Curated Journey
Isle of Skye in a Day – Long Summer Day Trip from Inverness
- Duration: 1 Day
- 3 Major Stops
- Rated 4.9 (120 Reviews)
The Journey
This is an ambitious but absolutely achievable day trip for those based in Inverness — Skye is just two hours away. With the long summer days of the Scottish Highlands (17+ hours of daylight in June), you can pack in all the Trotternish highlights, Portree, and Eilean Donan Castle in one extraordinary day.
This carefully planned route takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Highlands. From ancient castles to hidden beaches, every mile offers something new. Prepared by our expert local guides, this itinerary ensures you hit all the must-see spots while leaving room for your own discoveries.
Trip Highlights
- Eilean Donan Castle morning light
- Old Man of Storr walk
- Kilt Rock and Lealt Falls
- Quiraing road and viewpoint
- Portree harbour
Day by Day
Day 1: Early Morning: Drive to Skye
Depart Inverness before 6:30am. Drive south along Loch Ness — quick photo stop at Urquhart Castle from the layby. Coffee at Invermoriston or Fort Augustus. Cross into Skye via the Kyle of Lochalsh bridge — stop for photos at Eilean Donan Castle, with the best morning light. Head north up the Trotternish Peninsula. Park at the Old Man of Storr car park and walk to the famous pinnacle (allow 1.5–2 hours return).
Eilean Donan, Old Man of Storr, Early Start
Day 1: Midday: Kilt Rock, Quiraing & Portree
Continue north along the coastal road to Lealt Falls viewpoint and Kilt Rock sea cliff with its 60m waterfall. Lunch in Staffin. Drive the Quiraing road for extraordinary views — stop at the road summit for photos or a short walk. Descend to Uig and drive south to Portree — Skye's colourful capital. Coffee, browse the harbour-front shops, and enjoy the views. Drive south back through Sligachan for views of the Cuillin mountains.
Kilt Rock, Quiraing, Portree
Day 1: Evening: Return to Inverness via Glen Shiel
Return to Inverness via Kyle of Lochalsh and the A87 through Glen Shiel — a spectacular long glen with the Five Sisters of Kintail mountains on the north side. One final magnificent Highland panorama on the way home. Arrive back in Inverness by 7–8pm.
Glen Shiel, Five Sisters of Kintail, Return
Good to Know
- Duration
- 1 Day
- Number of Stops
- 3 major stops
- Best Season
- April to October, when the days are long and the roads are open.
- Transport
- A car is essential for most Highland routes - public transport is limited outside the main towns.
- Pace
- Moderate - allow extra time for unplanned stops at viewpoints and roadside lochs.
- What to Pack
- Layers, waterproofs, sturdy walking shoes, and a camera. Midge repellent in summer.
Why this itinerary
Isle of Skye in a Day – Long Summer Day Trip from Inverness is one of 3 curated stops across the Scottish Highlands, designed by the Highland Explorer team for travellers who want to see Scotland properly. Every stop is hand-picked, tested on the ground, and chosen because it earns its place on the route - not because anyone paid for it.
Book This Trip or browse our other Highland itineraries and dive into the full directory to build your own route.