Isle of Skye Day Trip from Inverness: Fairy Pools & Kilt Rock

Summary

Skye’s wild cliffs, fairy pools and Highland stories in a single day

You’ll travel from Inverness through Highland glens and along Loch Ness before reaching Isle of Skye’s wildest sights: Eilean Donan Castle for photos, pastel Portree harbour for lunch, wind-lashed Kilt Rock cliffs, and a walk up to crystal-clear Fairy Pools with your local guide weaving stories all day. Expect laughter, weather that changes by the minute, and moments that stick long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the road out of Inverness hugged Loch Ness so close you could almost smell the water—kind of peaty, cold, with that green tangle at the edges. Our driver, Jamie, kept us guessing about Nessie (“She’s shy in the mornings,” he said), and everyone craned their necks just in case. That set the tone: lots of stories, lots of laughter bouncing around the minibus as we headed deeper into the Highlands.

Eilean Donan Castle popped up out of nowhere—just sitting there on its own island like it’s waiting for a film crew. We didn’t go inside (not part of this tour), but Jamie pulled over at his “secret” photo spot where you could see the castle framed by mountains and mist. It was windy enough to make my eyes water. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just ended up with blurry hair in my face. Someone behind me said it looked “proper Scottish.”

Portree was all pastel houses and fishing boats bobbing around—felt like a postcard except it smelled like chips and seaweed. We had maybe 45 minutes there? Just enough time to grab a hot pie from a bakery (still thinking about that flaky crust) before wandering down by the water. If you pre-book lunch they hand it to you on the bus after Portree, which is clever because nobody wants to waste time queuing when there’s so much left to see.

Kilt Rock was next—wind howling so hard it blew spray back up the waterfall instead of down. Jamie said that happens more often than people think. The cliffs really do look like pleats if you squint (or maybe I just wanted them to). Then came Storr, looming up out of nowhere—a black tooth against grey sky—and finally those Fairy Pools. The walk up took about 20 minutes; not too tough but rocky in places. The water was so clear I could see every stone under my boots. Some folks dipped their hands in (freezing!) while others just sat quietly with the Cuillin mountains behind them. I didn’t expect to feel so small or peaceful at once.

On the way back, Jamie told us about old Highland families and why some glens are empty now—his voice got softer then, and for a minute nobody spoke at all. Last stop: Urquhart Castle peeking out over Loch Ness as dusk crept in. By then I was tired but happy—like I’d actually earned these memories somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Isle of Skye and Highlands

• Depart Inverness and view Loch Ness
• Stop for photos at Eilean Donan Castle
• Visit Portree harbour and explore town
• Lunch break in Portree
• See Kilt Rock and waterfall
• View Old Man of Storr from viewpoint
• Walk and explore Fairy Pools
• Drive through Highland glens with stories
• View Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness
• Return to Inverness

Top questions

How long is the Isle of Skye day trip from Inverness?

The tour lasts one full day with early departure from Inverness and return in the evening.

Does this tour include visiting Eilean Donan Castle inside?

No, there is only an exterior photo stop at Eilean Donan Castle; entry is not included.

Is lunch included on this Isle of Skye day trip?

If you pre-book lunch in advance, it’s provided after Portree; otherwise you can buy food during your stop in Portree.

How difficult is the walk to the Fairy Pools?

The walk is gently uphill over rough terrain for about 1.5 miles round trip; moderate fitness is recommended.

Are children allowed on this tour?

This tour isn’t suitable for children under six due to duration and time on the coach.

What are some highlights seen during this day trip?

You’ll see Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle (photo stop), Portree harbour, Kilt Rock, Old Man of Storr viewpoint, Fairy Pools walk, and Urquhart Castle viewpoint.

Is pickup included for this Isle of Skye tour?

No hotel pickup; departure point is central Inverness with public transport options nearby.

What should I wear or bring for this tour?

Wear warm clothes, hiking boots or sturdy shoes, and bring a waterproof jacket—the weather can change quickly.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable mini-coach transport from central Inverness with an experienced driver-guide sharing live commentary throughout; all taxes and fees are covered too. You’ll have free time for lunch in Portree (or get your pre-booked meal delivered on board), plus plenty of stops for photos at iconic sites before returning together in the evening.