3 day Isle of Skye Tour from Edinburgh with Scotland’s Wild

If you’re looking for a 3 day Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh—boy have I got the tour for you.

This past December, my friend and I planned a two-and-a-half-week trip through Scotland with the goal of ringing in the New Year at Edinburgh’s legendary Hogmanay festival. I’d never been to Scotland before, and I knew there was no way I was leaving the country without seeing the Isle of Skye.

Since we were traveling in late December and early January, we were a little hesitant to rent a car—driving on the opposite side of the road is stressful enough without adding the potential for snow and ice.

Fortunately for us, we got the fantastic opportunity to travel with a small-group Scotland tour company called Scotland’s Wild on their 3-day Isle of Skye Tour. And spoiler alert: it was one of my favorite tours I’ve ever done.

Our amazing tour guide, Cal, spent three days showing us the best of Scotland—areas that we never would have found on our own.

We actually got a little lucky (or unlucky, depending on who you ask) with the weather. It snowed for almost the entire trip, which meant a few changes to the itinerary, but also meant we got to see the Isle of Skye covered in fresh snow—and it was absolutely stunning.

I only wish I had packed better boots!

**I want to extend a huge thank you to Scotland’s Wild for gifting me two complimentary spots + accommodation on their Isle of Skye 3-Day Tour from Edinburgh for the purposes of this blog post review. While this post is sponsored by Scotland’s Wild, all opinions in this review are 100% honest and my own.

Day 1: Edinburgh to Portree

Our Isle of Skye tour with Scotland’s Wild kicked off bright and early in Edinburgh on a chilly Sunday in January when my friend and I piled our overpacked suitcases into an Uber and headed over to The Jolly Botanist—the tour meeting spot.

We had just spent over a week exploring the best of Edinburgh, so we were excited to get out of the city for a change of scenery.

That’s where we met Cal, our fantastic guide for the next three days. He didn’t even flinch at the amount of luggage we brought (which was a lot), and helped us load everything into the Scotland’s Wild van.

We were joined by one other traveler, our new friend JR, and that was it—just the three of us plus Cal.

The tour technically includes a Glasgow pick-up if there are travelers starting there, but since no one else booked for that stop, we hit the road and headed straight for our first destination: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

👉🏼 Book your Isle of Skye adventure with Scotland’s Wild!

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Our first stop on the tour actually ended up being our last stop in three full days without snow!

The day started with a short hike to a scenic viewpoint, where we were greeting with panoramic views of Loch Lomond, as well as a gorgeous sunrise over the Highlands.

Cal shared some local lore about the area and explained that Loch Lomond is one of the most popular vacation spots for Scots looking to escape the chaos of city life.

In the summer, the lake is packed with people kayaking, boating, and swimming. Shockingly, we even saw a few swimmers braving the water in January—which either impressed or horrified me, I wasn’t quite sure.

After the hike, we did a quick walk through a peaceful ancient cemetery and followed the path along the edge of the lake into a nearby town. Cal left to grab the van while we popped into a local café to warm up with a much-needed coffee.

Glencoe

Glencoe is one of the most popular stops for anyone visiting the Highlands, and after seeing it for myself, I have no questions about why.

This was the part of the tour where the weather really started to turn. The snow came in fast, the sun disappeared, and at one point we were driving through a full-on blizzard in the mountains.

By the time we reached the Glencoe Visitor Center, the clouds started to part and we were lucky enough to catch a quick burst of sunshine. Still, everything was already covered in snow, so we had a pretty good idea that the next couple days were going to be cold.

Spoiler alert: wellies were not a good idea 😭

We made a few scenic stops around Glencoe to take photos and hear more about the area’s legends and history, and then headed to the visitor center to grab a quick lunch and stock up on snacks. Right behind the center is another unique spot on the tour—the Historic Turf House Replica.

Historic Turf House Replica

After we had a quick, but tasty, lunch at the Glencoe Visitor Centre—we popped outside to check out the Historic Turf House Replica.

This Turf House is a recreation of a traditional 17th‑century Highland dwelling, built using materials and methods that would have been common in that era. It was constructed based on archaeological evidence uncovered nearby at a site called Achtriachtan.

