Isle of Skye

Skye's landscape is the main event: the Cuillin mountains, the Old Man of Storr, and coastline that changes character every few miles. You tender into Portree, the island's small capital, where pastel-painted houses ring a working harbour. The Old Man of Storr hike is steep but short, and the views from the top cover the Trotternish Ridge and the sea. The Quiraing, further north, has pinnacles, hidden plateaus, and constantly shifting light. The Fairy Pools near Glen Brittle are clear pools and waterfalls at the base of the Cuillins, worth the walk even though the water is usually too cold for swimming. Dunvegan Castle has 800 years of MacLeod clan history. For food, langoustines and smoked salmon are the local specialities. Hiring a car gives the most flexibility, as the island's single-track roads are part of the experience.