A Photographers Guide to The Isle of Skye, Scotland
A little bit like crossing to Jurassic Park, the Isle of Skye seems like a land of thriller, intrigue and full pure magnificence. Whether you’re arriving by ferry or over the bridge, with rugged peaks within the distance and an enormous vacancy in most instructions, Skye has the wow issue.
You’ll need your digital camera useful for each single second right here, even when issues get a bit of misty and moody!
I gained’t ramble on anymore as a result of I do know when you’ve discovered this information you’re most likely both about to go to, or are at present travelling in Scotland. I’m positive you simply need to know the place to go and when!
As at all times, under is a map revealing the place all the good pictures places are on the Isle of Skye then afterwards are the descriptions of every location and pattern imagery I’ve taken on my go to.
Map – Isle of Skye Photography Locations
Read extra: For extra pictures location guides to different cities and areas all over the world, click on by means of to the ‘Destination Guides’ part.
Before you get began, take a peek at a bit of video I product of my highway journey across the Isle of Skye, showcasing most of the places I point out under…
ISLE OF SKYE PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS –
NEIST POINT LIGHTHOUSE
I used to be going to write down that this was my favorite place to {photograph} however you understand what? It’s all good on the Isle of Skye. Neist Point gives dramatic coastal surroundings with cliffs dropping into the ocean, swooping seabirds and one very photogenic lighthouse.
You’ve little question seen this spot on Instagram at some stage, it’s tremendous fashionable at sundown however as with the entire places round Skye, the landscapes are so massive it’s simple to really feel like there’s nobody round. Upon arrival an excellent dollop of salty air will hit you within the face and from then on you’ll discover it not possible to to not wander and seize quite a lot of views.
Be positive to get to Neist Point early within the afternoon to offer your self sufficient time to discover it from all angles. Wander down the hill to the lighthouse then an incredible place to seize sundown is from the highest of the cliffs trying over the lighthouse under.
Getting Here: From Portree head in the direction of Dunvegan then take Mill Road which cuts throughout previous Kinloch Campsite in the direction of the B884. Stay on that highway and easily observe the indicators to Neist Point Lighthouse. It takes an excellent half-hour or extra and a lot of the highway is single lane so hold an eye fixed out for sheep and campervans!
Photo Tip: Get away from the crowds and discover your individual distinctive perspective. There will little question be a cluster of tripods getting ‘the’ shot of Neist Point however when you wander alongside the headland a bit of there’ll nonetheless be a really comparable shot and you may sit on the enormous boulders and benefit from the second.
QUIRAING
Lush crags poking up amongst atmospheric surroundings that conjures all the emotions of distant magnificence. Quiraing is gorgeous, you possibly can actually use all of the adjective within the dictionary to explain it. Driving up from the coast highway in the direction of it gently eases you into its magnificence nonetheless the views from the highest and alongside the strolling monitor are second to none.
One factor to notice which I feel is actually important is that it’s very crowded in peak season. We visited simply after lunch someday and located it virtually not possible to cease the automotive as a result of there was no patch of grass left for nearly a full mile after the parking zone and coach a great deal of vacationers have been piling alongside the strolling monitor. That stated, arrive for dawn or low season and I’m positive you’ll expertise the true magic Quiraing gives in utterly totally different circumstances.
Even with the crowds although, the panorama is so huge that it’s simple to dam everybody out and simply stare in complete awe of the sweetness. That such a spot this completely shaped exists is astounding.
Without stopping the Quiraing mountain climbing route takes roughly two hours to finish, however for photographers he 6.8km loop path will little question take for much longer. There’s three important rock formations to maintain an eye fixed out for, the Prison, Needle and Table.
Getting Here: Located within the north of the Isle of Skye it’s an incredible spot to incorporate once you’re exploring the Trotternish space with stand outs just like the Old Man of Storr.
Photo Tip: There’s a lot to seize right here and to actually make your photos pop, plan your journey for dawn or sundown to expertise the temper and watch the landscapes within the altering mild.
