Exploring the Isle of Skye: Castles, Haggis, and Scotland's Wild Weather
Embark on an unforgettable campervan journey through the heart of Scotland. This leg of the adventure takes us from the iconic **Eilean Donan Castle** to the...
- Scotland Tours
- 4 min read
Exploring the Isle of Skye: Castles, Haggis, and Scotland’s Wild Weather
Embark on an unforgettable campervan journey through the heart of Scotland. This leg of the adventure takes us from the iconic Eilean Donan Castle to the dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye, where we’ll navigate charming towns, brave the notoriously unpredictable weather, and discover breathtaking natural wonders.
Our journey to the Isle of Skye, one of Scotland’s most famous destinations, begins with a stop at the magnificent Eilean Donan Castle. Situated on a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet, this picturesque fortress is a must-see for any traveler in the Scottish Highlands.
Upon arrival, you’ll find a large parking area with ample space for both cars and larger vehicles like our campervan. Parking is convenient, though it comes with a small fee. A payment of £3 grants you up to two hours to explore, which is plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere of this historic site.
There are several ticket options available. An adult ticket to go inside the castle costs £12. However, if you’re on a tighter schedule or budget, you can opt for an exterior-only ticket. For just £3.50, you can walk across the iconic stone bridge and explore the castle’s outer grounds, which is what we chose to do.
“Scotland has so many incredible castles all over the country… but I feel like each one kind of has its own distinct character. And this one definitely is super spooky and creepy.”
Even just exploring the exterior, Eilean Donan Castle leaves a lasting impression. The moody weather and the seaweed-washed shores give it a uniquely eerie and beautiful vibe. We spent nearly two hours taking photos and enjoying the views, far longer than we anticipated, making it one of our favorite castle visits in Scotland.
After crossing the Skye Bridge, we made our way to our home for the next two nights: Sligachan Campsite. Nestled amidst stunning mountain scenery, this campsite serves as the perfect base for exploring the island. As the rain began to fall, we settled into our cozy campervan for a classic rainy-day meal of grilled cheese and tomato soup.
The next morning, we took advantage of a break in the rain to visit Portree, the largest town on the Isle of Skye. Known for its picturesque harbor lined with brightly colored houses, Portree is a vibrant hub of activity. However, the weather in Scotland is famously fickle; a beautiful sunny moment can turn into a sudden downpour of rain and hail in an instant, which is exactly what happened to us!
After the brief but intense hailstorm, the sun reappeared just as quickly. We ducked into a cozy cafe called Birch to warm up with coffee and a sweet treat before continuing our exploration of the town’s charming streets and shops.
One quest on this trip was to find an authentic meat pie. In a local shop, we found the ultimate Scottish classic: a haggis pie. For those unfamiliar, haggis is Scotland’s national dish, traditionally made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onion, oatmeal, suet, and spices. While the description might sound daunting, the taste is surprisingly savory and reminiscent of corned beef hash. It’s a true taste of Scotland!
Our next stop was Kilt Rock, a stunning sea cliff on the Trotternish peninsula. The dramatic cliffs, which resemble the pleats of a kilt, are breathtaking. The viewpoint also offers a spectacular view of Mealt Falls, a waterfall that plunges from the top of the cliff directly into the sea below. Thanks to the recent rainfall, the waterfall was in full, powerful flow.
From Kilt Rock, we ventured towards the Quiraing, a landslip on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach. The drive itself is an adventure, involving narrow, single-track roads that wind through the epic landscape. Just as we arrived, another intense storm of sideways hail hit, forcing us to take a coffee break in the campervan. The weather was too intense for the full hike, but even the views from the parking area were absolutely incredible, showcasing the raw, untamed beauty of the Isle of Skye.
Due to the weather, we decided to skip popular hikes like the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools, as the trails become extremely muddy after rain. Instead, we discovered a hidden gem right near our campsite: the Sligachan Waterfall. This beautiful series of cascades offered a peaceful and less crowded alternative, proving that sometimes the best discoveries happen when plans change. The picturesque landscape of the Isle of Skye is truly the star of the show, beautiful even in challenging weather.