Fraser's Folly (left of the church) was built by Major William Fraser who was infamous for his role in the Highland Clearances

Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations, with its iconic ‘postcard’ attractions, stunning Cuillin mountains and romantic history. Thousands flock to what is perhaps Scotland’s most well-known island every year – leading, in recent years, to the island having to adapt quickly to this boom. Many will, of course, want to tick off Skye’s big attractions – but we encourage you to go a little off the beaten path and explore places that are just as beautiful, just as dramatic… just maybe not in the tourist brochure. We can’t promise you’ll have them to yourself – Skye is immensely popular, after all – but we hope you can avoid the queues and crowds (literally) at some of the other popular sights. On this page we cover the north of the island, but read here for more on the south of Skye.

Near the northeast corner of the island, a small and unassuming loch has a fascinating history steeped in myths. Loch Shianta’s emerald green waters was once Skye’s most important healing well. The sick were once brought here to drink from the waters before circling the well three times clockwise, which was said to cure their ailments. To find it, keep an eye out by the road south of Flodigarry, and a well-constructed path leads you down to the water’s edge.

Neist Point is one of Skye’s most iconic sights, and is indeed stunningly beautiful. But the narrow road and car park can become horribly congested (we’ve heard horror stories of having to wait half an hour for a parking space). If you do visit (and we recommend you do!), hire a bike and cycle to the point (or if you can’t get hold of a bike, walk). The point is under 4 miles from local villages, so not far at all to cycle – and you can earn yourself that slice of cake later!

The dinosaur footprints at Staffa might be on your bucket list, but don’t forget that thanks to Skye’s geology, it’s not the only place to find fossils on the island. At Flodigarry beach, fossils cane be found fairly easily on the surface of the clay bedrock – just don’t forget to leave them where they are for everyone else to enjoy too!

The Old Man of Storr – instantly recognisable from postcards all over the country – might be on your bucket list. But if you’re fit and up for an adventure, avoid the queues of the Quiraing and make the 10-mile round trip to see Macleod’s Maidens – a trio of sea stacks at Idrigill Point. The walk is long but relatively flat – just make sure that you pack plenty of food and water, a sunhat and sunscreen (yes – really!), waterproofs and of course your binoculars in case a whale or dolphin happens to pass by!

Near Portree, Lealt Falls are lesser-frequented but well worth stopping to see. A small waterfall falls into a bay that was once mined for diatomite, a key ingredient in dynamite, that has ships coming to Skye to ship the rock all around the world. The walk to the falls is steep but short.

For anyone wanting to avoid the crowds of the campsites, hostels, B&Bs and hotels, there are three bothies of Skye that are maintained by the Mountain Bothy Association. They are free to use – the only rules are that you leave the bothy in the same state that you found it (or better!) and share the bothy with others – even if you got there first.

To make the most of your trip to Skye, we recommend learning a little about the history and the myths surrounding the island – trust us, it will really add to your experience! Read about the Fairy Flag of Dunvegan Castle, myths surrounding the Old Man of Storr, or the role of a young Skye woman in the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie – the origin of the well-known song, ‘Over the Sea to Skye’.

If you really do want to visit the main attractions of Skye, we recommend visiting out of season whenever possible. It will enhance your own experience, giving you a little more peace and quiet and time to enjoy the sights, but also ease the pressure on the communities and environment of this island that’s rapidly increasing in popularity. If you do find yourself stuck among the crowds, be patient (especially when driving) and courteous, take your litter away with you and leave the place as you found it – or better.