FAIRY POOLS
Like a path of glowing fairy mud weaving down the River Brittle, the Fairy Pools are one thing particular. You’ll discover these gems (they really sparkle in daylight!) close to Glenbrittle virtually within the very centre of Skye. Great as a spot to cease both in your manner as much as the northern areas, or in your manner again throughout to the primary they will get busy so attempt to arrive early or late within the day.
If you’re on the lookout for a spot to check out your lengthy publicity pictures, that is it. With so many waterfalls all various in measurement, power and environment, the Fairy Pools are a water lovers dream. Located inside a large valley, the mountain landscapes round supply a variety of nice potentialities for composing your shot, it’s then only a matter of determined which pool and the place to climb down.
The stroll takes roughly 20-30minutes to get to the furthest set of falls so don’t simply cease firstly, hold exploring till there’s no extra to see. Also I discovered the additional you wander, the higher they regarded and likewise make sure you strive totally different vantage factors.
Getting Here: Take the A863 on the Sligachan Hotel (who’re glad to supply a printout map to the Fairy Pools for anybody misplaced and with out cellphone sign). Once on the A863 proceed till the B8009 seems on the left then observe that till you see an indication to the Fairy Pools, once more on the left. After that flip it’s a brief drive up and over the hill previous paddocks till the valley seems earlier than you. There’s a carpark otherwise you’ll additionally discover individuals are likely to park alongside the sting of the highway too.
Photo Tip: Don’t be afraid to get in and rise up near the falls! They’re not the warmest however they’re so clear and on a sunny day the blue tones are hanging!
OLD MAN OF STORR
Standing tall with a rugged look excessive above the lochs and landscapes of Skye, The Storr is the preferred place for photographers on the island. Formed initially by a landslide, the jagged rocky sections jut out from the Trotternish Ridge.
Take a peek at my extra intensive submit about ‘Hiking the Old Man of Storr’ which additionally lists a variety of totally different vantage factors to {photograph} this gorgeous scene.
Make this one in all your must-see landscapes whereas on the Isle of Skye. Also make sure you arrive both early within the morning or late within the night to make sure you keep away from the crowds.
Getting Here: You’ll discover the carpark to start the hike as much as the Old Man of Storr on the A855, about 7 miles from Portree.
Photo Tip: Arrive for sundown and keep to {photograph} nightfall, or alternatively get there early for dawn when you’re actually eager! Avoiding the crowds will lead to stunning individuals free photos and the sheep will seem in larger numbers too.
MACLEOD’S TABLES
When driving in the direction of Dunvegan or Neist Point you’ll see two flat high mountains within the distance. These are the Macleods Tables and for some cause, I cherished them! They could also be named after my ancestors nonetheless their type is so distinctive to a lot of the landscapes across the Isle of Skye that it makes them a refreshing topic to {photograph}.
You can seize them from throughout japanese aspect of Loch Dunvegan or on the drive in the direction of Neist Point there’s a couple of vantage factors to maintain an eye fixed out for.
DUNVEGAN CASTLE
Home to seat of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle has a private hyperlink to my household’s historical past. Resting on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, the fortress sits overlooking an inlet and is an attractive topic for reflections.
If you handle to reach earlier than 5pm you possibly can entry the fortress and its preened gardens for £13 and there’s additionally the chance to go seal recognizing, fishing and extra from the fortress. If not, there’s an incredible little spot to take pictures of the fortress throughout the lake. Continue previous the carpark down the a method lane and observe it alongside the loch till you flip again and see the fortress. It’s truly an incredible spot for a picnic and after you’ve taken your pictures of the fortress you possibly can watch because the seals frolick within the water close by.
Getting Here: From Portree head north then take the A850 all the best way to Dunvegan. Once you get to the Dunvegan Hotel, flip proper and take the small highway till you see a carpark on the proper for the fortress (which is on the left).
