We will pick you up to start our Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour at 10.45 in Kyleakin or 11am in Broadford (in 2022 we are not currently offering Dornie or Kyle of Lochalsh pick up). With our bright green and purple WOW-branded mini-coach you don’t need to worry about missing us! It’s worth noting that the times are approximate and we will do our best to contact you if the tour is running late. 

The lively town of Portree enjoys a superb natural setting, with its colourful harbour being surrounded by cliffs and picturesque hills. Take a walk down to the waterfront to admire the row of famous pastel-coloured houses, which overlook small fishing boats and pleasure craft in the pretty bay. Alternatively, head uphill to the octagonal Apothecary Tower, for an equally impressive view out over the harbour.

For those looking for a Skye souvenir you have your pick of craft shops, independent boutiques and galleries in Portree, all just a short walk from where you will be dropped off. Ask your guide for recommendations as he knows Portree like the back of his hand!

This will be your opportunity to grab some lunch and there are plenty of options in the town centre; from a local deli serving seafood rolls and home-made cakes to a traditional fish and chip shop and two Skye bakeries, you will definitely find something to suit you.

We will spend around 45 minutes in Portree.

As we head north, from Portree into the Trotternish Peninsula, some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery awaits. Your eye will increasingly be drawn towards the cliffs of the Storr, which are the result of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.

The Old Man of Storr is a fascinating rocky landmark which forms a striking part of this otherworldly landscape. It is a 50 metre high rock pinnacle, with its name being much discussed; one legend says it is the thumb of a giant who died and is lying down in the grassy hills here! Regardless of the truth behind the myths and legends this is undeniably an awesome sight, which has been featured in many blockbuster films including Prometheus, Snow White & The Huntsman and The Wicker Man. We stop to view it from the best loch-side vantage point, where we can take some great photos.

We will spend around 10 minutes at the Old Man of Storr photo stop.

At around 2pm we still start to wind our way back down through this, “Theatre of Geology”, but there is still plenty more to see, and plenty more to hear from your guide about the fascinating geological history of this area; did we mention the 190 million year old stones, Jurassic rocks and fossils, dinosaur footprints, and giant lava blocks?! The history and landscapes of this area are unique, and have brought the Isle of Skye worldwide fame. Whilst the Fairy Pools have become one of the island’s top draws in recent years, we are utterly convinced that a trip to the island is not complete without visiting the Trotternish Peninsula – by this stage of the trip we are positive that you will agree with us!

When we arrive at the Fairy Pools you will be so glad that you chose to tour with WOW; we are the only day tour from Kyleakin / Kyle of Lochalsh to visit this series of beautiful rock pools and waterfalls.

Famed for their crystal clear blue waters and dramatic Cuillin mountain backdrop, the pools make for a stunning short hike. We will spend around 75 – 90 minutes here, giving you plenty of time to take a stroll, take in the scenery and, of course, take lots of photos.

The picturesque walk to the first pool takes around 20 minutes (distance is 0.7 miles) and the most impressive waterfall is 5 minutes further on (0.9 miles total). Most of our guests spend their time ambling around this area, admiring the crystal clear waters of the pools and their tumbling waterfalls.

For those keen to explore you can venture further to the other pools upstream. After walking another 15 – 20 minutes (0.6 miles) you will pretty much have the path, and the views, to yourself.

It is worth noting that the walk to the Fairy Pools and back is a total of around 1.5 miles and will take around 40 minutes, so you do require a moderate level of fitness for it. Also, as you need to cross stepping stones over a couple of streams you need to be stable on your feet, and ensure that you wear sensible hiking boots/shoes. This is not a tourist attraction, it’s nature at its most beautiful, so don’t expect pavements or bridges (and beware that wet feet can make for an uncomfortable journey home)!

For those who do not feel fit enough to embark on this hike at the Fairy Pools you are still more than welcome to come on the tour. Speak to your guide and he will be happy to take you on a 5 minute drive to our little-known secret fairy pools instead – they are equally as special and are more easily accessible, with no walking required.

Please note that, very occasionally, it may not be possible to visit the Fairy Pools due to bad weather and/or excessively high water levels in the streams we require to cross. If this happens we will visit the secret pools mentioned above instead.

By the end of the day you will have visited all of Skye’s highlights, and been captivated by your guide’s entertaining commentary covering a diverse range of topics, from flora and fauna and geology to traditions, history, myths and legends. All of this will have been accompanied by a wonderful musical soundtrack, keeping the mood upbeat and giving you a real insight into the Gaelic culture of the island. You will return to Broadford around 5.30/45pm, with a phone full of photos and, more importantly, memories to treasure for a lifetime.