By Ilona Kauremszky
Don’t let the weather fool you — Skye can be “a wee bit moist” on occasion, as 19th-century Cuillin mountaineer pioneer Charles Pilkington once said, describing Scotland’s island of adventure.
The largest island of the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Skye conjures images of King Arthur, fairy glens mixed with primeval myths and Jurassic parks. The windswept island setting has been a popular filming location, most recently in last year’s release of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. The other big news: The world’s largest dinosaur and the oldest dinosaur fossils ever found in Scotland were discovered earlier this year at Rubha nam Brathairean, commonly known as Brothers’ Point.
Nearly 50 miles long with a rugged coastline so deeply indented you are never more than five miles from the sea, this magical place of the Hebrides lets you easily create your own legends. Submerged in mountain ranges with miles of dramatic coastline, a jaw-dropping, page-turning history unfolds by land and sea. The place awaits those ready to wrap themselves in Hebridean adventure.
Start at the Eilean Donan Castle. Located in the Scottish Highlands on the main tourist route to the Isle of Skye, families and couples can discover a riveting Viking history at this 13th-century castle. The other big deal is the location. Situated on a wee isle at the confluence of three great lochs, it presents one of the most iconic images of Scotland, so get your smartphone ready to snap Instagram shots. The scene from this vantage point sets the mood for tall tales and strong gales.
Once in Skye, in between the heritage sites, visit geological features that dot the landscape. Road trippers snake along the Trotternish Circuit, a 50-mile drive spanning the northernmost peninsula. Weekenders inch the circuitous drive, stopping at iconic landmarks like the weathered basaltic pinnacle at Storr, with a popular landmark once used by sailors dubbed The Old Man of Storr. Marvel at the perilous Cuillin Ridge along the haunted Cuillin Hills (an outlaw named MacRaing is a ghost here) and be sure to see the heavenly swath of beauty known as Quiraing.
Named from an Old Norse term, Kvi Rand, meaning “Round Fold,” within this massive landslip teetering on the Trotterernish Ridge is the film location of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Quiraing also doubles as an Earth trekker’s dream. It features one of Skye’s best-loved trails, where healthy hikers veer onto an often muddy wild path for eye-candy scenery.
For Jess Ponting, director, Center for Surf Research, San Diego State University, family trips to the Isle of Skye include visits to Quiraing. “With miles of green hills and an array of little ponds, traveling here feels pretty otherworldly,” he says, recommending travelers get an early start when visiting to make sure they get in before the crowds.
For mellowing out and catching up with the locals, nothing matches visiting a cozy Scottish pub. One is the local watering hole at The Edinbane Inn in the island’s largest town of Portree. Diners slide into worn wooden seats to savor the tastes of cullen skink, a creamy fish stew, or another favorite dish of mussels accompanied by the prerequisite malt whiskey. Traditional Celtic folk tunes fill the rafters, ranging from musical medleys doled out by a moody bagpiper and guitarist to cheerful notes from a fiddler.
The ultimate watering hole — though technically it doesn’t achieve pub status — is the Talisker Distillery. Set on the shores of Loch Harport in the village of Carbost, couples and old friends can tour the island’s only single malt whisky distillery, where luxury malts reign. In a post-tour finale, prepare for mind-bending whiskey tastings of silky-smooth single malts aptly named with local twists like Talisker Storm or Talisker Neist Point, named after a headland on the westernmost shore.
Kara Harms of Whimsy Soul, a lifestyle blog, honeymooned on the Isle of Skye last fall. “I fell in love with the isle,” she says, recounting a memorable walk the newlyweds took among the Fairy Pools, magical blue pools on the River Brittle, located near Glenbrittle. “Sheep will most likely be sleeping at the entrance to the path to add to that Scottish charm,” she adds. She recommends taking a thermos of coffee for the perfect leisurely morning stroll.
For the ultimate sunsets sure to please anyone, head to Neist Point. Drive up to the famous lighthouse teetering on the most westerly tip of Skye. Handholding couples embrace, illuminated by the golden-hued backdrop as families pile out of their vehicles, rushing off to snap that perfect family photo against the immense horizon, smiling the entire way.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedCruising
Mar 12, 2024Grandkids Sail Free, Grandparents Enjoy 10 Percent Savings on Star Clippers
Multigenerational family travel takes center stage on Star Clippers, currently offering a deal that makes it easy for families to board one of its tall clipper ships: 10 percent off fares for grandparents and kids sail for free! The offer is available for residents of North, Central and South America for new bookings on select sailings in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Central America.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
North America
Mar 11, 2024Blockade Runner Beach Resort Celebrates 60 Years with $16 Room Rate Giveaway
Blockade Runner Beach Resort, a popular North Carolina landmark for six decades, celebrates its 60th anniversary with a nostalgic giveaway. Sixty family travelers have the chance to experience a beach getaway for just $16 a night, the original room rate from 1964.
Luxury
Mar 11, 2024InterContinental New York Barclay Brings Glamping to Penthouse
Take your family travel up a notch at InterContinental New York Barclay, where not only can you enjoy a luxury hotel stay but you can also glamp in the hotel’s penthouse! The set-up is perfect for girls’ nights, bringing warmth to a cold winter weekend, a child’s slumber party and so much more. A glamping package on offer from InterContinental New York Barclay helps bring it all to life.
Sponsored Content
Make the Most of Hamad International Airport When Transferring
Making travel plans can be exciting; did you know planning on how to spend time at the airport the right way can enrich the overall trip experience? As a transfer hub, traveling through Doha's Hamad International Airport is a unique experience, as waiting never feels like waiting at one of the best airports in the world.
Travel Tips
Mar 7, 20245 Tips for a Fun-Filled Staycation Spring Break
Spring break is right around the corner, and that usually means a week of packing in as much fun as possible. But travel isn’t cheap, especially during a peak time like spring break. That leaves family travelers looking for affordable ways to entertain kids and still have an adventure without breaking the bank. Enter the staycation.
ShareThis