Isle of Skye

Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides off Scotland's west coast. Since 1995 the Skye Bridge has linked it to the mainland, and a ferry also runs from Mallaig to Armadale in the south. Its small capital, Portree, has painted houses around its harbour.

The best-known sights are on the Trotternish peninsula in the north: the Old Man of Storr, reached by a climbing path; the Quiraing, shaped by ancient landslips; and Kilt Rock with its waterfall dropping from the cliff to the sea. In the south-west the Fairy Pools run clear and blue beneath the Black Cuillin mountains.

On the west coast stands Dunvegan Castle, seat of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for about 800 years. We suggest at least two nights on Skye, with a driver who knows its single-track roads.