Isle of Skye by Motorhome

Skye does not do half measures. On a clear day, the view from the Old Man of Storr across to the mainland is one of the finest in Britain. On a wet day - and Skye has plenty of those - the mountains disappear into cloud, the waterfalls swell, and the Fairy Pools turn an even deeper shade of turquoise. Motorhome hire for the Isle of Skye from our Pontefract depot is a proper road trip of around 420 miles, but the island's combination of jagged mountain ridges, turquoise rock pools, sea cliffs and remote lighthouses makes it one of the most rewarding destinations in the country. Skye is 50 miles long, connected to the mainland by a free bridge, and packed with scenery that no photograph quite captures.

Getting to Skye from Yorkshire

The drive from Pontefract to the Skye Bridge takes roughly eight hours, covering around 420 miles. Head north on the A1(M) through Northumberland, cross into Scotland, and continue via the A9 through the Highlands to Kyle of Lochalsh. Most people break the journey with an overnight stop - Pitlochry, Fort William or Inverness all have campsites welcoming motorhomes. The Highland roads beyond Inverness are some of the most scenic driving in the country, and the moment you see the Cuillin ridge appear on the horizon ahead of you is worth the journey alone.

Portree and the Trotternish Peninsula

Portree is Skye's main town and the natural base for exploring. Its harbour, lined with brightly painted houses reflected in the water, is one of the most photographed scenes in Scotland. The town has supermarkets, restaurants, fuel and a campsite within a mile of the centre. North of Portree, the Trotternish Peninsula is where Skye's most famous landmarks sit. The Old Man of Storr, a towering basalt pinnacle visible from miles around, is reached by a well-trodden path taking roughly 90 minutes return. Further north, the Quiraing is a dramatic landslip landscape of pinnacles, cliffs and hidden plateaus - the walking is outstanding and the views stretch across to the mainland.

Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls on the eastern coast offer a short stop with a sea cliff resembling the pleats of a kilt and a waterfall dropping straight into the sea. The Fairy Glen near Uig is a miniature landscape of grassy cones and hidden lochs that feels like somewhere entirely its own. Staffin Campsite, right on the Trotternish Peninsula, has been welcoming campers for over 50 years amid some of the island's most dramatic scenery.

The Fairy Pools, Glen Brittle and the West

The Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle are Skye's other headline attraction. A series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls fed by streams running off the Black Cuillin mountains, the walk follows the river upstream for about a mile and is manageable for most abilities. The colour of the water - deep turquoise and blue even on overcast days - is genuinely striking. Glenbrittle Campsite, run by Dunvegan Castle Estate, sits at the foot of the Cuillins with grass electric pitches for motorhomes and direct access to the Fairy Pools walk. It is one of the most spectacularly located campsites in Scotland.

On the western side, Neist Point lighthouse sits at the end of a clifftop walk with views across the Minch to the Outer Hebrides. It is one of the best sunset spots in Scotland and well worth the drive along Skye's narrower western roads.

Where to Stay on Skye

Skye has a good spread of campsites. Portree Campsite, a mile north of town, has 40 hardstanding pitches with electric hook-up, showers and laundry. Sligachan Campsite sits in a spectacular mountain setting beneath the Cuillins with hardstanding and electrics. South Skye Motorhome Park (An Crubh) near Broadford has 5 dedicated motorhome pitches with electric hook-up and fresh water, with a maximum vehicle length of 8.5 metres. For Skye campervan hire visitors in a compact vehicle, An Crubh is an excellent base for the southern part of the island. Book ahead for July and August when the island gets very busy.

Scotland's Land Reform Act 2003 gives a right of access to open land for lightweight tent camping, but this does not extend to motorhomes. Overnight parking in a motorhome is generally tolerated in Scotland if you are discreet and respectful, but Skye has faced pressure from campervans in recent years and some popular spots now have parking restrictions. We recommend using official campsites, particularly during summer when enforcement is more active.

Driving and Practical Tips

Many of Skye's roads are single-track with passing places. This is standard for the Highlands and nothing to worry about - pull into a passing place when you see oncoming traffic, and never park in one. The roads to the Fairy Pools and Neist Point are particularly narrow. Fuel is available in Portree and Broadford - fill up before heading to the remoter parts of the island. Mobile signal is patchy outside the main villages, so download maps before you arrive. Car parks at the Old Man of Storr and Fairy Pools fill early in summer - start walks before 9am.

Be prepared for rain at any time of year. Skye averages around 200 rainy days annually, and the weather can change several times in a single afternoon. Waterproofs and layers are essential even in midsummer. Midges are a nuisance from June to September, particularly in still, damp conditions near water - bring midge repellent and consider a head net for evening walks. The best months for Skye are May and September, when the days are long enough for full walks but the worst of the summer crowds and midges have not yet arrived or have passed.

Your Motorhome for Skye

Our fleet includes 2-berth, 4-berth and 6-berth Elddis motorhomes. The compact 2-berth Autoquest CV80 is the best choice for Skye's narrower roads and smaller car parks, though our larger vehicles manage the island's main routes without difficulty. Several vehicles are dog-friendly - Skye has outstanding walking for dogs away from livestock areas. Prices start from 135 pounds per night.

For a full list of what to bring, our motorhome packing checklist covers everything including waterproofs and midge nets.

Skye works brilliantly as part of a longer trip through the Scottish Highlands and NC500. The island sits on the western edge of the NC500 route, and many travellers combine Skye with a loop through Wester Ross, Sutherland and the north coast. A week gives you three or four days on the island plus Highland driving on either side. For more, see our Scotland destination guide.

From Pontefract, an Isle of Skye motorhome holiday is one of the great British road trips. The drive north through the Highlands is part of the experience, and the island delivers landscapes that genuinely take your breath away - rain or shine.