A Photographers Information to The Isle of Skye, Scotland
A bit 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 useful for each single second right here, even when issues get slightly 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 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 areas 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 means of to the ‘Vacation spot Guides’ part.
Earlier than you get began, take a peek at slightly video I product of my highway journey across the Isle of Skye, showcasing most of the areas I point out beneath…
ISLE OF SKYE PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS –
NEIST POINT LIGHTHOUSE
I used to be going to jot down that this was my favorite place to {photograph} however you already know what? It’s all good on the Isle of Skye. Neist Level provides 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 in style at sundown however as with all the areas round Skye, the landscapes are so giant it’s simple to really feel like there’s nobody round. Upon arrival a great dollop of salty air will hit you within the face and from then on you’ll discover it unimaginable to to not wander and seize quite a lot of views.
You’ll want 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 trying 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 highway and easily observe the indicators to Neist Level Lighthouse. It takes a great half-hour or extra and many of the highway is single lane so preserve 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 slightly 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 beautiful, you may actually use all of the adjective within the dictionary to explain it. Driving up from the coast highway in direction of it gently eases you into its magnificence nevertheless the views from the highest and alongside the strolling monitor are second to none.
One factor to notice which I believe is de facto important is that it’s very crowded in peak season. We visited simply after lunch someday and located it nearly unimaginable 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 certain you’ll expertise the true magic Quiraing provides in fully completely 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.
With out stopping the Quiraing 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 most important 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 whenever 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 pictures pop, plan your journey for dawn or sundown to expertise the temper and watch the landscapes within the altering gentle.
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 means as much as the northern areas, or in your means again throughout to the primary they’ll get busy so attempt to arrive early or late within the day.
Should you’re in search of a spot to check out your lengthy publicity images, that is it. With so many waterfalls all various in measurement, energy 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 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 at first, preserve exploring till there’s no extra to see. Additionally I discovered the additional you wander, the higher they seemed and in addition remember to strive completely different vantage factors.
Getting Right here: Take the A863 on the Sligachan Resort (who’re joyful to supply 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 folks are likely to park alongside the sting of the highway too.
Photograph 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 most well-liked 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 intensive publish about ‘Mountaineering the Previous Man of Storr’ which additionally lists quite a lot of completely different vantage factors to {photograph} this beautiful scene.
Make this one in all your must-see landscapes whereas on the Isle of Skye. Additionally remember 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 folks free pictures 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 prime mountains within the distance. These are the Macleods Tables and for some purpose, I cherished them! They might be named after my ancestors nevertheless their kind is so distinctive to many 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 a couple of vantage factors to maintain an eye fixed out for.
DUNVEGAN CASTLE
Residence to seat of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Fort has a private hyperlink to my household’s historical past. Resting on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, the citadel sits overlooking an inlet and is an attractive topic for reflections.
Should you handle to reach earlier than 5pm you may entry the citadel and its preened gardens for £13 and there’s additionally the chance to go seal recognizing, fishing and extra from the citadel. If not, there’s an awesome little spot to take images of the citadel throughout the lake. Proceed previous the carpark down the a technique lane and observe it alongside the loch till you flip again and see the citadel. It’s truly an awesome spot for a picnic and after you’ve taken your photographs of the citadel you may 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 highway till you see a carpark on the best for the citadel (which is on the left).
LOCH LEATHAN
You’ll discover this magnificence beside the A855 on the best way to climbing the Previous Man of Storr and it’s truly 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 unique perspective. With the water providing reflection potential in the best situations, or the reeds within the subject and grass providing a softer foreground topic.
LOCH MOR
On the highway to Neist Level Loch Mor will reveal its photogenic wonders. After crossing the hill from Milvaig preserve an eye fixed out for a small parking spot on the left so you may pull over and seize photographs of the panorama. As soon as the summer time greens kick in in direction of the top of Might onwards, there’s a hanging distinction of inexperienced and blue with the loch neglected by a powerful ridge.
LEALT FALLS – Diatomite Ruins
This spot is so lovely! Wandering from the carpark in direction of the ocean provides quite a lot of vantage factors again in direction of the Lealt Falls (keep in mind to show round) nevertheless 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 unit or ‘Caile’ (Gaelic for chalk).
Taking the monitor down the hillside (watch out because it’s steep and slippery) you’ll move sheep fortunately munching away on the grass earlier than reaching the ruins. They’re fully 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. Should you’ve bought a water-proof 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 best 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 in fact, 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. 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 path. So simply as a heads up, if you wish to go to Fairy Glen, achieve this whenever you’re up within the north of Skye! Fortunately, my buddy and fellow photographer Sarah wrote all about it from her journey so relatively than me chat about it, head over to her website The Wanderblogger to take a peek at this unimaginable place, there’s a great deal of lovely pictures!
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 purpose I simply needed to incorporate slightly half about leaving time for sudden 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 limitless peaks altering as the sunshine and clouds roll over their rocky tops.
Preserve your eyes peeled as a result of the Isle of Skye can be completely different for everybody at various instances of the 12 months, day and even minute with the climate always altering. Should 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 move and the mist provides to the temper, creating an attractive ambiance for images.
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 offers 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 brief stroll from Claigan, Coral Seaside is crammed with precisely what you suppose, coral! It’s referred to as one of the vital 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 an attractive spot to go to. It’s additionally doable to leap on a small ferry there and journey round to the beginning of a hike to Loch Coruisk. Recognized to be maybe essentially the most magnificent of all of the lochs with views over the Cuillin Vary, test 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 brief 25minute ferry journey throughout from Sconser. A lot much less populated than the Isle of Skye, Raasay provides a rural allure. Examine ferry information right here.
Sligachan Bridge
An important vantage level trying 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. Underneath the bridge you could find a singular view utilizing the stones as a body with the mountain peaks peeking by means of beneath.
Attending to the Isle of Skye
Entry to the Isle of Skye is feasible by ferry from Mallaig or you may drive throughout on a bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh. Whether or not it’s romantic or simply feels slightly 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!). Additionally when you communicate French remember to learn by means of the wonderful information by my mates Eliza and Max from the Bestjobers, their information to the Isle of Skye helped immensely in planning our journey and so they’ve bought unimaginable pictures!
From Edinburgh the Isle of Skye is roughly 4.5hrs when you go by way of the Kyle of Lochlash and take the bridge. Should you’re hoping to additionally see reduce 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 except 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?
Should 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 cherished 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 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 choose up provides earlier than heading out for an extended day of exploring.
Dunn Cruinn Mattress & Breakfast
Alternatively, when you’re after a extra rural break, there are a selection 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 truly my favorite kind of lodging to remain in. You’ll discover this hyperlink takes you to the Wigwam website 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 again and again. Wigwam.
For additional info and particulars on entry costs, vacationer sights and excursions, test the Go to Scotland web site for extra.
Have you ever been to the Isle of Skye? If that’s the case, both hyperlink to your pictures or social media/Instagram account within the feedback beneath or use the hashtag #thewanderinglens.
Whats up! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as knowledgeable journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this website 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 world wide.