Today you can walk inside and see how people like the MacDonalds of Glencoe would have lived centuries ago—for free I might add!

👉🏼 See the Highlands the right way—book now with Scotland’s Wild!

Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter Train Bridge)

As a lifelong Harry Potter fan, the Glenfinnan Viaduct—aka the Harry Potter train bridge—was one of the sights I was most excited to see in the Highlands. Unfortunately, the snow really worked against us here 😭

Because of the conditions, we couldn’t hike up to the famous viewpoint that overlooks the bridge.

To make matters worse for us Potter nerds, the Jacobite steam train doesn’t run during the winter months. So if you’re hoping to get that perfect shot of the train crossing the bridge, you’ll have to plan a summer visit.

Which I guess just means I need to come back—silver lining?

That said, we did get a little weather redemption at Glenfinnan. The snow finally let up, the clouds parted, and the bridge looked beautiful, even without the train.

Loch Eli & The Corpach Shipwreck

After leaving the Harry Potter train bridge, we were just about to head on toward Portree when Cal let us in on one last surprise for day one.

With sunset quickly approaching, we made a quick stop at Loch Eil to check out the Corpach Shipwreck and catch the golden hour light over the mountains.

From the shoreline, we got a quick glimpse of Ben Nevis, which at 4,400 feet is the tallest mountain in the UK. We couldn’t see the peak—but according to Cal, that’s incredibly rare. It’s usually shrouded in clouds.

Even so, the views over the loch were beautiful, and it was the perfect way to end a wonderful first day.

Check-In to Your Hotel

Thanks to Cal’s incredibly skilled driving in seriously rough conditions—we made it safely to Portree and got checked into our hotel for the next two nights.

Scotland’s Wild works with a few different accommodations on this tour, but we were placed at the Rosedale Hotel, right on the harbor—which was absolutely adorable. The staff were super friendly, the room was clean and cozy, and it had a charming, old-school vibe that fit the town perfectly.

They also served a phenomenal breakfast (photo coming soon) and we had stunning views of the sunrise over the harbor each morning—which made crawling out of bed in the cold totally worth it.

Cal and our new friend on the tour were placed in a different accommodation just a few minutes away called The Isles Inn.

Dinner in Portree

After settling into the hotel, we made our way over to The Isles Inn to meet up with the rest of the tour for dinner. After a long day of exploring, those frosty Guinnesses were well-deserved.

I was in the mood for a burger, which, to be honest, wasn’t anything mind-blowing, but it did the job. Like most things in the UK, it was a bit on the pricey side, especially when you’re converting from GBP to USD, but still a solid way to wrap up an amazing first day exploring the Highlands with Scotland’s Wild.

Day 2: Isle of Skye

Day two on the Scotland’s Wild 3-day Isle of Skye Tour typically includes Dunvegan Castle, Old Man of Storr, Fairy Glen, Kilt Rock, Lealt Falls, and Duntulm Castle. But since we visited in January—and the island was blanketed in snow—we had to make a few itinerary tweaks.

Dunvegan Castle was closed for the season (although we did stop for a quick peek at the exterior), and the roads to Duntulm Castle weren’t safe to access.

Instead, thanks to some quick thinking and stellar winter driving from our guide Cal, we swapped in Dun Beag Broch, which ended up being one of the coolest stops of the trip.

Breakfast

Before heading out into what was, for us, the frigid cold, we kicked off the day with a hearty breakfast at our hotel, the Rosedale.

Both my friend and I went for the full Scottish—bacon, sausage, black pudding, grilled mushrooms, tomato, a poached egg, and a tattie scone—which is one of my favorite local dishes (we got the chance to try the most iconic Scottish foods on the Eating Edinburgh food tour earlier in the trip).

If there’s one thing this hotel absolutely nails, it’s breakfast. Everything was perfectly cooked and ridiculously delicious.

We ate by the window overlooking Portree Harbor as the sun slowly rose over the Isle of Skye—not a bad way to start the day.

👉🏼 Ready to experience the magic of Skye? Book here!

