Affiliate links: This page contains affiliate links. If you book through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we genuinely believe in. Read our full disclosure policy.
Isle of Skye Two-Day Adventure - practical travel guide with honest advice.
This two-day overnight tour takes you to Scotland's most dramatic island, featuring jagged peaks, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs. You'll stay overnight in Portree village, visit the Old Man of Storr's towering sea stack, explore Dunvegan Castle's 900-year history, and traverse the Trotternish landslip geology. The ferry crossings and mountainous terrain make this suitable for physically active travellers. Accommodation is in local hotels or guesthouses; book early as rooms fill quickly. Best for adventure seekers and dramatic landscape lovers. This is a moderate activity lasting 2 days. Group size: 2-15. You meet at Rabbie's Cafe Bar, High Street. Key highlights: Old Man of Storr: 50-metre sea stack with 360° views, Dunvegan Castle: 900-year-old clan stronghold with interior tour, Trotternish landslip: geological formations and waterfall hikes.
Price: £89
Duration: 2 days
Difficulty: moderate
Group size: 2-15
Minimum age: 10+
Best for: adventure seekers and dramatic landscape lovers
Best time: June to August for longest daylight and lowest rainfall; May and September for fewer crowds and mild weather; avoid October–April due to short days, heavy rain, and frequent ferry cancellations
Meeting point: Rabbie's Cafe Bar, High Street
Languages: English
Here is how the experience unfolds:
8:00am Day 1 Depart Edinburgh, drive north towards Skye via the A82 - Approximately 5 hours of driving through Glencoe and past Fort William to Mallaig ferry terminal.
1:00pm Day 1 Ferry crossing to Armadale, Isle of Skye - 40-minute scenic crossing; weather may cause delays; remain on vehicle during crossing.
2:30pm Day 1 Drive to Old Man of Storr, guided walk up to the sea stack - 45-minute round-trip hike on steep, muddy paths; panoramic views of the Sound of Raasay; expect crowds at peak times.
4:30pm Day 1 Visit Dunvegan Castle, explore grounds and interiors - Clan MacLeod's seat since 1290; tour interior rooms and dungeon; gardens overlook Loch Dunvegan.
6:30pm Day 1 Check in to Portree accommodation, dinner independently - Portree has 15+ restaurants ranging from fish and chips (£10–£15) to fine dining (£40–£80 per person).
10:00am Day 2 Guided walk through Trotternish landslip, visit Lealt Falls and Mealt Falls - 2–3 hour walk on variable terrain; waterfalls visible after rainfall; geology tour covers volcanic history.
1:30pm Day 2 Lunch break and free time in Portree - Visit local shops, cafes, or the harbour; approximately 90 minutes.
3:00pm Day 2 Return journey to Mallaig, ferry back to mainland - Drive back to Mallaig (approximately 1.5 hours), ferry crossing (40 minutes), then Edinburgh (5 hours).
The whole experience takes 2 days. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Rabbie's Cafe Bar, High Street.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price | £89 |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Group size | 2-15 |
| Minimum age | 10+ |
| Meeting point | Rabbie's Cafe Bar, High Street |
| Languages | English |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation 7 days before; 50% refund 3–7 days before; non-refundable within 72 hours |
| Accessibility | Coach has wheelchair lift. Old Man of Storr walk is steep and muddy - not suitable for mobility issues. Dunvegan Castle has accessible ground-floor rooms but upper floors have stairs. Portree accommodation varies; specify access needs when booking. |
What is included: Coach transport from Edinburgh to Mallaig, Ferry crossing to and from Skye, Guided walks and tours of Old Man of Storr and Trotternish, Entry to Dunvegan Castle.
Not included: Accommodation (book separately £60–£120 per night), Meals and refreshments, Travel insurance, Optional activities (boat tours, seal-spotting cruises). You will need to arrange these yourself.
What to bring: Waterproof jacket and trousers, Thermal layers and fleece, Sturdy waterproof hiking boots, Hat, gloves, and neck warmer (even in summer), Daypack with water (1–2 litres) and snacks, Sunscreen and insect repellent, Camera and binoculars for wildlife, Toiletries and medications for overnight stay. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.
Best time to go: June to August for longest daylight and lowest rainfall; May and September for fewer crowds and mild weather; avoid October–April due to short days, heavy rain, and frequent ferry cancellations.
Tip: Accommodation not included in price
Tip: Weather-dependent outdoor activities
Accessibility: Coach has wheelchair lift. Old Man of Storr walk is steep and muddy - not suitable for mobility issues. Dunvegan Castle has accessible ground-floor rooms but upper floors have stairs. Portree accommodation varies; specify access needs when booking..
Operator: Rabbie's Trail Burners | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 131 226 3133
After this activity, these are within easy reach:
This activity is run by Rabbie's Trail Burners.
Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 7 days before; 50% refund 3–7 days before; non-refundable within 72 hours.
Accessibility: Coach has wheelchair lift. Old Man of Storr walk is steep and muddy - not suitable for mobility issues. Dunvegan Castle has accessible ground-floor rooms but upper floors have stairs. Portree accommodation varies; specify access needs when booking..
Best time to go: June to August for longest daylight and lowest rainfall; May and September for fewer crowds and mild weather; avoid October–April due to short days, heavy rain, and frequent ferry cancellations.
No. The tour price covers only coach transport and entry to attractions. Accommodation in Portree costs £60–£120 per night and must be booked separately. Book 4–6 weeks in advance in peak summer. The tour operator can recommend partner hotels and guesthouses.
Yes. The Mallaig-Armadale crossing operates daily but closes in severe storms or high winds (rare in summer). If cancelled, the tour operator will reschedule you for the next available sailing or offer a full refund. Check conditions 48 hours before travel.
The walk is steep, muddy, and takes 45 minutes round-trip with 300 metres elevation gain. Hikers need moderate fitness. The path is well-trodden but becomes slippery in wet weather. Alternatives: shorter scenic drives without walking are available; ask the guide about options on the day.
No. The tour price covers only coach transport and entry to attractions. Accommodation in Portree costs £60–£120 per night and must be booked separately. Book 4–6 weeks in advance in peak summer. The tour operator can recommend partner hotels and guesthouses.
Yes. The Mallaig-Armadale crossing operates daily but closes in severe storms or high winds (rare in summer). If cancelled, the tour operator will reschedule you for the next available sailing or offer a full refund. Check conditions 48 hours before travel.
The walk is steep, muddy, and takes 45 minutes round-trip with 300 metres elevation gain. Hikers need moderate fitness. The path is well-trodden but becomes slippery in wet weather. Alternatives: shorter scenic drives without walking are available; ask the guide about options on the day.
Best for: history buffs and Da Vinci Code fans
Best for: first-time Scotland visitors wanting highland scenery
Best for: first-time Scotland visitors wanting highland scenery
Best for: history buffs and Da Vinci Code fans
Live availability from our partner Viator