LOCH LEATHAN
You’ll discover this magnificence beside the A855 on the best way to mountain climbing the Old Man of Storr and it’s truly for that cause I’m mentioning it. As you arrive from Portree you’ll begin to see ‘The Storr’ showing within the distance with Loch Leathan and the adjoining Loch Fada offering an incredible place to drag over and seize a distinct perspective. With the water providing reflection potential in the proper circumstances, or the reeds within the discipline and grass providing a softer foreground topic.
LOCH MOR
On the highway to Neist Point Loch Mor will reveal its photogenic wonders. After crossing the hill from Milvaig hold an eye fixed out for a small parking spot on the left so you possibly can pull over and seize pictures of the panorama. Once the summer time greens kick in in the direction of the top of May onwards, there’s a hanging distinction of inexperienced and blue with the loch missed by a formidable ridge.
LEALT FALLS – Diatomite Ruins
This spot is so stunning! Wandering from the carpark in the direction of the ocean gives a variety of vantage factors again in the direction of the Lealt Falls (bear in mind to show round) nonetheless for me, it wasn’t the falls that have been the drawcard right here. Once you get to the viewing platform look down and also you’ll see the ruins of an outdated constructing, initially used as a Diatomite manufacturing unit or ‘Caile’ (Gaelic for chalk).
Taking the monitor down the hillside (watch out because it’s steep and slippery) you’ll go sheep fortunately munching away on the grass earlier than reaching the ruins. They’re utterly overgrown and mysterious! Beside them is a freshwater stream that flows from the Lealt Falls and underwater is the richest inexperienced, virtually fluro like moss you’ve ever seen. If you’ve received a water-proof digital camera undoubtedly deliver it right here to peek underwater and the plush locks of moss.
Getting Here: Another good spot alongside the A855 from Portree to Staffin, it’s about 5-10 minutes from the Old Man of Storr and also you’ll discover a parking space on the proper aspect simply after passing the Lealt Falls House.
KILT ROCK AND MEALT FALLS
With vertical basalt columns dropping to the ocean, it’s stated Kilt Rock resembles after all, a kilt. A preferred cease alongside the photogenic route from Portree to Staffin, Mealt Falls drop from a small loch into the ocean and it’s a dramatic scene to seize. Depending on how a lot rain has fallen previous to your go to, the falls will both be a mild mist, like throughout my journey, or they’ll be gushing over the sting.
FAIRY GLEN
This is one spot I used to be actually hoping to go to and I had left it till the ultimate morning to take action as a result of for some cause on the time, assumed it was near the Fairy Pools. It’s not, it’s within the different path. So simply as a heads up, if you wish to go to Fairy Glen, achieve this once you’re up within the north of Skye! Luckily, my pal and fellow photographer Sarah wrote all about it from her journey so quite than me chat about it, head over to her web site The Wanderblogger to take a peek at this unimaginable place, there’s a great deal of stunning photographs!
UNNAMED BEAUTIES
An enormous a part of photographing the Isle of Skye takes place by the highway, on foot up within the mountains, paddocks and fields or down by the lochs. Some locations aren’t named, they’re merely tremendous photogenic. For that cause I simply needed to incorporate a bit of half about leaving time for sudden stops.
When driving across the Isle of Skye you’ll little question come throughout someplace each mile or so that you simply need to cease and {photograph}. There’s sheep wandering over the roads, the scruffy Highland Coos (cows), and countless peaks altering as the sunshine and clouds roll over their rocky tops.
Keep your eyes peeled as a result of the Isle of Skye shall be totally different for everybody at various instances of the 12 months, day and even minute with the climate continually altering. If you do find yourself with a moist day on the Isle of Skye, don’t let it deter your adventures as a result of rain does go and the mist provides to the temper, creating an attractive ambiance for pictures.
The highway across the north from Portree to Staffin is a must-do drive. I’ve talked about it a couple of instances on this information however taking the total route all the best way round to Uig supplies the chance to see farm homes, gorgeous coastlines and so many sheep. Really, when you like sheep, that is the place to go!
