A Family Adventure Through Scotland's Isle of Skye: Part 2
Embark on a breathtaking journey through the mystical landscapes of the **Isle of Skye** in Scotland. This guide captures the essence of an unforgettable...
- Scotland Tours
- 4 min read
A Family Adventure Through Scotland’s Isle of Skye: Part 2
Embark on a breathtaking journey through the mystical landscapes of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. This guide captures the essence of an unforgettable family adventure, exploring iconic locations from the dramatic cliffs of the Quiraing to the historic halls of Dunvegan Castle. Discover the must-see sights, practical travel tips, and the sheer beauty that makes Skye a world-renowned destination.
Our adventure begins with the Quiraing, one of the most spectacular landscapes on the Isle of Skye. Located on the northernmost summit of the Trotternish peninsula, this stunning spot is just a 37-minute drive from the town of Portree, making it an accessible highlight for any Skye itinerary.
The Quiraing is a geological marvel formed by a massive, ancient landslide. This terrestrial turmoil has sculpted a breathtaking series of jagged cliffs, towering rock pinnacles, and hidden valleys, creating a vivid feast for the eyes. The views are simply spectacular from almost any angle, offering a new perspective with every step.
The dramatic landscape of the Quiraing is not static; the landslip is still actively moving. This constant motion means the road at its base requires annual repairs to remain passable, a testament to the powerful forces of nature that continue to shape this incredible region.
One of the most famous landmarks here is The Needle, a jagged 120-foot (37-meter) rock pinnacle that commands attention. Its striking appearance bears a resemblance to another of Skye’s famous formations, the Old Man of Storr, standing as a proud sentinel over the landscape.
The name Quiraing originates from the Old Norse ‘Kví Rand’, meaning ‘Round Fold’. Hidden within this fold is The Table, an elevated, grassy plateau concealed among the rocky pillars. Legend has it that local islanders used this secluded spot to hide their cattle from Viking raiders, adding a layer of rich history to the dramatic scenery.
It’s no surprise that the Quiraing is a must-visit for photographers and videographers. Its otherworldly beauty is featured on countless postcards of Scotland, and it’s easy to understand why. Every vantage point offers a picture-perfect scene waiting to be captured.
The walk around the Quiraing is a scenic loop of about 4 miles (6.5 km), typically taking 2 to 3 hours to complete. Be prepared for a challenging trek, as the trail can be slippery when wet, requiring you to cross small streams. Some sections are also quite steep, but the rewarding views are well worth the effort.
Next, we head to The Fairy Glen, a magical-looking landscape just a 24-minute drive from the Quiraing. This enchanting spot is another geological wonder created by a landslip, resulting in a series of strange, cone-shaped mini-hills that seem to belong in a fairytale.
A short 10 to 15-minute walk from the car park leads you into this whimsical world. Located about 25 minutes from Portree, the Fairy Glen is a popular attraction, especially for families with children who can let their imaginations run wild in this unique environment.
A prominent feature of the glen is Castle Ewen, a rock formation that resembles the ruins of an ancient castle. Despite its name, no castle ever stood here; its fortress-like appearance is entirely a creation of nature.
While no specific legends link the glen to fairies, it’s often said that such a whimsical landscape could only have been created by mythical creatures. You may notice spiral patterns made of stones on the ground; these are placed by tourists. However, locals prefer to keep the area in its natural state and kindly ask visitors to leave things as they are.
Our journey continues to Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod. Located on the northwest coast of Skye, it’s just a 33-minute drive from Portree. This historic fortress is the only one in the Highlands to have been continuously occupied by the same family for over 800 years, overlooking the beautiful Loch Dunvegan.
The castle is a fascinating mix of at least ten different building periods, from the 1200s to the 1850s. The interior tour offers a glimpse into the rich family history of the MacLeods, who are descended from Leod, the youngest son of the last Norse King of the Isles. The stately rooms, historic paintings, and impressive entrance hall are a delight to explore.
The castle is surrounded by five acres of formal gardens, and between April and September, you can take a 25-minute boat trip to visit the estate’s seal colony. These trips offer a chance to see not only the playful seals but also nesting herons and sea eagles. The gardens themselves feature a rose garden, a water garden with a lovely waterfall, and a traditional walled garden.
While we covered many incredible sights, there were a few places we missed due to weather or other delays. These included Loch Coruisk, Talisker Bay and Waterfalls, Brother’s Point, Coral Beach, and Rha Waterfalls.