Face Dip in the River Sligachan

First up on our snowy Skye itinerary was a stop at the River Sligachan, where local legend claims that dipping your face in the icy water will grant you eternal wisdom and beauty.

Sounds magical—but also absolutely freezing (especially in January).

Unfortunately, I was already frozen to the bone and could not even begin to fathom getting my face wet. To make matters worse, both my friend and I forgot this was on the itinerary and made the rookie mistake of putting on mascara.

No eternal wisdom or beauty for us I guess 🤷🏽‍♀️

Our new friend JR had no such hesitation. He got right down on his hands and knees and went for the full-face dunk—so I guess he’s walking away from this trip with all the eternal beauty and wisdom for the rest of us.

Dun Beag Broch

The Dun Beag Broch ended up being one of our favorite stops on the entire tour—and funny enough, it’s not even part of the regular itinerary.

Because some of the roads were too snow-covered to safely reach other spots, Cal pivoted and took us to Dun Beag Broch, a hilltop ruin just off the road on the Isle of Skye.

Brochs are ancient, circular stone structures found all over Scotland. They were used as both fortresses and dwellings, usually built on high ground so the people inside could spot intruders from a distance.

This one only required a short climb, and once we got to the top, the views were absolutely unreal—wide open stretches of island and sea in every direction.

As a bonus, the surrounding hillside was filled with chunky, fluffy sheep just casually roaming around. I learned quickly that they did not like the drone, but I still managed to take some action shots of them roaming around with my camera.

Dunvegan Castle

Next up was Dunvegan Castle, which sadly was closed for the season during our visit (it’s closed from mid-October until March).

Since we couldn’t go inside, we pulled off on the side of the road to fly our drones and catch a glimpse of the castle from across the water—and even from a distance, it looked like something straight out of a fairytale.

Dunvegan has been home to the Clan MacLeod for over 800 years, making it the longest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Built back in the 13th century, it’s seen its share of history—including a visit from Bonnie Prince Charlie, who reportedly sought shelter here after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden.

The Outlander fangirl in me is low-key devastated we didn’t get to go inside, but there’s always next time!

Fairy Glen

If you’ve done any research on the Isle of Skye, chances are you’ve seen dreamy photos of the Fairy Glen—rolling green hills, spirals of stones, mossy paths, and babbling brooks.

Obviously, as you can see from the photo below, our version looked a little different. Covered in snow and frost, it had a completely different kind of magic—still absolutely beautiful, just not the lush, green fantasy I had imagined.

Because of the snow, the van couldn’t make it all the way up the road, so getting there meant about a 20-minute trek each way. But honestly, the trek was was gorgeous. The walk gave us some stunning views and a few hilariously grumpy sheep along the way.

Once we arrived, it was just endless hills, winding paths, and wide open views of the snowy Skye landscape. It was still one of the biggest highlights of the day for me, even if I didn’t get to see it in all its full green glory—which just means I’ll have to come back in the summer.

Old Man of Storr

Next up was the world-famous Old Man of Storr—the iconic, phallic-shaped rock formation that’s pretty much the first image that comes to mind when you think of the Isle of Skye. It’s also sometimes referred to as the Giant’s Thumb, which is obvious why once you see it in person.

This is definitely another spot I want to come back to in the summer. Because of the snow and ice, we could only view it from the road—the path up was far too slippery for our group, especially considering a couple of us had already wiped out earlier in the day.

But in better weather, you can do the hike and get a way more dramatic view of both the rocks and the surrounding landscape below.

Even from a distance, though, it was every bit as striking as I imagined.

👉🏼 Skye’s calling ☎️ Book your tour with Scotland’s Wild here!

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

This was hands-down my favorite stop on the entire tour—which made it even more painful that all three of my drone batteries were basically dead by the time we got there. This is exactly the kind of place drones were made for.

You can see Mealt Falls if you lean out over the viewing platform, but it’s not the same as flying over the cliff edge and watching the water cascade straight down into the sea.

The cliffs themselves—known as Kilt Rock because they supposedly resemble a pleated kilt—are absolutely stunning. I don’t even have the words to describe how beautiful this spot is. All I can say is, give me a good book, a couple beers, and a warm(ish) day here, and I’m not leaving.