Other Notable Locations:
Coral Beach
Just a brief stroll from Claigan, Coral Beach is stuffed with precisely what you suppose, coral! It’s often called one of the crucial stunning seashores on the Isle of Skye and since it’s positioned proper on the entrance to Loch Dunvegan there’s additionally nice views throughout to Camas Ban.
Elgol
Unfortunately throughout my go to the climate was towards us for Elgol however I’ve heard from different photographers, it’s an attractive spot to go to. It’s additionally attainable to leap on a small ferry there and journey round to the beginning of a hike to Loch Coruisk. Known to be maybe essentially the most magnificent of all of the lochs with views over the Cuillin Range, test hike particulars right here – Loch Coruisk Hike
Raasay Island
Offering views throughout to the Isle of Skye, Raasay is technically a separate island however, it’s only a quick 25minute ferry journey throughout from Sconser. Much much less populated than the Isle of Skye, Raasay gives a rural allure. Check ferry data right here.
Sligachan Bridge
An excellent vantage level trying in the direction of the Black Cullins Mountain Range, Sligachan Bridge is a superb place to stretch your legs when you’ve simply arrived to the Isle of Skye. Under the bridge you’ll find a singular view utilizing the stones as a body with the mountain peaks peeking by means of beneath.
Getting to the Isle of Skye
Access to the Isle of Skye is feasible by ferry from Mallaig or you possibly can drive throughout on a bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh. Whether it’s romantic or simply feels a bit of extra adventurous, arriving by sea from Mallaig is a superb expertise!
For all ferry info test the Cal Mac web site (full identify Caledonian McBryde, how Scottish!). Also when you converse French make sure you learn by means of the superb information by my mates Eliza and Max from the Bestjobers, their information to the Isle of Skye helped immensely in planning our journey they usually’ve received unimaginable photographs!
From Edinburgh the Isle of Skye is roughly 4.5hrs when you go by way of the Kyle of Lochlash and take the bridge. If you’re hoping to additionally see minimize throughout the attractive Loch Lomond National Park to see Glencoe and the well-known ‘Harry Potter Bridge’ at Glenfinnan then it’s higher to journey in the direction of Mallaig and take the ferry. Travel time differs relying in your route however from Edinburgh to Mallaig it’s roughly 4hrs with out stops.
Travelling from Inverness is far shorter and it’s also possible to embody the beauties of Loch Ness in your itinerary. Drive time is simply over two hours except you’re eager to cease and benefit from the ‘Photogenic Locations around Loch Ness’..particularly Plodda Falls, they’re a must-see!
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye?
If you’re eager to expertise all the outside have to supply, travelling in a campervan is a good way to see the Isle of Skye. We ventured round in a Spaceships Rentals van and cherished being able to drag up wherever and sleep for the night time. I do love my comforts although and we opted to remain on the Kinloch Campsite and likewise Torvaig Caravan and Camp Site, each providing heat showers!!
I extremely advocate basing your self in or round Portree when exploring the northern areas, particularly when you plan on mountain climbing the Old Man of Storr or Quairaing for dawn or a late sundown. Portree is the primary hub on the Isle of Skye and right here you’ll discover a grocery store, bakery, cafes, eating places and boutique shops when you’re eager to do a little bit of purchasing. It’s an incredible place to select up provides earlier than heading out for a protracted day of exploring.
Alternatively, when you’re after a extra rural break, there are a variety of guesthouses dotted across the Isle of Skye and even some distinctive stays like those under.
Portree Wigwams – they’re tremendous cute and have been truly my favorite kind of lodging to remain in. You’ll discover this hyperlink takes you to the Wigwam web site and you may then seek for not solely the Isle of Skye however Outer Hebrides or additional round Scotland. Not sponsored I simply love typing Wigwams time and again. Wigwam.
For additional info and particulars on entry costs, vacationer sights and excursions, test the Visit Scotland web site for extra.
Have you been to the Isle of Skye? If so, both hyperlink to your photographs or social media/Instagram account within the feedback under or use the hashtag #thewanderinglens.
Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as an expert journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this web site is from my private expertise on the highway. I hope it’s helpful in your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences all over the world.