Top Things to do on Skye in the Winter
SEALL Live Music Events

Armadale Castle

Las at the Isle of Skye Candle Co.
The Northern Lights

SkyeSkyns
Torabhaig Distillery

Beaches of Sleat

Winter Walks on the Isle of Skye
With shorter daylight hours and changeable weather, you may not want to go for a long or strenuous walk. Luckily there are other options! We suggest exploring these walks if you’re looking for things to do on the Isle of Skye in winter:
- The Marble Line: located just outside the village of Broadford on the road to Elgol, this restored footpath takes you on a tour of the abandoned narrow gauge railway line that once served the marble quarries of Torrin. With fascinating remains and amazing views to the surrounding hills and the Cuillin mountains, this popular walk is a great winter option. You can start in Broadford, or if the roads are quiet, park respectfully on a large gravel area at the roadside in Suardal.
- Talisker Bay: best avoided in summer due to very limited parking and too many visitors during peak season, Talisker is stunning in the winter. Parking responsibly at the road end, this relatively easy path takes you to a stony beach with roaring waves breaking below towering sea cliffs. A bracing winter walk on the Isle of Skye!
- Neist Point: one of the most popular things to do on the Isle of Skye, the path to the lighthouse at Neist Point is less busy during winter and very worthwhile for the glorious sea views to the Outer Hebrides – it looks good even on a rainy day. Although steep in places, the path surface is generally ok here, but do go prepared for winter weather.

Eating Out on the Isle of Skye in Winter
When the weather is bad, the daylight hours short, and you’re looking for things to do on the Isle of Skye in winter, it’s a good idea to make the most of the island’s best restaurants:
If you like classic pub grub, the Stables is the place to go. Open Thursday to Sunday during winter 11:00 – 23:00, this cosy heritage café is located at Armadale Castle in Sleat – the heart of famous Clan Donald territory. Located in one of the most beautiful buildings on the Isle of Skye, you can relax by the fire and tuck into options including a local venison pie, mac and cheese, fish and chips, or some homemade soup and home baking. The Stables Café also has a well-stocked bar with Scottish gins, beer and whisky – and great non-alcoholic options. The friendly local staff team here offer the best Highland hospitality on the island! Bonus tip: visit in November and December for Christmas events including a festive market, ceilidhs, and Christmas dinner parties.
Located by the shore on Loch Harport in north-west Skye, the Old Inn has been serving good local food and drink for many decades. A favourite with the yachting crowd, walkers and locals alike, you can be sure of a merry welcome and an occasionally raucous atmosphere! Traditional live music often features, and it can get very busy at times. A Skye classic, the Old Inn was made for winter visitors with its cosy vibe and hearty fare.
Probably Skye’s most famous restaurant, and with good reason! Local produce, innovative menu options and a beautiful atmosphere bring people from all over the world to The Three Chimneys. You’ll need to book well in advance.
Another Skye classic, Kinloch Lodge is owned and run by the Macdonald family. Established by famous Scottish cook Claire, Lady Macdonald, and her husband Godfrey, Lord Macdonald of Macdonald, Kinloch Lodge remains a family affair and offers delicious, thoughtful Scottish food in a country house setting. We thoroughly recommend a visit during winter, when the views from Kinloch Lodge down the Sound of Sleat are at their moody best. Like The Three Chimneys, you’ll need to book well in advance.
