The Colours of the Isle of Skye

Steeped in myth and magic, the Isle of Skye's otherworldly landscape has become one of the world's latest obsessions. Scroll for some of the most magical photos of the incredible Inner Hebridean Island.

From the sharp gabro silhouette of the Black Cuillin mountains looming over grey lochs, to the purple heather adorning the sides of the rolling hills of the Red Cuillins, this fantastical island won’t disappoint. Even when the mist descends over the water on rainy and overcast days, there is something magical about the place.

With a population of around ten thousand, the Isle of Skye is connected to the Scottish mainland by an arched bridge, spanning the kilometre stretch of water that runs between. Only constructed in 1995, before the bridge, the only way to reach the island was via ferry.

Until very recently, the Isle of Skye was a relatively remote island in the Inner Hebrides, but a sudden surge in tourism has seen its population of 10,000 reach 60,000 over the peak summer months, a surge attributed mostly to tourists. With one in ten properties on the island now listed as an Airbnb, a greater proportion than in Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh, you’ll always be able to find somewhere to stay.

We spent a day at the Fairy Pools, an iconic natural landmark that is now flooded with tourists year round. The crystal clear series of pools and waterfalls at the foot of the Cuillin Hills make for a spectacular, easy hike. Make sure you get there early in the morning so that you avoid the crowds. If you miss the morning hush, then descend down into the rocky valley and get down to the water level, and go for a swim. The icy cool water heals a multitude of ills.

Be sure to pull over as you drive along the single track roads that snake through the hills. You’ll find some of the most spectacular views far away from the tourist spots, and you’ll enjoy the solitude that this isolated island on the edges of the country has to offer.

Despite the Inner Hebridean island’s recent success in attracting tourists, wherever we went, there were throngs of people, all following the same trails, and stopping at the roadside tourist spots. But if you’re a climber or hiker or hillwalker, you can escape the crowds in favour of the remote trails and difficult ascents in the Cuillin Hills.

The Cuillins Ridge, a 12km crest traverse across the Black Cuillins, has been dubbed the ‘alps of the UK.' The alpine-style route should not be taken lightly, with over 4000m (13,000 feet) of ascent and descent involved, with mountaineering and trad climbing experience required. Most are summer ascents, although winter ascents are sometimes sent, armed with ice axes and crampons.

The highest peak is Sgùrr Alasdair. Standing at 992 m, its relative height is exactly the same as its absolute height, as the mountain stretches straight up and out of the ocean.

The Storr is an Old Man (a large pinnacle of rock) that sits atop a grassy hill on the Trotternish Peninsula on the northern part of the Isle of Skye, overlooking the Sound of Raasay. A short drive from the island’s capital of Portree, the trek up to the rocky pinnacle is one of the most popular walks in the area. This jagged ridge line has become one of the most photographed landscapes in the world, featured in films and music videos.

Red Cuillins, Black Cuillins, the turquoise waters of the Fairy Pools, grassy green hills leading up to the Storr, grey waters of the Lochs and (if you’re as lucky as we were) the blue sky are not to be missed.