📍 Around 20-40 miles from Sligachan, depending on destination
🚗 Allow approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes by car
🚌 Limited public transport - a car is recommended

North West Skye is a little more off the beaten track, with winding single-track roads, quiet coastal communities and some of the island's most beautiful scenery. It's an area well worth taking your time to explore, particularly if you're looking to venture beyond Skye's busier landmarks.

Alongside dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches and the famous sunsets at Neist Point, you'll find some of Skye's best restaurants, independent cafés and local makers. From destination dining near Dunvegan to pottery studios and small businesses tucked away around Waternish and Glendale, there's plenty to discover along the way.

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Walks & Landscapes

Neist Point Lighthouse

One of the most iconic viewpoints on the Isle of Skye. The path out to Neist Point follows dramatic cliffs towards the lighthouse at the western edge of the island. It's one of the best places on Skye to watch the sunset, although it can get very busy during the summer months. The walk involves steep steps, so wear suitable footwear and allow plenty of time.

Coral Beach

A short walk leads you out to one of Skye's most beautiful beaches. The white coral-like sand, made from fragments of calcified seaweed, and clear, shallow water can feel almost tropical when the sun comes out. Parking is limited, so it's worth visiting early in the morning or later in the evening.

Waternish Peninsula

A quiet, winding peninsula dotted with small crofting communities, coastal viewpoints and open sea views. Waternish is a wonderful place to explore at a slower pace, stopping at local studios and businesses along the way. Keep an eye out for wildlife - lots of white tailed sea eagles can be spotted around here too! 

MacLeod’s Tables

Two distinctive flat-topped hills that dominate the skyline around Dunvegan. They're a familiar sight across this part of Skye and offer a rewarding hill walk for those looking for panoramic views across the surrounding landscape and coastline.

Glendale

A remote crofting community on the road towards Neist Point. The drive through Glendale is part of the experience, passing scattered houses, open moorland and dramatic coastal scenery. It's a lovely area to explore if you're looking to get a little further off the beaten track.

Dunvegan Village & Harbour

Set on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, this charming village is well worth a wander. Take a stroll down towards the waterfront, enjoy the views across the loch and keep an eye out for seals and other wildlife. With independent shops, cafés and Dunvegan Castle nearby, it's a lovely place to spend a few hours while exploring North West Skye.

History & Heritage:

Dunvegan Castle

The ancestral home of Clan MacLeod and one of Skye's most important historic sites. Set above Loch Dunvegan, the castle offers centuries of Highland history, beautiful gardens and seasonal boat trips on the loch. A fascinating stop for anyone interested in the island's heritage.

Food & Drink

The Three Chimneys

One of Skye's most celebrated restaurants, The Three Chimneys sits on the shores of Loch Dunvegan in the small township of Colbost. Known for its exceptional seafood and seasonal Scottish produce, it's a destination in its own right and well worth making the journey for. Booking ahead is highly recommended.

Bog Myrtle

Part café, part lifestyle shop, Bog Myrtle is one of those lovely independent places worth seeking out while exploring this side of Skye. Stop for a coffee and a browse through its carefully chosen selection of homeware, gifts and other finds.

Edinbane Lodge

Housed in a beautifully restored historic lodge, Edinbane Lodge is one of Skye's most intimate fine dining experiences. The restaurant specialises in seasonal tasting menus celebrating Scottish ingredients, with a strong emphasis on produce from the island and surrounding waters. Another excellent choice for a special meal while exploring North West Skye.

Local Shopping

Skíō Pottery

A small independent pottery studio in Waternish creating handmade ceramics inspired by the surrounding coastline and landscape. A lovely opportunity to discover some of the island's creative talent and pick up something a little different to take home.

Skye Skyns

A working sheepskin tannery in Waternish, where traditional craftsmanship is still very much alive. Visitors can learn about the tanning process and browse a selection of sheepskins and other products in the shop.

Waystone Books

A lovely independent bookshop in the heart of Dunvegan, specialising in contemporary fiction, independent publishers and local authors. With good coffee, regular events and plenty of interesting books to browse, it's the sort of place you could easily lose an hour or two.

Balgown Croft Shop

A little self-service farm shop on a working croft near Struan. Stocked with fresh eggs, meat, cheeses and other local produce, it's a brilliant example of Skye's honesty-box tradition and well worth stopping at if you're passing through.