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Winter on Skye

Nov 2, 2022

SOME THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Summer has always been the most popular time to visit The Isle of Skye and perhaps for good reason.  In the winter, many restaurants and attractions close, the locals go into semi-hybernation and there can be less than six hours of daylight around the winter solstice. Yet, there’s an upside too.

THINK HYGGE (OR SHOULD WE SAY ‘COORIE’)

Coorie’s a Gaelic word meaning ‘to nestle, or to snuggle.’ A winter break on Skye is all about getting cosy indoors after time spent in the bracing fresh air. Get wrapped up against the elements, lean into the wind and earn your fireside whisky. Then there’s no rush to rise in the morning as daybreak isn’t until around 9am through December and January.

MEET THE LOCALS

You’re much more likely to meet local residents if you visit Skye in the winter.  They’ll also have more time to talk to you.  As many businesses close their doors over the winter months, Skye locals have time to live their lives at a more relaxed pace. So you might bump into local people in the pub, on the beach or in the hills. It’s not that the locals avoid the tourists but many are employed in tourism and therefore work long hours when the island is at its busiest.

ADMIRE THE SUNSETS

From November through to February you can experience some truly spectacular light conditions and epic sunsets on the island.  It’s an ideal time for photographers to visit – especially because there are no tourists getting in the way of your shots!

ENJOY THE WATERFALLS

The Isle of Skye is home to some truly magnificent waterfalls.  These can look even more dramatic through the winter, when thunderous ribbons of white cascade down the side of seemingly every mountain. Another photographer’s dream to be marveled at, photographed and experienced first-hand.

BARREN IS BEAUTIFUL

Skye can look quite brown from late Autumn to early Spring and there’s a starkness to the natural environment.  Can you imagine how harsh it is living here full-time?

Yet, catch this beautiful island on a winter’s day when the air is still and you understand a little more of the magic appeal.   With not a single midge in the sky, the sea, like glass and the sky lit ablaze with orange and gold, you literally wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.  In a moment like that, there’s a true beauty to this barren landscape.

And the best place to enjoy that moment? On your own private island, of course.

Adventure awaits…

The Eilean Sionnach Crew

P.S. Have you entered our photography and reels competition yet?  A selection of local goodies could be yours this Christmas! Click here for details.