Isle of Skye is a beautiful landscape nicknamed ‘cloud Island’ for the large scape of mist that tends to enshroud Cuillin Hills. It is the second-largest Scottish Island with 50 miles of mountains, lochs, moors and stunning sea cliffs. Visiting the Isle of Skye should be one of your pit stops if you are looking for a breath-taking landscape and a desktop worthy landscape.
Whilst it is a fantastic place for hiking and photography you might be wondering, are you able to set up camp there?
If you are planning your next camping trip to the Isle of Skye, there are a couple of things that you will need to keep in mind.
Is it legal to spend a few nights wild tent camping?
The laws around camping access can be a little tricky to get your head around at first but let’s make it a little easier for you.
Short answer: Yes, camping in the Isle of Skye is legal.
Long answer: It depends….
Whilst access laws make all activity legal so long as no disruption is caused through the use of a motor and that any physical properties are not damaged, farmers will not appreciate you camping in the middle of a field of crops.
When wild camping, a little common sense should be advised. Do not camp anywhere that is obstructing, and do not camp in enclosed spaces. If you think you will be disrupting others, it is probably not a good idea. Try to be sensible about the areas you choose to set up camp and treat the area around you with respect, leaving it in the same condition it was in when you got there.
Simply put, be sensible, don’t get in anyone’s way and everything should be fine.
Where else can I camp?
Believe it or not, the beach can be a fantastic place to camp if you choose the right place. With the flat surfaces and the open space, you can set yourself up with being able to wake up and enjoy the sun first thing in the morning.
Some important things to keep in mind, be careful of the strong Scottish winds as it can make picking the right spot to camp very difficult. Also, make sure that you place the tent above the tide line or you might wake up in an unpleasant puddle of water in your sleeping bag!
What about campsites near fairy pools skye?
If you don’t mind paying to camp at an actual campsite, one that is highly recommended is the Glenbrittle campsite. This gives you easy access to the Cuillin Ridge mountain range and the fairy pools
Places to visit in isle of skye
There are a few things that you must do hiking and nature-wise:
Cuillin ranges – if you fancy yourself a good hike, there are two great ranges that you can tackle. The Black Cuillin and the Red Cuillin ridges. These two mountains are separated by the Glen Sligachan. A fair warning, these are not recommended for beginner hikers as they can be quite challenging.
Expert note: If you want to snap great Isle of Skye photos, especially of the ranges, a great location to do so is from Blaven.
Fairy pools – The beautiful crystal clear blue pool created by the waterfall of the River Brittle. If you fancy yourself some wild swimming, why not jump in. Careful though, this pool is ice cold!
Here is a beautiful show of the fairy pools:
Anything non-nature related?
If you fancy yourself a bit of a rest after all the hiking and exploring, run down to The Old Inn for a cheeky pint and then head back to one of the popular campsites near fairy pools skye
When is the best time to visit the island?
The Isle of Skye has plenty to offer and is a beautiful place to visit all year round. However, certain times tend to be more favourable than others.
The best time to visit is between April to June.
This is a great time to visit if you want to explore the island in a warm atmosphere without being bitten or bumping into swarms of other travellers. These also tend to be the driest points in the year.
Where to stay in isle of skye
If you are planning on spending a night at the Isle of Skye, a good campsite that is highly recommended is the Glenbrittle Campsite. Situated in a stunning location, it’s perfect for admiring the scenery and watching the clouds go by.
What is the worst time to visit the island?
The worst time to visit is between July to August.
Simply put, if you don’t want to suffer from dozens of bites by midges, you should probably avoid visiting at this time. They usually have a hatching period in August and can turn a wonderful stay on the island into a miserable and itchy experience.
The other reason is that due to the summer months the weather in Isle of Skye is at it’s hottest, which means it is usually peak season. Travel ni the summer will be both more expensive and more crowded.
If you do want to visit during these summer months, however, you should probably pack some strong midge repellent. A good repellent that is recommended is smidge.
Start your camping journey in the Isle of Skye today
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced hiker, you will not regret spending a few nights on a hillside of the Isle of Skye. There are plenty of benefits to picking this location for your next destination. If you are looking for more amazing camping locations, follow our blog for more information. Check out our Pinterest account for more cool pictures.