A Photographers Information to The Isle of Skye, Scotland
Slightly like crossing to Jurassic Park, the Isle of Skye seems like a land of thriller, intrigue and full pure magnificence. Whether or not 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 helpful for each single second right here, even when issues get a bit misty and moody!
I received’t ramble on anymore as a result of I do know when you’ve discovered this information you’re in all probability both about to go to, or are at the moment travelling in Scotland. I’m certain you simply wish to know the place to go and when!
As at all times, beneath is a map revealing the place all the nice images 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 Images Areas
Learn extra: For extra images location guides to different cities and areas world wide, click on by to the ‘Vacation spot Guides’ part.
Earlier than you get began, take a peek at a bit video I made from my street journey across the Isle of Skye, showcasing most of the places I point out beneath…
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 Level presents dramatic coastal surroundings with cliffs dropping into the ocean, swooping seabirds and one very photogenic lighthouse.
You’ve little doubt seen this spot on Instagram at some stage, it’s tremendous standard at sundown however as with all the places round Skye, the landscapes are so massive it’s straightforward 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.
Make sure to get to Neist Level early within the afternoon to present your self sufficient time to discover it from all angles. Wander down the hill to the lighthouse then an awesome place to seize sundown is from the highest of the cliffs wanting over the lighthouse beneath.
Getting Right here: From Portree head in direction of Dunvegan then take Mill Highway which cuts throughout previous Kinloch Campsite in direction of the B884. Keep on that street and easily observe the indicators to Neist Level Lighthouse. It takes an excellent half-hour or extra and a lot of the street is single lane so maintain an eye fixed out for sheep and campervans!
Photograph Tip: Get away from the crowds and discover your personal distinctive perspective. There’ll little doubt be a cluster of tripods getting ‘the’ shot of Neist Level however when you wander alongside the headland a bit there’ll nonetheless be a really related shot and you’ll 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 beautiful, you can actually use all of the adjective within the dictionary to explain it. Driving up from the coast street in direction of it gently eases you into its magnificence nonetheless the views from the highest and alongside the strolling observe 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 at some point and located it nearly 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 observe. That stated, arrive for dawn or low season and I’m certain you’ll expertise the true magic Quiraing presents in utterly totally different circumstances.
Even with the crowds although, the panorama is so huge that it’s straightforward to dam everybody out and simply stare in whole awe of the sweetness. That such a spot this completely shaped exists is astounding.
With out stopping the Quiraing mountain climbing route takes roughly two hours to finish, however for photographers he 6.8km loop path will little doubt take for much longer. There’s three foremost rock formations to maintain an eye fixed out for, the Jail, Needle and Desk.
Getting Right here: Positioned within the north of the Isle of Skye it’s an awesome spot to incorporate if you’re exploring the Trotternish space with stand outs just like the Previous Man of Storr.
Photograph Tip: There’s a lot to seize right here and to essentially 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 Swimming pools are one thing particular. You’ll discover these gems (they really sparkle in daylight!) close to Glenbrittle nearly within the very centre of Skye. Nice as a spot to cease both in your method as much as the northern areas, or in your method again throughout to the primary they will get busy so attempt to arrive early or late within the day.
When you’re in search of a spot to check out your lengthy publicity images, that is it. With so many waterfalls all various in dimension, power and environment, the Fairy Swimming pools are a water lovers dream. Positioned inside an enormous valley, the mountain landscapes round supply quite a lot of nice prospects 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 initially, maintain exploring till there’s no extra to see. Additionally I discovered the additional you wander, the higher they appeared and in addition make sure to attempt totally different vantage factors.
Getting Right here: Take the A863 on the Sligachan Resort (who’re completely satisfied to offer a printout map to the Fairy Swimming pools for anybody misplaced and with out telephone sign). As soon as on the A863 proceed till the B8009 seems on the left then observe that till you see an indication to the Fairy Swimming 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 parking lot otherwise you’ll additionally discover individuals are likely to park alongside the sting of the street too.
