Isle of Skye - Too Busy to Visit?

But has the islands success become a curse? In an article for CNN, Joe Minihane has named the Isle of Skye as one of the world’s top tourist destinations to avoid in 2018, saying that “the infrastructure of Scotland’s largest island* creaked under the pressure as thousands of tourists in coaches and cars plied its narrow lanes.” In summary, CNN are saying that the island has become too busy, and they’re not the only ones. *By the way – it’s not Scotland’s largest island. Take a bow, Isle of Lewis.

A bit harsh to judge a whole island, but here’s the question. Are they right?

Problems do arise when demand for  business exceeds its capacity. When pressure on the infrastructure of what was a quiet, rural island is greater than it can carry you have snarl ups. When numbers of people parking and hiking grow too fast, damage to wild places becomes unavoidable. You get erosion, and people leave waste behind and take away souvenirs they should leave.

Neist Point Lighthouse. One of Skye’s most Popular Spots, Often Overcrowded

“Skye does have its share of problems”

I’m going to walk out on a limb here. Out on a limb because it’s my job to attract people to Scotland. But I’m going to say that I agree with CNN. At least to a point. I’m not saying stay away, but Skye does have its share of problems – I’ve seen them for myself. I have seen the parking jams at the beauty spots. I’ve dragged dead sheep off the road. I’ve picked up forlorn and tired hitchhikers who didn’t book ahead and couldn’t find anywhere to stay. And I’ve seen places that I used to enjoy in quiet reverence become the latest backdrop for people’s instagrams – the latest tick on their bucket list.

So here we have a problem. Because we’re in the business of bringing people to this wonderful part of the world so they can enjoy it. But by doing so we’re contributing to a problem. Aren’t we?

Skye’s beauty spots have become crowded, so we’re going with small group sizes and choosing hikes that are no less beautiful but less well known – the advantage of local knowledge. The roads are busy, so we’re spending less time in the car and more time walking. We use great accommodations in quieter parts of the island to spread the economic benefit beyond the towns and reduce pressure on them. Where trails are getting eroded we help fund local conservation groups who repair pathways. While most people drive around Skye in a hurry and only visit a handful of ‘iconic’ places, we take longer, go slower and open our eyes to the beauty that is all around. We give you and the island time to enjoy each other in silence if that’s what you want.

In short, we’re doing everything we can to ensure that a Wilderness Scotland trip to Skye is still a trip to the wilderness, and always will be. But the bottom line is going to lie with the visitor. If there are concerns about enjoying the experience because it’s too busy, or uncertainty about visiting in good conscience, rest assured that it is possible. Careful consideration of how to travel is urged. It doesn’t have to be with us, but when choosing an operator, ensure they are doing their utmost to make the visit a positive thing for the island and the traveller. Doing so guarantees a trip that’s great for Skye, and equally wonderful for the visitor.

Visit Skye With Us