Whether or not you book your trip with Scotland’s Wild, do not skip Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. It’s pure Isle of Skye magic.

Dinner in Portree

After a long but incredible second day on the Isle of Skye tour, we were starving and very ready to eat a lot. We ended up at the Caberfeidh Bar and Restaurant in Portree—and let me just say, the pizza here was insanely good. Like…shockingly good.

I live in Italy. I’m surrounded by amazing pizza all the time. So when I say this was one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had, I mean it.

I have no idea how or why this tiny island in Scotland is hiding a pizza this good, but it’s reason enough to give it a try. Trust me—skip the traditional pub food for one night and order the pizza.

Oh, and don’t sleep on dessert either. My friend ordered the peanut butter cheesecake, and it was phenomenal.

Day 3: Portree to Edinburgh

Okay, time to move on to day three—the final stretch of our 3 day Isle of Skye tour.

The typical itinerary for this day includes stops at Eilean Donan Castle, a Loch Ness cruise, a walk through a local nature reserve, Cairngorms National Park, and a stop in Pitlochry before heading back to Edinburgh.

We had assumed the weather would ease up once we left the Isle of Skye, but we were very wrong. The snow actually got worse on our last day, so once again, we had to make a few changes to keep things safe.

Even with the adjusted route, we still managed to see some amazing places—and some very fluffy Highland coos.

Breakfast & Check Out

We kicked off the day with one last breakfast at the Rosedale Hotel before checking out. This time, we both went for the eggs Benedict—because I have zero self-control when it comes to hollandaise sauce.

It was every bit as good as the full Scottish breakfast from the day before, just maybe a little less filling (which was probably for the best after all the snacks we’d been hoarding in the van).

The hotel also serves up seriously good tea and coffee, so be sure to load up before you hit the road. You’ll want the caffeine—and the warmth—for the long drive ahead.

Eilean Donan Castle

Our first stop of the day was one of the most iconic castles in the UK—Eilean Donan Castle.

Unfortunately, since we were visiting in January, it was closed for the season, so we couldn’t go inside. But we were able to walk around the outside, snap some cute pics, and take in the dramatic views…even if the weather wasn’t exactly on our side.

Originally built in the 13th century by Alexander II to defend against Viking invasions, the castle has seen centuries of clan battles, sieges, and destruction. It was once held by the Mackenzie and MacRae clans, and in 1719, it was bombarded by the Royal Navy after housing Spanish troops who supported the Jacobite uprising.

The castle sat in ruins for almost 200 years until it was rebuilt in the early 20th century by Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap. Thanks to that restoration, it now looks just as grand as ever—even in the middle of a gloomy, snow-covered January morning.

Loch Ness

Next up was Loch Ness—probably the stop we were all most excited for on the entire trip. Roughly 1.6 million people visit every year, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary Nessie—and we officially added three more to that list.

We grabbed lunch at the visitor center, did a little souvenir shopping, and accepted a challenge from Cal to find the most ridiculous Nessie-themed item we could.

Despite it being January (and a literal blizzard), there were still plenty of cheesy options to choose from (my favorite was the Nessie rubber duckie).

All three of us decided to do the Loch Ness boat cruise, even though it was an extra £20—trust me, it’s totally worth it. Sure, we couldn’t see much of the loch thanks to the heavy fog, snow, and rain, but there was something kind of magical about being out on the water in full winter weather.

Plus, the guide onboard shared a bunch of fun facts and stories about the Loch Ness Monster.

Also, in case you’re not lucky enough to spot the monster in all her glory—you can take a pic of the Nessie stickers stuck to the windows on the bottom deck of the boat to try to fool all of your friends back home.

👉🏼 Lock in your spot on the Scotland’s Wild Isle of Skye Tour!

Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve

The typical itinerary for day three includes a visit to Cairngorms National Park—but thanks to the weather (which truly never let up), we had to pivot. Luckily, our guide Cal knew exactly where to take us to check one very important item off our Highland bucket list: Highland coos.

We made a quick stop at Craig Meagaidh National Nature Reserve, where a couple of fluffy coos were happily wandering around in the snow.

