To take this tour requires a bit of effort on your part – the area is remote, the roads are mainly single track and you’ll really get the sense that you are miles away from anywhere. But as with everything in life - you put the effort in and the rewards are tremendous.
The Isle of Skye and Lochalsh is without a doubt an extremely popular destination for tourists to appreciate the true beauty that Scotland has to offer. It can be a place for total relaxation and romance or for the energetic it offers a great variety of outdoor activities. There is certainly plenty to choose from including angling, cycling, pony trekking, boat trips and walking. For the walking enthusiasts, Skye's best known feature "The Cuillin" offers fantastic opportunities to get panoramic views of these mountains, however the peaks are only suited for experienced climbers. Alternatively, there is also The Five Sisters mountain range at Kintail, which offers a wide range of mountain trails to suit all walking abilities.
Despite Skye's remote location this island has plenty to offer. You will find a great selection of villages, craft shops, ruins, culture and heritage as well as great places to eat. In Dunvegan you will find one of the Worlds Top 50 Restaurants (Restaurant Magazine 2003) called "The Three Chimneys." It is open all year round and specialises in local produce and Skye seafood, however due to its popularity booking is essential.
Travelling away from Skye on the A87 you must visit Eilean Donan Castle - listed as Scotlands' most romantic castle. It is a picturesque castle on an islet on Loch Duich and is connected by a stone causeway.
Travelling North on the A887 you will come across a very popular attraction called "Loch Ness." This is of course the home of the world famous Loch Ness Monster - the monster that lurks beneath the cool waters of the loch. But don’t worry if you don’t see the monster in the flesh as you can still find out all about her at the Monster Exhibition at Drumnadrochit.
Urquhart Castle is another famous landmark you’ll want to explore – sitting on the bank of Loch Ness, this castle is one of the largest in Scotland and as you’d expect it has a rich and interesting history attached to it. The visitor centre here will tell you everything you need to know.
A short trip from here and you hit Inverness (approx 30 mins) – capital city of the Highlands offering great shops, restaurants and places to stay.