Photograph Tip: Don’t be afraid to get in and stand 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. Shaped initially by a landslide, the jagged rocky sections jut out from the Trotternish Ridge.
Take a peek at my extra in depth publish about ‘Mountain climbing the Previous Man of Storr’ which additionally lists quite a lot of totally different vantage factors to {photograph} this beautiful scene.
Make this considered one of your must-see landscapes whereas on the Isle of Skye. Additionally make sure to arrive both early within the morning or late within the night to make sure you keep away from the crowds.
Getting Right here: You’ll discover the carpark to start the hike as much as the Previous Man of Storr on the A855, about 7 miles from Portree.
Photograph 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 lovely individuals free photos and the sheep will seem in larger numbers too.
MACLEOD’S TABLES
When driving in direction of Dunvegan or Neist Level you’ll see two flat high mountains within the distance. These are the Macleods Tables and for some purpose, I beloved them! They might 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 possibly can seize them from throughout japanese aspect of Loch Dunvegan or on the drive in direction of Neist Level there’s just a few vantage factors to maintain an eye fixed out for.
DUNVEGAN CASTLE
House to seat of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Citadel 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 a gorgeous topic for reflections.
When you handle to reach earlier than 5pm you’ll be able to entry the fortress and its preened gardens for £13 and there’s additionally the likelihood to go seal recognizing, fishing and extra from the fortress. If not, there’s an awesome little spot to take images of the fortress throughout the lake. Proceed previous the carpark down the a method lane and observe it alongside the loch till you flip again and see the fortress. It’s really an awesome spot for a picnic and after you’ve taken your pictures of the fortress you’ll be able to watch because the seals frolick within the water close by.
Getting Right here: From Portree head north then take the A850 all the best way to Dunvegan. When you get to the Dunvegan Resort, flip proper and take the small street till you see a carpark on the appropriate 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 Previous Man of Storr and it’s really for that purpose 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 awesome place to tug over and seize a distinct perspective. With the water providing reflection potential in the appropriate situations, or the reeds within the subject and grass providing a softer foreground topic.
LOCH MOR
On the street to Neist Level Loch Mor will reveal its photogenic wonders. After crossing the hill from Milvaig maintain an eye fixed out for a small parking spot on the left so you’ll be able to pull over and seize pictures of the panorama. As soon as the summer season greens kick in in direction of the tip of Could onwards, there’s a hanging distinction of inexperienced and blue with the loch ignored by a powerful ridge.
LEALT FALLS – Diatomite Ruins
This spot is so lovely! Wandering from the carpark in direction of the ocean presents quite a lot of vantage factors again in 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. When 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 facility or ‘Caile’ (Gaelic for chalk).
Taking the observe 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, nearly fluro like moss you’ve ever seen. When you’ve acquired a water-resistant digital camera positively deliver it right here to peek underwater and the plush locks of moss.
Getting Right here: One other good spot alongside the A855 from Portree to Staffin, it’s about 5-10 minutes from the Previous Man of Storr and also you’ll discover a parking space on the appropriate aspect simply after passing the Lealt Falls Home.
KILT ROCK AND MEALT FALLS
With vertical basalt columns dropping to the ocean, it’s stated Kilt Rock resembles after all, a kilt. A well-liked 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. Relying 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
That 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 purpose on the time, assumed it was near the Fairy Swimming pools. It’s not, it’s within the different course. So simply as a heads up, if you wish to go to Fairy Glen, accomplish that if you’re up within the north of Skye! Fortunately, my good friend 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 lovely photographs!
UNNAMED BEAUTIES
An enormous a part of photographing the Isle of Skye takes place by the street, 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 purpose I simply wished to incorporate a bit half about leaving time for surprising stops.
When driving across the Isle of Skye you’ll little doubt come throughout someplace each mile or so that you just wish 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.
Maintain your eyes peeled as a result of the Isle of Skye might be totally different for everybody at various instances of the 12 months, day and even minute with the climate consistently altering. When 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 a gorgeous ambiance for images.