It gave us the perfect chance to stretch our legs, snap some photos, and get our much-needed cow fix before heading to our last stop of the tour.

Pitlochry

This was our final stop on the 3-day Isle of Skye tour—the charming, historic town of Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire.

Unfortunately, by the time we arrived, it was pitch black, still snowing, and most of the town had already closed up for the night (thanks to sunset being 3:45 PM in Scotland for most of the winter 😤).

It wasn’t exactly the ideal weather for strolling around, and since the roads were only getting worse, we decided to keep it short and sweet. We ducked into a couple souvenir shops, grabbed some snacks for the drive back to Edinburgh, and hit the road.

That said, Pitlochry definitely had small-town charm, and I’d love to come back in warmer weather to explore it properly—maybe grab a pint or sit down for a cozy lunch without worrying about a snowstorm.

Accommodation in Portree

Portree is where you’ll spend both nights of the tour, and it’s the perfect little harbor town to relax after a full day of exploring.

Scotland’s Wild can arrange lodging for you, or you can choose to book your own—either way, you’ll be staying close to the heart of Skye.

Where We Stayed

For our tour, we were placed in the Rosedale Hotel—and it was, for lack of a better term, cute as a button.

The Rosedale is made up of a cluster of converted fishermen’s houses right on Portree’s harbor, and the location is stunning. Even in the middle of a snowy January, the waterfront views were beautiful.

The rooms were warm, simple, and had everything we needed. The staff was super welcoming, and breakfast at the Rosedale Restaurant was genuinely delicious both mornings we were there—I’d go back for the full Scottish alone.

Accommodation Options

One thing to keep in mind—accommodation isn’t included in the tour price.

Scotland’s Wild will book lodging for you if you’d like, and they offer a range of options to suit different budgets, including twin, double, single, and family rooms.

If you’d rather book your own accommodation, that’s totally fine too. Just reach out to them ahead of time at info@scotlandswild.com to confirm where the rest of the group is staying, so your place is within a reasonable pickup zone each morning.

You can also get a better idea of pricing and room types by checking the accommodation section on the official tour website.

Tour Logistics

Before you book your trip with Scotland’s Wild, there are a few key details to keep in mind to make sure your trip runs smoothly from start to finish.

What’s Included on the Tour?

Your tour with Scotland’s Wild covers everything you need for three days of exploring. You’ll get:

• A fun, knowledgeable guide (shoutout to Cal)
• Fully guided stops with stories, myths, and legends
• Transportation from Edinburgh or Glasgow
• Transportation back to Edinburgh
• A comfy, air-conditioned van
• Light snacks and soft drinks on board

A few things aren’t covered in the base price of the tour, so plan to budget for these:

• Accommodation (booked separately through Scotland’s Wild or on your own)
• Meals
• Entry to Dunvegan Castle
• Entry to Eilean Donan Castle
• The Loch Ness cruise (£20 at the time we went)

Start & End Locations

You can book this tour with Scotland’s Wild starting from either Edinburgh or Glasgow, depending on what works best for your trip.

We got picked up and dropped off in Edinburgh, with the meeting point right outside the Jolly Botanist bar at 7:15 AM.

If you’re starting from Glasgow, pickup is at the Buchanan Bus Station at 8:15 AM—the van comes there after the Edinburgh stop, so make sure you’re there on time and ready to go.

No matter where you’re picked up, the tour drops everyone off in Edinburgh at the end of the three days.

How to Book

The easiest way to book your tour is directly through the Scotland’s Wild official website. You’ll be able to choose your dates, select how many adults or youth are joining, and get an official confirmation once everything’s locked in.

What to Pack

There are a few essentials you’ll want to bring no matter when you take this tour—but your packing list will vary a lot depending on the time of year.

Year-Round Essentials

• Waterproof clothing
• Umbrella
• Small backpack for daily use
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Reusable water bottle
• Layers
• Power bank
• Sunglasses
• Camera or drone (or both)

Cold Weather Essentials

• Thermal layers
• Wool socks
• Hat, gloves, and scarf
• Electric hand warmers (my new fav Amazon purchase)
• Insulated hiking boots or snow boots (check the weather first, I wish I had snow boots)

Warm Weather Essentials

• Light layers
• Sunscreen
• Midge repellent
• Hat

About Scotland’s Wild

Scotland’s Wild was founded by John Stevenson—a former park ranger in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park with a serious passion for the outdoors.

