The Isle of Skye and Kyle of Lochalsh
This is one of the most popular road trips for our campervans and is around 250 miles from Edinburgh. Kyle of Lochalsh, the main village in the area, has spectacular views of the Isle of Skye. Kyle of Lochalsh, The Isle of Skye and the surrounding areas offer some of the best scenery to be found in Scotland. The mountainous landscape neighbouring the wild sea and the mystical lochs and glens are already likely to have placed Scotland’s Isle of Skye at the top of your travel list.
Getting to the Isle of Skye
The journey to the Isle of Skye with your Campervan provides you with time to relax and enjoy many inspiring views along the way. You will traverse many beauty spots even before getting to the Isle of Skye. Depending on your route, you can either arrive by ferry or road bridge.
The Skye Bridge
The Isle of Skye is connected to the mainland by a road bridge, aptly named ‘The Skye Bridge’. This connects the mainland village of Kyle of Lochalsh to the village of Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye. The Skye Bridge is free to cross, so this is a very convenient way of getting over to the magical isle.
Ferry Crossing
You are also able to get a ferry across to Skye from Mallaig, this can offer an additional sense of adventure. Take your campervan on the high seas over to a mysterious island. Mallaig is a stunning little port and close by to the Silver Sands of Morar which is a beautiful spot to visit. Potentially you could use the ferry one way and the bridge the other, so you are not retracing your steps so to speak.
Interesting Fact to tell your travelling companion while crossing the Skye Bridge
The Skye Bridge was opened in 1995 and was welcomed by locals anticipating easier access to and from the Isle of Skye. However, rather than the UK government paying for the bridge, it was funded and constructed by a private company and once complete they charged tolls to cross the bridge. It was said to be the most expensive road bridge in Europe to cross, so not ideal for residents looking to cross frequently. Residents had to campaign and protest for years to come for changes to the toll fees. Eventually in 2004, 9 years after opening, The Skye Bridge was purchased by the Scottish Government and made free to cross for all.
One of the UK’s natural wonders
The Isle of Skye also boasts the accolade of having one of the Uk’s natural wonders. Loch Coruisk, meaning ‘Cauldron of Waters’ in Scottish Gaelic, is a freshwater loch located in the heart of the infamous Cuillins mountain range on the Isle of Skye. Whilst the head of the loch is surrounded on three sides by the imposing volcanic Black Cuillins, the southern end connects to the sea by the Scavaig River which discharges into Loch Scavaig. Loch Coruisk was voted as one of the best natural wonders in the UK and we most definitely agree. The loch is overshadowed by the Black Cullins, 12 Scottish Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet) and they set a terrifying atmosphere here, dwarfing us mere mortals.
How big is the Isle of Skye?
The Isle of Skye is 1,656 km² which is over twice the size of Singapore. However, don’t be fooled by the size of the Isle of Skye, this small island packs a punch. From the mountainous terrain to the stone-built castles, this small island is steeped in history. There are so many reasons why venturing off on a roadtrip to camp on the Isle of Skye is a great way to experience this magical isle.
What is there to do on the isle of skye?
Not just any island, The Isle of Skye has so much to offer than just a quick drive around the coast.
Fairies, Selkies and Magical Pools
Go for a mystical swim in the ‘Fairy Pools’ a wild swimmer’s delight. beautifully crystal-clear blue pools on the River Brittle. These world-famous pools entice visitors from all over the globe, as they make some great ‘Wild Swimming’ for those brave enough to enter the cold magical waters. You might even be lucky enough to meet one of the local fairies or selkies. Be it tall tales, legend or myth, apparently, there once was a Clan Chief from the MacLeod Clan that married a fairy princess on the Isle of Skye.
Clan Macleods Castle
Visit the stone fortress that is Dunvegan Castle, Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of clan MacLeod for 800 years. Originally designed as a fortress to keep people out, now you can tour the castle. Steeped in history and clan legend, delight in the beauty of its formal gardens, take a boat trip to see the Loch Dunvegan seal colony or satisfy your appetite at the Clan MacLeod cafe.
The Black CuILLINS
Hike up to the Old Man of Storr and enjoy the spectacular views. This is quite a tame hike for the Scottish Highlands & Islands, at approximately 4.5km in length and 290 metres in elevation. If you are eager for an even bigger challenge try bagging one of Skye’s Munros. Of the 283 Scottish Munros, 12 are in the Black Cuillin mountain range on the Isle of Skye. The Cuillin Munros are acknowledged as the hardest to attain and linking them is even tougher, with many narrow ridges to scramble and concentration required on every step.
Traditional Scottish Ceilidhs
Take to the Streets in Portree and watch The Isle of Skye pipe band play in the square every Tuesday evening over the summer or enjoy a traditional Scottish Ceilidh at Edinblain Inn on a Sunday afternoon. If pipe bands and Ceilidh dancing is not quite your thing, maybe an exquisite locally sourced meal at Red Skye Restaurant, which just so happens to be one of our personal favourites. As you travel around the area it’s not unusual to hear Scottish Gaelic, the indigenous language of the Highlands & Islands and a further part of the rich local culture and tradition.
Can you see the Northern Lights from the Isle of Skye?
Yes, it is possible to marvel at this natural phenomenon on the Isle of Skye. Having nine Dark Sky Discovery Sites making it one of the best places in Scotland for stargazing, as well as hunting for the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. Give yourself the freedom to explore this magical isle at night in your very own campervan. Allowing you to find the most suitable spot and get organised for the night of stargazing and aurora hunting ahead.
What is Isle of Skye famous for?
The Isle of Skye is known for its stunning landscapes, medieval war-torn castles, picturesque fishing villages, its Scottish history and remarkable scenery. The Isle of Skye is also a great destination for Wildlife watching with the White-Tailed Sea Eagle at the top of bird watchers lists. Otters, seals, whales, dolphins and red deer are just some of the other impressive creatures that can be seen on and around the Isle of Skye. Dinosaur Fossils have also been discovered on the Isle of Skye and of course the world-renowned ‘Fairy Pools’.
Kyle of Lochalsh
Kyle of Lochalsh is a village on the mainland and not actually part of Skye but since the bridge tolls were put to a halt the local communities have grown together. A great many services and shops in Kyle of Lochalsh are quite well organised and a large number of varied outlets fit into a geographically small area. That plus the banks, post office and health centre mean the people of Skye make the journey over the bridge regularly. Eilean Donan Castle is close by to Kyle of Lochalsh and is recognised as one of the most iconic images of Scotland all over the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet and surrounded by some absolutely majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
READY TO SET OFF?
Are you ready to set off on an epic road trip to the magical Isle of Skye? If you would like to chat with us about hiring a Campervan then Get in touch and speak with our knowledgeable and friendly team.
