3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Isle of Skye and Inverness

  1. Day 1: Visit Eilean Donan Castle
    1 hour 30 minutes (55.4 miles) from the Inverness Airport

    Begin your journey at the Inverness airport and head southwest towards Eilean Donan Castle. This iconic castle sits on an island and is accessible by a small bridge, making for a fun and exciting experience for the whole family. Explore the castle's museum, gift shop, and café before heading towards Portree, Isle of Skye.

  2. Day 2: Discover the Isle of Skye
    1 hour 30 minutes (44.7 miles) from Eilean Donan Castle

    The Isle of Skye is a breathtaking destination with stunning scenery at every turn. Head to the **Fairy Pools**, located in the Cuillin mountains, where crystal-clear waterfalls and blue pools offer an enchanting atmosphere. Afterward, visit the **Old Man of Storr** - a magnificent rock formation, and then head to the beautiful **Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls**. The family can also visit the **Skye Museum of Island Life** to learn about the island's rich history and culture.

  3. Day 3: Nessie Spotting at Loch Ness
    1 hour 10 minutes (30.5 miles) from Portree, Isle of Skye

    The last day of your trip will be full of myths and legends. Start by visiting the **Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition** in Drumnadrochit, where you can enjoy a 360-degree multimedia presentation and learn about the famous Loch Ness Monster. You can follow this up with a fun **Jacobite Cruises** on the loch itself where the children can keep their eyes peeled for Nessie. Have a nice meal at **Boathouse Lochside Restaurant** on the banks of Loch Ness before heading back to Inverness Airport for your journey home.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Eilean Donan Castle (2 hours, £10 adults, £6 children)
  • Fairy Pools (2 hours, free)
  • Old Man of Storr (1 hour, free)
  • Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls (1 hour, free)
  • Skye Museum of Island Life (1 hour, £5 adults, free for children)
  • Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition (1 hour 30 mins, £9.95 adults, £6.50 children)
  • Jacobite Cruises (1 hour 30 mins, £14 adults, £6 children)
  • Boathouse Lochside Restaurant (£12-20 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £60.45 (per adult)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider a visit to the **Dunvegan Castle and Gardens** on Day 2. Alternatively, have a leisurely picnic on the **Trotternish Ridge** or take part in a variety of **water sports** from the shore of the Skye. On the other hand, if you have less time, consider skipping the Skye Museum of Island Life or reduce the time spent at Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. Moreover, make sure to check the operating timings of each attraction to avoid disappointment.

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