After years of guiding and seeing what made tours truly special while traveling abroad, he came home with the goal of building small-group trips that actually connect people with the landscape, not just rush them from photo stop to photo stop.

He started with a single van, a bank loan, and led every tour himself—kicking things off with day trips in Loch Lomond. But thanks to word of mouth and a growing demand for something more local, more immersive, and more personal, Scotland’s Wild grew into a small but mighty team of expert guides who clearly love what they do.

Today, the company offers a range of thoughtful, small-group adventures across the country—and you can still feel those original values in every stop, story, and Irn Bru along the way.

Pros and Cons of this Isle of Skye Tour

If you’re on the fence about whether this tour is the right fit, here are a few quick pros and cons to help you decide. Spoiler: there are a lot more pros than cons.

Pros

• No driving stress—You get to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views while someone else handles snowy roads.
• Local guide who actually knows their stuff—Cal made the experience with fun stories, history, and off-the-beaten-path detours.
• Small group size—Our tour had three people, which made it super personal and chill. Group size can vary, but 16 people is the absolute maximum (only 8 per van).
• Great value—Considering the mileage, sights, and logistics, this tour is reasonably priced.
• Flexible itinerary—Weather changes fast in Scotland, and our guide adapted on the fly without missing a beat.
• Access to remote locations—A lot of these stops would’ve been hard (or impossible) to get to without a guide and vehicle.
• Perfect for solo travelers or duos—You’ll meet new people, but not be overwhelmed by a giant group.
• Stunning views and photo stops—Constant scenery the entire way—especially if you’re into photography.

Cons

Honestly, there aren’t many cons on this tour—but if you’re debating whether it’s the right choice for you, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Might be out of budget for certain travelers—Especially if you’re coming from the U.S., since the dollar is currently getting its ass kicked by the pound.
• Solo travel experience varies—Our tour ended up being perfect for a solo traveler—there were only three of us, and everyone got along great. But there’s always a chance your group could be mostly couples or families who are more into doing their own thing. That’s not on the tour company—it’s just the luck of the draw, but still something to keep in mind.

Is this Tour Right for You?

This is the perfect tour for you if…

• You want to see the Isle of Skye but don’t feel comfortable driving, especially in winter.
• You’re into myths, legends, history, and storytelling.
• You want a small group tour that’s personal and flexible.
• You’re looking for a stress-free way to see the Highlands and Skye.
• You’re traveling solo and open to meeting new people (just know this can vary).
• You like a mix of scenic stops, short walks/hikes, and downtime.
• You only have a few days and want to see as much as possible in a short time.

If you checked all or most of the boxes above—book your Isle of Skye Tour with Scotland’s Wild here!

Alternatively, this tour may not be right for you if…

• You’re on a tight budget.
• You’re mobility impaired and unable to hike short distances over uneven terrain.
• You prefer to travel independently and go at your own pace.
• You’re not comfortable with a lot of time in a van (there’s a good amount of driving, even though it’s broken up with stops).
• You’re traveling with children under 12 years old.

Wrapping Up an Incredible Tour

This tour genuinely blew me away. I’ve done a lot of group tours in my travels, and this one with Scotland’s Wild easily ranks among the best.

From the personalized experience to our amazing guide to the jaw-dropping views, it was everything I could’ve asked for—and then some.

I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to travel with Scotland’s Wild again. In fact, I’m already planning another trip to Scotland later this year, and I’ll absolutely be booking with them again. 10/10 service, start to finish 👏🏼

Our 3 day Isle of Skye tour was just one part of a much longer adventure—we spent two and a half weeks exploring Scotland from top to bottom. We kicked off with Christmas in Glasgow, then headed to Edinburgh for New Year’s before heading to the Isle of Skye.

So if you’re planning your own trip or just dreaming about it for now, stay tuned for more tips, guides, and stories from one of the most magical countries I’ve ever visited.

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