Things to do from Portree
Portree is the natural centre of Skye. From the house you can walk into town for the harbour, shops and restaurants, and reach the island's best-known landscapes in well under an hour. Here is how we would spend the days.
- Old Man of Storrabout 12 min
- Talisker Distilleryabout 27 min
- Dunvegan Castleabout 32 min
- The Quiraingabout 35 min
- Neist Point Lighthouseabout 1 hr 5 min
Approximate drive times from the house.
In Portree
The harbour, with its painted houses, is a short walk from the door. So are the shops, pubs and restaurants. For a first leg-stretch, the Scorrybreac circuit starts from town and follows the shore below the hill. Evenings are easy here: walk to dinner and walk home.
North: the Trotternish peninsula
The Old Man of Storr is the walk most visitors do first, and it is about 12 minutes away by car. Go early for the light and a quieter path. Further north, the Quiraing is a landscape of cliffs and pinnacles left by an ancient landslip. Make a day of the Trotternish loop, with stops at Kilt Rock and the Fairy Glen.
West: Talisker, Dunvegan and Neist Point
Talisker Distillery, at Carbost, is about 27 minutes away. Dunvegan Castle, the seat of Clan MacLeod, is about 32. Carry on to Neist Point, the lighthouse at the island's western edge, for sunset. It is a long day, and one of the best.
South: the Fairy Pools
Clear pools and waterfalls below the Black Cuillin, in Glen Brittle. Pair them with Talisker on the same day.
Dark skies and winter
Skye is far enough north to see the Northern Lights on clear, dark nights between autumn and spring. Winter brings snow on the hills, empty roads and long evenings by the fire.
Getting to Portree
Most guests drive over the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh, then north on the A87 to Portree. If you are on a North Coast 500 road trip, Skye is an easy detour from the west coast, and Portree makes a calm base for a few nights.
Driving on Skye
Many roads beyond the main A87 are single track. Use the passing places, never stop on the road for photographs, and fill up with fuel in Portree.