If you’re lucky enough to have a few extra days to explore Scotland’s rugged, wild beauty there are countless jaw-droppingly awesome places to visit in the Highlands, Islands, West Coast and East Coast and it’s one of my missions to explore them all!
Last Summer we loaded up the car for a road trip up to the mythical Isle of Skye and from there jumped on a ferry to the Outer Hebrides (or Eilean Siar as its known in Gaelic) to visit the one island that I’d set my heart on for years now-the utterly magical Isle of Harris.
Our first stop was the Glenbrittle Campsite located on the west coast of Skye in the shadow of the towering Cuillin mountains. The dramatic backdrop was certainly the main reason for choosing this campsite as Skye is all about wild, rugged, movie-set landscapes and I wanted to embrace all that. But you’ll not be surprised to hear I was more than slightly happy to find during my research that remote Glenbrittle also had the cosy, warm, wooden Cuillin Coffee Company artisan cafe on site. It may have technically been summer but that can mean mist, rain and cold in Skye so the thought of the golden glow of a refuge and the scent of hot chocolate welcoming you after a day’s hiking was too good to resist.
After a bbq and s’mores feast the night before, our first morning started with a hike at the nearby Fairy Pools. We’d decided to get there early before tourists descended. It’s a super pretty place with waterfalls and crystal clear pools that you can jump into and swim in though we weren’t quite feeling it that morning. Be warned the midges are out in force here.
Next stop was the iconic Old Man of Storr. Its a truly cinematic location with a rocky pinnacle standing 160ft tall surrounded by slightly smaller pinnacles. You need a good couple of hours for this hike if you want to stop to take in the views every so often-its absolutely stunning with some of the most breathtaking Highland views imaginable. My favourite place in Skye and next time I’d love to get up there for sunrise. It’s a bit of a scramble to get to the base of the pinnacle and a really fun hike. All along the way you get majestic views of the sweeping glens and lochs below and of the dramatic rocks with a real mysterious vibe.
The next day started with freshly baked croissants and speciality coffee from the campsite cafe followed by a pretty long drive to the most Western tip on the island, to the atmospheric and windswept Neist Point, another iconic place in Skye. With its sheer cliffs and remote location you feel like you’re at the very end of the earth. When we arrived it was completely shrouded in mist which gradually started to lift and just added to the moody, isolated atmosphere. You can take a walk along to the famed lighthouse. All very cool.
We took a quick pit stop at the Quiraing, another incredibly awesome location which has featured in movies such as The BFG and vowed to return there next time we visit Skye. It was pretty busy but just 15 mins or so walk from the car park and you could escape the crowds (or do the 4.5 mile circuit if you have time.)
TOP TIP:
Lunch was a real find: the best vegetarian haggis roll ever from the little eco and vegan-friendly The Black Sheep Truck Stop, a food truck with quality food and a cool vibe, which was parked up in the car park for Kilt Rock and Smealt Falls-the view also was pretty epic.
In typical Scottish fashion the sun had appeared by now and we took a short hike to Brother’s Point, which is a hidden gem on Skye that not many people seem to know about so, like us, you may just get it to yourself. Known in Gaellic as Rubha nam Brathairean it’s a pretty green peninsula with a lovely and easy coastal walk.
The following morning we took the ferry from Uig to Tarbert to finally land on the beautiful Isle of Harris. Somehow it felt different from the moment we landed on the island, the pace seemed slower, all street signs were in Gaellic, and it felt there were quiet mysteries to uncover. We headed straight on the short drive to Horgebost Campsite set above Horgebost beach which we’d decided on, mainly because of its proximity to famed Luskentyre Beach. The campsite cost just £5, payment into an honesty box.
It was pretty windy up on the cliffs above the beach but we’d wake up with sea views. We headed to the wonderful Isle of Harris Distillery also known as “The Social Distillery’ to get out of the rain. LOVED this place, it has an awesome cafe, all cosy and chunky wood and serving the most delicious food-I had the triple smoked salmon mousse with oatcakes. And then to the shop to buy a couple of bottles of Harris Gin and the matching hand-crafted gin glasses. The turquoise bottles are inspired by the colours and ripples of the sea and really do conjure up that feeling of the little treasures of sea-washed coloured glass that you find on the beach. The Social Distillery as well as being a thriving business has a real mission at heart: At the last census there were just 1916 people living in the Isle of Harris, half the population of 60 years ago. The distillery strives to grow this number through their work and spirits they create. It’s such an inspiring space.
First thing in the morning we headed to Luskentyre Beach, famed for being in the Top 10 Beaches in the World with white sands to rival the Carribean. I had hoped for sunshine and instead got a misty day but honestly I couldn’t have asked for anything more-it was simply magical and life-affirming. The sky melted into the sea and the feeling of calm was incredible. We spent hours there, found a starfish which just added to the magic, the girls made quicksand and Roland took a dip in the clear, turquoise freezing waters. If you’re looking for a magical experience exploring Scotland, well I’m not sure you’ll top this.
Let me know in the comments if you've any plans or dreams to visit the Scottish Islands and I'll help with any recommendations I can. And subscribe to get more insider tips on Edinburgh and upcoming Scottish adventures.
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