Summer on Skye, the best season for Adventure & Discovery
Below you’ll find inspiration for making the most of the summer months on our spectacular island. The island will be much busier than other times of the year but if you plan your visit and are willing to explore more of the island you will still find plenty of quiet spots to enjoy the views and be at one with nature!
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"The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland's most beautiful places and there is no better time to explore than the Summer, with daylight that last until almost midnight. "
Our MySkyetime APP (available for Android and Apple) is an essential tool to help you plan your time in Skye and avoid disappointment at the most popular sites. Checking the APP will, for example, allow you to see how busy the carparks and footpaths are at some of our key sites. You will also find plenty of information on alternative locations to visit.
If you crave adventure there is everything from Kayaking, Canyoning, Coasteering, Mountain climbing, boat trips and wildlife watching.
If you just want to relax and enjoy a meal, Skye has some of the top-rated restaurants in Scotland.
Skye SUMMER inspiration...
1
Summer Adrenaline
Book an experience with one of our expert guides Climbing Mountains, Hill Walking, Canyoning or Coasteering.
2
Summer Exploring
Head out with a local ghillie or guide and see Skye’s spring wilderness and life through the eyes of a local expert!
3
Summer Relaxing
The Sgitheanach (Skye) hospitality is even better than Highland hospitality. Put your feet up after a tough year and let us look after you.
4
Summer Tasting
Amazing experiences for your tastebuds, al fresco while watching the evening sea, sipping on a local beer. Whisky tasting or Michelin-starred dining, something for everyone.
SUMMER ADRENALINE
If you are looking to really test yourself in the great outdoors we have some of the best guides and experts on hand to take you safely into the stunning spring landscape.
Adventure Skye offers exhilarating experiences throughout the year. You can try your hand at climbing, coasteering and hikes up the Cuillin.
Or why not test your target skills in axe throwing with A.C.E. Target Sports. You can also try your hand at archery, this ancient art using modern recurve bows or clay shooting, the ultimate target sport. Learn the basics and soon you will be hitting gold.
If you want to have your own adventure, you can visit some of the most iconic sites in Scotland. The Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools and the Quiraing provide some of the best photo opportunities on Skye… but remember to check the MySkyeTime APP to avoid congestion and disappointment.
SUMMER EXPLORING
We have a variety of tours running on Skye throughout the year. Tour guides will take you the entire length and breadth of the island, stopping at each stunning view and attraction along the way.
You can head out on a wildlife walk with local Ghillie Scott Mackenzie, Head Gamekeeper at Fearann Eilean Iarmain. After the walk you can enjoy a local dram in front of the fire at Bar Am Praban on the Eilean Iarmain estate.
Skyefari offers a full day of exploring the wildlife hotspots of Skye searching for eagles, deer, otters and seals.
Skye Jeep Tours offer a unique experience touring Skye’s favourite sites and lesser-known areas of the Island inside a vintage Jeep.
For those looking for complete flexibility book a private tour with Gus or contact Skye Trak Safari.
SUMMER RELAXING
After a long day exploring we all need somewhere with an open fire, exceptional service and warm hospitality.
House of Juniper is the islands’ newest hotel, and is the perfect mix of modern and traditional Skye. The hotel also has mini home cabins for those looking for their own space.
The Sonas Collection has three boutique hotels across Skye – Duisdale, Skeabost and Toravaig.
Relax On the Croft at Edinbane, in the comfortable and authentically restored stone self catering cottages or glamp in the luxury gypsy caravan. And to help make your stay even more relaxed and peaceful, have a Shiatsu massage & Reiki healing in the beautiful Armadilla, a hand built pod with a porthole to greenness.
For those looking to be close to the main town in Portree, the Cuillin Hills Hotel offer the perfect stay. With luxurious rooms, fantastic views, a log fire in the lounge and an impeccably stocked whisky bar – you’ll not have to lift a finger.
SUMMER TASTING
We’re famous for our world-renowned island whiskies, ‘uisge beatha’ (‘Water Of Life’).
Both Torabhaig and Talisker Distilleries are open for tours, tastings and gifts during winter. Visiting both will help you uncover the incredible variety and flavour of two great whiskies made only a few miles apart. No two whiskies taste the same, and this will prove it!
After visiting Talisker Distillery, be sure to make a pit stop at the Oyster Shed in Carbost. Here’s you’ll taste some of the freshest Scottish Seafood available, cooked in a simple way that lets the freshness and tastiness shine through.
For another memorable tasting experience of incredible local produce, you can book a visit to the Isle of Skye Smokehouse. The wood-fired smokehouse uses locally sourced alder wood which is processed by hand. Uniquely Designed around a traditional Scottish cleit the smokehouse incorporates a peat roof and stone walls and smokes both Salmon and Trout. This tasting experience has close to 200 5 Star reviews.
As you travel around the island you’ll also have the opportunity to stop in at the Cuillin and Isle of Skye Breweries to pick up some local ales. In Portree, you can stop by the Gin School and taste the award-winning Misty Isle Gin.
If you want a fine dining experience a visit to Chef Patron, Calum Montgomery at Edinbane Lodge is a must.
