*Ricky and Natasa at the end of Quiraing Hike*

We woke up in Portree, ready for what we knew would be one of the most scenic days of the trip. Day 4 was all about exploring some of the Isle of Skye’s most famous landmarks — the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Fairy Pools, and the Neist Point Lighthouse.

Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is perhaps the Isle of Skye’s most iconic sight — a jagged pinnacle of rock rising dramatically from the Trotternish Ridge. The trailhead is just a short drive from Portree, and we arrived early enough to find parking before the crowds set in.

The hike itself is about 2.3 miles round trip with ~1,000 ft of elevation gain. The trail starts on a gravel path before transitioning into steeper, rockier terrain. It’s well marked and easy to follow, but the incline can get your heart pumping quickly.

As we climbed, the “Old Man” — that distinctive spire — came into view, with sweeping vistas over the Sound of Raasay and the surrounding rugged landscape. Low clouds drifted across the peaks, giving the whole area a moody feel. The final approach brings you right below the rock formations, where you can take in the scale of the pinnacles up close.

⚠️ A word of warning: the midges here are relentless in summer. Tiny but fierce, they can turn a beautiful hike into a battle. Thankfully, the visitor center sells protective head nets — not the most stylish accessory, but absolutely worth it if you want to enjoy the views without constant swatting. The good news? The midges thin out as you gain altitude, but even the first stretch left us with bites that showed up days later — itchy and uncomfortable reminders that lasted for a while.

Quiraing

From the Old Man of Storr, we drove north toward the Quiraing — a landslip on the eastern face of the Trotternish Ridge that’s straight out of a fantasy novel.

The Quiraing hike is a 4.5-mile loop with about 1,400 ft of elevation gain. The trail winds through dramatic cliffs, grassy plateaus, and unique rock formations with names like “The Needle” and “The Prison.” The path is moderately challenging, with some narrow, uneven sections, but it’s incredibly rewarding for the views alone.

Fairy Glen

Tucked away near the village of Uig, the Fairy Glen is a whimsical landscape of grassy mounds, spiral formations, and tiny lochans that look like something out of a storybook. Though there’s no official link to fairies in folklore, the otherworldly scenery has earned its name. It’s a short, easy wander rather than a hike, making it a quick stop to explore — though often busy, it’s worth seeing the unique terrain.

💡 Pro tip: the parking lot is small and fairly pricey, we were lucky that some people who were leaving gave us their parking ticket (and we did the same).

Neist Point Lighthouse

Neist Point Lighthouse, one of the most iconic spots on the Isle of Skye. The drive itself was an adventure — a ribbon of single-track roads twisting and turning through open moorland, with sheep casually blocking the way as if they owned it (which, let’s be honest, they kind of do).

The hike to the lighthouse is short but steep, with a paved path leading down to the headland. It takes about 20–30 minutes one way, but it’s worth taking it slow to soak in the view of dramatic sea cliffs plunging into the Atlantic. At the tip, the white lighthouse stands proudly against the endless ocean backdrop — a postcard-perfect scene.

💡 Pro tip: If you want the best photos, wander a little further along the cliffs for wider views of the lighthouse framed by the ocean.

🚐 Camper vans: park at the lighthouse lot for the night — it’s spacious, quiet, and a favorite spot for fellow campervanners. It’s an incredible overnight stop, but make sure to plan ahead - the road out here is long and winding, and it definitely takes time to reach this corner of the world.

Before heading back, we made a quick stop at the Three Chimneys Restaurant. We didn’t eat there this time (bookings are usually required well in advance and to be honest, we were not dressed for the occasion), but even a peek at the menu was enough to make us consider planning a return trip.

Dinner at Seumas’s Bar

Back in town, we found ourselves at Seumas’s Bar in Sligachan — a cozy, no-frills spot attached to the Sligachan Hotel. The place is known for hearty pub meals and a seriously impressive whisky selection. I went for the venison, which was perfectly cooked and rich in flavor — exactly what you want after a blustery coastal hike.

The atmosphere was warm, with hikers swapping trail stories over pints, and the big windows framing the surrounding Cuillin Hills made it feel even more like the heart of Skye.

A863 – Wild Camping

🚐 As evening set in, we followed the A863 toward Dunvegan, keeping an eye out for wild camping spots. This stretch of road is full of possibilities — little pull-offs by grassy flats overlooking the mountains make for peaceful overnight stays.

We eventually found our spot for the night, a secluded patch with views stretching over the hills. It was calm, quiet, and the kind of place where you half expect to wake up to deer grazing nearby. The only thing to watch out for? The midges. They’ll find you the moment you step outside — so keep that bug spray handy.

Isle of Skye Adventures