The influence of the Picts, Gaels, Norse, and the powerful clans of MacLeod and MacDonald has left an indelible mark on this island, its people and culture.
Visit castles on Skye, Iron Age brochs and even Jurassic-age dinosaur footprints, or the Isle of Skye’s museums to learn about the Isle of Skye’s role in the Jacobite rebellion and the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie or what life was like on Skye before and after the devastating Highland Clearances.
DUNVEGAN (NORTH WEST SKYE)
25 mins drive from Mint Croft
Dunvegan Castle on Skye dates from the 13th century and is the seat of the MacLeod of MacLeod, chief of the Clan MacLeod. Marvel at the beautifully preserved castle interiors, discover clan history on the Isle of Skye, study the legendary Fairy Flag, and wander through the formal 18th century gardens.
HUNGLADDER, TROTTERNISH (NORTH EAST SKYE)
1 hr 10 mins drive from Mint Croft
The Skye Museum of Island Life is a beautifully restored Highland village consisting of a series of thatched Hebridean cottages containing exhibits showing how life was once lived on Skye.
ARMADALE, SLEAT (SOUTH SKYE)
1 hr 40 mins drive from Mint Croft
The ancestral home of Clan Donald, one of Skye’s two major clans and the largest in Scotland. Sprawling and spectacular gardens surround the romantic ruins of Armadale Castle, whilst the Museum of the Isles is the most immersive of the museums on Skye.
STRUAN (NORTH WEST SKYE)
35 mins drive from Mint Croft
Dun Beag is one of the best examples of an Iron Age broch – a round dry stone tower – and stands atop a small hill just outside the village of Struan with far reaching views up and down Skye’s western seaboard. Although a ruin, much of the walling remains intact to this day and a nearby car park is the best spot for a quick scramble up the hill to have a look around.
DORNIE (MAINLAND SCOTLAND)
1 hr 45 mins drive from Mint Croft
Although not on Skye, Eilean Donan is easily one of the most famous castles in Scotland and has featured in numerous movies. Set magnificently on a rocky outcrop in Loch Duich, not far from the Skye Bridge, this is one castle that is well worth stopping off and exploring on your journey to or from Mint Croft.
WATERNISH POINT (NORTH WEST SKYE)
1 hr 30 mins drive from Mint Croft
For those with a love of rambling, the walk out to Waternish Point either directly from Mint Croft or from the nearby village of Trumpan offers the opportunity to discover the ruined Unish House. Dating from the 17th century it is said to be one of the earliest domestic residences in Skye that is without defences or battlements.
ISLE OF ISAY (NORTH WEST SKYE)
10 mins drive from Mint Croft to the boat over to Isay
One of the best days out on Skye, join Diver’s Eye for a half day boat trip from the historic fishing village of Stein out to the Isle of Isay where you can disembark for a two hour wander around the island. Discover the abandoned village and ruins of Isay House, which was the scene of a murderous Macleod clan ploy in the 16th century.
All images credited to the listed organisation, where applicable, unless specified below:
Dun Beag Broch: Mark Longair
Eilean Donan Castle: Guillaume Piolle
Unish House: Skye & Lochalsh Archive Centre
