Isle of Skye Tour: Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr & Quiraing

A 200-foot stone pillar and Europe's largest landslip in one morning.

A full-day guided tour from Portree covering six major sites across Isle of Skye, including the Fairy Pools for wild swimming, the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing and Kilt Rock. The tour departs at 8:45am from Somerled Square Bus Stop and runs eight to nine hours with a live English-speaking guide, landing fees and live commentary included. You'll walk to dramatic cliff edges, swim under natural waterfalls if weather permits, and choose between Neist Point or Dunvegan Castle as your final stop. Wear waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Fairy Pools1h 30m · entry included
2. Fairy Glen30m
3. Quiraing20m
4. Kilt Rock15m
5. The Old Man of Storr5m

Explore Isle of Skye's main attractions

• Drive to Fairy Pools
• Swim in Fairy Pools (weather permitting)
• Visit Talisker distillery visitor centre
• Choose Neist Point or Dunvegan Castle visit
• Travel to Neist Point for wildlife spotting
• Visit Dunvegan Castle and gardens
• Explore Fairy Glen
• Drive to Quiraing ridge
• View Kilt Rock and waterfall
• See The Old Man of Storr

The experience

The tour starts with a drive to the Fairy Pools in the shadow of the Cuillin Mountains, where the River Brittle flows through one of Skye's most dramatic landscapes. Weather permitting, you can swim in the crystal-clear green pools and dive under natural arches and waterfalls: one of the UK's best wild swimming spots. From there you'll visit Talisker distillery in Carbost, a single malt Scotch producer where whisky samples are available if the distillery has them that day.

The afternoon takes you to the Trotternish Ridge, a landscape used in sci-fi films including Prometheus. You'll stand at the Old Man of Storr, a 200-foot stone pillar that has detached from the ridge's highest point, rising 720 metres and creating a fantastical landscape of twisted rocks and looming shadows. The Quiraing, part of Europe's largest landslip, sits in the far north with wonderful rock formations and coastal views. Kilt Rock features distinctive pillars and a waterfall with views across to the mainland Torridon hills. At each stop the guide provides live commentary on the landscape, the geology and the film locations.

You'll also visit Fairy Glen, described as the most important meeting place of the fairies on Skye, where conical mounds called fairy knowes dot the landscape and miniature forests sit between twisted paths. Your final stop is your choice: either Neist Point on the far west of the island, known as the best place to spot whales, dolphins and sharks, or Dunvegan Castle, the ancient MacLeod clan seat set in gardens, where you can see a flag from fairyland dated between the 4th and 7th centuries. The guide will drop you at one and pick you up from the other on the return journey. The tour operates in all weather and the exact duration depends on traffic and weather conditions.

What’s included

• Driver and live guide in English.
• landing and facility fees at each site.
• live commentary throughout the day.
• pickup and departure at 8:45am from Somerled Square Bus Stop in Portree.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 18 Mar 2027

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Child (under 1)

GroupUp to 22

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Tour Skye

Is this one for you?The tour covers eight to nine hours on foot across exposed ridges and cliff edges, with swimming at the Fairy Pools if weather allows, so you'll need moderate fitness and waterproof gear. Children from age six are welcome if accompanied by an adult, and the fixed schedule means all six major sites fit inside one day departing Portree at 8:45am.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 1).

Can I swim at the Fairy Pools on this tour?

Yes, weather permitting you can swim in the crystal-clear green pools of the River Brittle and dive under natural arches and waterfalls. You'll need to wear waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear, as the tour travels to the pools by going underneath waterfalls.

What is the Old Man of Storr and why is it on this tour?

The Old Man of Storr is a 200-foot stone pillar that has detached itself from the Trotternish Ridge, the longest inland cliff in the UK at 720 metres high. It's one of the iconic natural features of Skye and has been used as a film location for Prometheus and other sci-fi movies, making it a must-see landscape on the island.

Do I have to choose between Neist Point and Dunvegan Castle, or do I visit both?

You choose one or the other. The guide will drop you at your chosen stop and pick you up there on the return journey from the other location, so both sites fit inside the same day but you select which one suits your interests.

What time does the tour depart from Portree?

The tour departs at 8:45am from Somerled Square Bus Stop in Portree and runs for eight to nine hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Is there a whisky tasting included at Talisker distillery?

The tour includes a visit to Talisker distillery in Carbost, and whisky samples are available if the distillery has them available that day. The visitor centre is not included on the tour itself.

What should I wear and bring on this tour?

Wear waterproof clothing and comfortable, sturdy footwear. The tour operates in all weather conditions, and you may be swimming or wading at the Fairy Pools, so waterproof gear is essential.