Isle of Skye & the Highlands

Fairy pools, sea cliffs & Highland drama — 5 days

Skye delivers the jaw-dropping Highlands in a tighter loop than the NC500 — otherworldly rock formations, fairytale waterfalls and single-track roads with a view at every turn, all reached over the Skye Bridge. It's still a long drive north from South Wales, so take the van 7 to 10 days. Scotland is part of the UK, so no European cover is required.

Day 1: Drive north to Glencoe

Head for Scotland, overnighting on the way, and aim to arrive in Glencoe — one of Britain's most dramatic glens and a perfect Highlands warm-up.

Don't miss: Glen Coe

One of Britain's most dramatic glens — brooding peaks, waterfalls and a haunting history — the perfect Highlands warm-up on the drive north to Skye.

Where to stay

Red Squirrel Campsite — Glencoe
Glencoe Mountain Resort — Glencoe
Caolasnacon Caravan & Camping Park — Kinlochleven, Glencoe

Day 2: Over the Skye Bridge

Drive past Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland's most photographed, cross the Skye Bridge and settle near Portree, Skye's colourful harbour capital.

Don't miss: Eilean Donan Castle

Scotland's most photographed castle, on its own islet where three sea lochs meet — the last stop before you cross the Skye Bridge to colourful Portree.

Where to stay

Torvaig Caravan and Camping Site — Portree, Isle of Skye
Kinloch Ainort — Sconser, Isle of Skye
Glenbrittle Campsite — Carbost, Isle of Skye

Day 3: The Trotternish loop

The island's greatest hits: the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock waterfall, the extraordinary Quiraing and the miniature Fairy Glen near Uig.

Don't miss: The Old Man of Storr

The pinnacle of the Trotternish loop — a jagged rock spire high above the sea — with Kilt Rock waterfall and the extraordinary Quiraing ridge close by.

Where to stay

Torvaig Caravan and Camping Site — Portree, Isle of Skye
Kinloch Ainort — Sconser, Isle of Skye
Glenbrittle Campsite — Carbost, Isle of Skye

Day 4: West Skye

The Fairy Pools at Glen Brittle beneath the Cuillin, Neist Point lighthouse for sunset, Dunvegan Castle and a dram at Talisker distillery.

Don't miss: Neist Point

The wild westernmost tip of Skye and its lighthouse, glorious at sunset — near the Fairy Pools at Glen Brittle, Dunvegan Castle and the Talisker distillery.

Where to stay

Torvaig Caravan and Camping Site — Portree, Isle of Skye
Kinloch Ainort — Sconser, Isle of Skye
Glenbrittle Campsite — Carbost, Isle of Skye

Day 5: Sligachan & home

The Cuillin views at Sligachan, then begin the journey south. Skye's campsites are small and busy in summer, so book ahead and use your Campsite+ membership.