The street across the north from Portree to Staffin is a must-do drive. I’ve talked about it just a few instances on this information however taking the total route all the best way round to Uig gives the chance to see farm homes, beautiful coastlines and so many sheep. Actually, when you like sheep, that is the place to go!
Different Notable Areas:
Coral Seaside
Only a quick stroll from Claigan, Coral Seaside is stuffed with precisely what you suppose, coral! It’s often known as probably the most lovely seashores on the Isle of Skye and since it’s situated proper on the entrance to Loch Dunvegan there’s additionally nice views throughout to Camas Ban.
Elgol
Sadly throughout my go to the climate was towards us for Elgol however I’ve heard from different photographers, it’s a gorgeous spot to go to. It’s additionally potential to leap on a small ferry there and journey round to the beginning of a hike to Loch Coruisk. Recognized to be maybe probably the most magnificent of all of the lochs with views over the Cuillin Vary, examine hike particulars right here – Loch Coruisk Hike
Raasay Island
Providing views throughout to the Isle of Skye, Raasay is technically a separate island however, it’s only a quick 25minute ferry trip throughout from Sconser. A lot much less populated than the Isle of Skye, Raasay presents a rural allure. Test ferry data right here.
Sligachan Bridge
An ideal vantage level wanting in direction of the Black Cullins Mountain Vary, Sligachan Bridge is a superb place to stretch your legs when you’ve simply arrived to the Isle of Skye. Below the bridge you’ll find a novel view utilizing the stones as a body with the mountain peaks peeking by beneath.
Attending to the Isle of Skye
Entry to the Isle of Skye is feasible by ferry from Mallaig or you’ll be able to drive throughout on a bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh. Whether or not it’s romantic or simply feels a bit extra adventurous, arriving by sea from Mallaig is a superb expertise!
For all ferry data examine the Cal Mac web site (full title Caledonian McBryde, how Scottish!). Additionally when you communicate French make sure to learn by the wonderful information by my buddies Eliza and Max from the Bestjobers, their information to the Isle of Skye helped immensely in planning our journey and so they’ve acquired unimaginable photographs!
From Edinburgh the Isle of Skye is roughly 4.5hrs when you go through the Kyle of Lochlash and take the bridge. When you’re hoping to additionally see minimize throughout the gorgeous Loch Lomond Nationwide Park to see Glencoe and the well-known ‘Harry Potter Bridge’ at Glenfinnan then it’s higher to journey in direction of Mallaig and take the ferry. Journey time differs relying in your route however from Edinburgh to Mallaig it’s roughly 4hrs with out stops.
Travelling from Inverness is way shorter and you can too embrace the beauties of Loch Ness in your itinerary. Drive time is simply over two hours until you’re eager to cease and benefit from the ‘Photogenic Areas round Loch Ness’..particularly Plodda Falls, they’re a must-see!
The place to Keep on the Isle of Skye?
When you’re eager to expertise all the outside have to supply, travelling in a campervan is an effective way to see the Isle of Skye. We ventured round in a Spaceships Leases van and beloved being able to tug up wherever and sleep for the night time. I do love my comforts although and we opted to remain on the Kinloch Campsite and in addition Torvaig Caravan and Camp Website, 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 Previous 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 awesome place to select up provides earlier than heading out for a protracted day of exploring.
Dunn Cruinn Mattress & Breakfast
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 beneath.
Portree Wigwams – they’re tremendous cute and have been really my favorite kind of lodging to remain in. You’ll discover this hyperlink takes you to the Wigwam web site and you’ll then seek for not solely the Isle of Skye however Outer Hebrides or additional round Scotland. Not sponsored I simply love typing Wigwams again and again. Wigwam.
For additional data and particulars on entry costs, vacationer points of interest and excursions, examine the Go to Scotland web site for extra.
Have you ever been to the Isle of Skye? In that case, both hyperlink to your photographs or social media/Instagram account within the feedback beneath or use the hashtag #thewanderinglens.
Howdy! 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 street. I hope it’s helpful on your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences world wide.