drives

Combine historical stops with drives through captivating landscapes.

Deepening Your Experience

Consider visiting local heritage centers or museums for a richer historical and cultural insight into the Highlands.

Multi-Day Extensions

Skye integrates well into longer Scottish itineraries, with more extensive regional travel possible.

Extend Your Scottish Adventure

1

North Coast 500

Scotland's scenic driving route, with Skye as a common start or end point for your journey.

2

Outer Hebrides

Take a ferry from Uig to explore stunning beaches and Gaelic culture for 3-5 days.

3

Fort William & Glen Coe

Travel south from Skye to explore Ben Nevis and dramatic Glen Coe for 2-3 days.

Logical Next Destinations

  • North: Continue north from Skye Bridge or Uig to begin the North Coast 500 route.
  • South: Head south towards Fort William, Glen Coe, or Scotland's major cities like Glasgow or Edinburgh.
  • West: Take a ferry to the Outer Hebrides for a distinct island experience.
  • Central: Explore Perthshire and the Trossachs National Park.
  • East: Discover the Cairngorms National Park and its outdoor activities.
  • Islands: Consider other Inner Hebrides islands like Mull or Iona.

Transportation Connections

  • Car: The most flexible option for multi-day extensions, reaching remote areas.
  • Bus: Citylink buses connect to major towns facilitating onward travel.
  • Train: From Fort William or Inverness, access wider Scottish train connections.
  • Ferry: Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferries are fundamental for island travel.
  • Walking: Many regions have extensive walking and hiking paths available.
  • Cycling: Cycle routes offer an active way to explore certain areas.

Suggested Regional Routes

Skye to NC500

Drive north from the Skye Bridge (Kyle of Lochalsh) or Uig (after ferrying from the Outer Hebrides) to begin the North Coast 500.

Skye to Outer Hebrides

Take a ferry from Uig, explore Lewis & Harris, then potentially ferry south to North Uist and South Uist before returning to the mainland.

Skye to West Coast/South

Drive south from the Skye Bridge towards Fort William and then explore Glen Coe before continuing to Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Strategic Planning for Longer Trips

When planning extended travel, consider mapping out your route in advance to optimize time and exploration of Scotland's diverse regions.
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