Isle of Skye & Fairy Pools 2-Day Tour from Inverness

Summary

Skye’s wild pools, Highland castles and windswept ridges

You’ll travel from Inverness through Highland scenery toward Skye, stopping at Kilt Rock and The Old Man of Storr before an overnight in Portree. Walk to the Fairy Pools with your local guide and share stories over lunch in a castle setting. Expect moments of quiet awe, laughter with fellow travelers, and landscapes that linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start the day staring out over Loch Carron, trying to catch my breath from the cold air — it just kind of hits you, that sharp Scottish morning. Our driver-guide, Jamie, had this habit of pausing mid-story so we’d notice things: a flicker of sunlight on the water, or sheep wandering too close to the road. I liked that. The drive from Inverness to Skye was longer than I thought (maybe three hours?), but honestly, I barely noticed with all the stops — Kilt Rock’s waterfall roaring below us, then that first glimpse of the Old Man of Storr looking moody in the mist. Jamie said locals believe it’s always watching. Not sure if he was joking.

Lunch was at a castle — can’t say that happens every day. I tried a bowl of cullen skink (it’s like fish chowder), which steamed up my glasses and made me laugh. There was this older couple from Glasgow at our table who told us about clan feuds and rain rituals; I still think about their stories when it rains now. We spent the night in Portree — tiny harbor town, pastel houses lined up like they’re waiting for something. I walked down to the water after dinner and just listened for a while; gulls arguing overhead, someone playing accordion somewhere up the street.

The next morning started damp (of course), but by the time we reached the Fairy Pools it cleared enough for that weird blue light you only get in Scotland. The walk took maybe forty minutes — stones slick underfoot, everyone a bit quiet except for one kid who kept asking if fairies were real. No one really answered her directly; it felt like maybe no one wanted to break whatever spell was there. On the way back we stopped at Eilean Donan Castle for photos (it looks exactly like every postcard), then Fort Augustus for a last look at Loch Ness before heading back to Inverness. It’s funny how quickly you get used to those endless greens and greys — makes regular life feel too sharp somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel from Inverness to Portree

• Visit Loch Carron View Point
• Tour Dunvegan Castle and gardens
• Enjoy lunch at Dunvegan Castle
• Photo stop on Isle of Skye
• See Kilt Rock waterfall
• View The Old Man of Storr
• Visit nearby waterfall
• Overnight stay in Portree

Day 2 — From Portree to Inverness

• Walk to Fairy Pools waterfall
• Photo stop at old bridge
• Lunch stop
• Visit Eilean Donan Castle
• View Loch Ness at Fort Augustus

Top questions

How long is the Isle of Skye tour from Inverness?

This is a 2-day tour including one overnight stay in Portree before returning to Inverness.

Are entry fees or lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is included at Dunvegan Castle on day one; other meals are not specified as included.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Inverness city center near Rose Street Multi-Storey Car Park.

Is accommodation included on this Isle of Skye tour?

Yes, one night accommodation in Portree is included unless you select “no accommodation” during booking.

What are some highlights visited on this trip?

Kilt Rock waterfall, The Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools walk, Eilean Donan Castle photo stop, Fort Augustus by Loch Ness.

Is this small group or private?

This is a small group tour with live commentary by your driver-guide throughout.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children aged 4 and up can join if accompanied by an adult.

How much walking is involved at the Fairy Pools?

The walk to the Fairy Pools takes around 40 minutes over uneven ground; suitable for most fitness levels.

What’s included

Your journey includes comfortable transport by air-conditioned vehicle with live commentary from your knowledgeable driver-guide, one night’s accommodation in Portree (unless you choose otherwise), and a guided walk to key sites like Kilt Rock and the Fairy Pools—plus time for lunch at Dunvegan Castle before returning to Inverness via scenic Highland stops.