Yesterday’s One-day Isle of Skye tour from Inverness was a particularly special one. My guests were Joshua and Rhianna, newlyweds from Kansas in the United States, who had chosen to spend part of their honeymoon exploring the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye.
What made the day even more meaningful for me was that Joshua had actually joined one of my tours three years ago with his mum. He enjoyed the experience so much that when it came time to plan his honeymoon, he decided he wanted to return to Scotland — and come back out on tour with me again.
That kind of trust is always hugely appreciated, especially when it’s for something as important as a honeymoon.
Joshua and Rhianna are childhood sweethearts who have been together for around five years. Joshua (24) works as a barista, while Rhianna (22) is a bank teller back home in Kansas. Over the course of the day we chatted about family life too — Joshua has a twin brother and an older brother, while Rhianna is the second oldest of seven siblings, with two brothers and four sisters.
An Early Start from Inverness
We met in Inverness at 7:00 a.m., with the sun shining and promising a great start to the day.
The forecast suggested the weather might turn later — something that can happen quickly in the Highlands — so I made sure the van was fully stocked with ponchos, waterproof trousers, gloves, boots, hats, snoods and balaclavas, just in case. Being prepared for Highland weather is always part of the experience.
As we left Inverness, I introduced Joshua and Rhianna to some local history, stories and interesting facts about the city, before heading south towards one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks — Loch Ness.
Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
Driving along the shores of Loch Ness is always one of the highlights on the journey to Skye.
Along the way we shared some of the legends and mysteries surrounding the Loch Ness Monster, before stopping at the iconic Urquhart Castle for photographs overlooking the loch. With the morning light over the water, it was a perfect moment to take in one of Scotland’s most famous views.
Invermoriston and a Woodland Walk
Our next stop was Invermoriston, where we took a short break and walked through the woodland to visit an old Victorian folly and the historic bridges.
It was here that the weather began to change slightly, with the first rain showers arriving just as forecast. The Highlands often look even more atmospheric in the rain, and we captured some great photos and videos before continuing west.
Through Jacobite Country to Glen Shiel
From Invermoriston we continued through Glen Moriston, where I shared stories of the Jacobite uprisings, before stopping at a monument connected to that fascinating period in Scottish history.
A little further along we entered the dramatic landscape of Glen Shiel, where I told Joshua and Rhianna about the Battle of Glen Shiel in 1719, one of the lesser-known but very interesting conflicts of the Jacobite era.
Before the tour even began, Joshua and Rhianna had one special request.
They had heard about a specialist chocolate shop called Chocolates of Glen Shiel, and asked if we could stop there along the way.
Of course we did — and it was a great little stop during the journey west.
Eilean Donan Castle and the Road to Skye
Continuing west we arrived at one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks — Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in the world.
After taking some photographs there, we continued to Kyle of Lochalsh, where the road crosses the sea to the Isle of Skye.
As we crossed the Skye Bridge, I played the famous Outlander theme music, which always adds a little drama and excitement to the moment when guests first arrive on the island.
Broadford and a Taste of Drambuie
Our first stop on Skye was Broadford, where we visited the historic Broadford Hotel.
Here I finished telling the incredible story of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape to the Isle of Skye, before inviting Joshua and Rhianna to sample a small glass of Drambuie, the famous Scottish liqueur linked to that story. They both very much enjoyed the tasting.
While we were in the Broadford area, I also gave them a more in-depth explanation of Skye’s traditional blackhouses, which were commonly used across the Highlands and Islands during the 19th century. These stone-built homes, often with thatched roofs, were designed to withstand the harsh island climate and typically housed both people and livestock under one roof.
Understanding the history of these homes gives visitors a fascinating insight into traditional Highland and Hebridean life, and how communities lived and worked on the Isle of Skye not so long ago.
Feeding Highland Cows in the Rain
Between Broadford and Sligachan, we made a classic Skye stop — meeting some wild Highland cows.
I always keep carrots in the van for moments like this, along with free drinking water for guests.
Despite the rain, Joshua and Rhianna loved feeding the famous hairy coos. One of the cows even managed to sink slightly into the mud while enjoying the carrots!
Moments like that are often the most memorable parts of the day.
Sligachan Bridge: Iconic Photos in Wild Skye Weather
Next we stopped at Sligachan Bridge, one of the Isle of Skye’s most iconic photo locations.
The weather had become properly Skye-like by this point — wet and windy — but that’s all part of the experience. Luckily there were very few people on the bridge, which meant we had plenty of space to capture one of my signature drone photographs with the dramatic Cuillin Mountains in the background.
Even in the rain, the landscape here is absolutely breathtaking.
Old Man of Storr: Hiking into the Real Skye
After capturing the drone photograph at Sligachan Bridge, we continued north towards one of Skye’s most iconic landmarks — the Old Man of Storr.
By this point the weather had properly set in. The wind had picked up and the rain was driving across the landscape, giving us a proper taste of Skye in all its raw beauty.
We parked up at the Storr car park and got ready for the hike. Rhianna and Joshua changed into the ponchos I had brought along as spare equipment, while I swapped my kilt for a full waterproof outfit. It was one of those moments where you know the adventure is about to get serious.
There weren’t many people around because of the weather, which made the whole place feel even more dramatic.
Before we started the climb, I gave them two options. We could follow the standard tourist path with the classic viewpoint, or we could take a lesser-known route — a more secret path that leads right up beside the Old Man itself where you can actually touch the rock formation.
Without hesitation, they chose the adventurous option.
Encouragement on the Hike
The climb was tough, especially with the wind and rain pushing against us.
Rhianna found it challenging at times, but we took a few pauses along the way so she could catch her breath. She knew that Joshua really wanted to take the more adventurous route and get right up beside the Old Man of Storr, so she dug deep and kept going.
Along the way I kept reminding her that this was the real Skye experience.
Not just seeing the landscape from a vehicle window, but actually being out in it.
I told her that moments like this stay with you — the sound of the wind across the hillside, the rain hitting your jacket, the feeling of pushing through something difficult to reach somewhere extraordinary. Those are the memories that last forever.
You don’t forget how Skye feels when you experience it like that.
And to her absolute credit, she pushed through and made it all the way up.
When we finally reached the formation itself, standing beside the towering rock felt even more special because of the effort it had taken to get there.
We spent some time taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere before beginning the descent back down the hillside.
By the time we reached the van again, all three of us were completely soaked to the bone.
But that’s Skye.
And honestly, it made the day even better.
A Quick Stop to Warm Up
We had managed to free up a little time in the schedule thanks to a steady pace on the hike, so we decided to dive into a nearby garage to warm up.
Hot drinks, snacks and a few treats were exactly what we needed after battling the weather.
It was the perfect reset before continuing the adventure.
A Honeymoon Treat: The Fairy Pools
During the warm-up stop, Rhianna asked if there might be any chance we could visit the Fairy Pools.
Normally they’re not included on my standard one-day Skye itinerary because of the time required, but considering the circumstances — and the fact that this was their honeymoon — I decided we could make it work.
When we arrived, there were very few people around. They spent about half an hour exploring the pools, taking photographs and enjoying one of Skye’s most magical landscapes.
While they were out walking around the pools, I stayed by the van and started drying jackets and gear as best I could.
When they came back… they were absolutely drenched again.
Socks on the Dashboard
For the drive back to Inverness, I insisted they take their socks off. I didn’t want them sitting there for two hours with freezing wet feet. So we placed the socks along the dashboard vents at the front of the van and blasted the heating.
It made for quite a funny sight — driving through the Highlands with socks spread across the dashboard.
As darkness fell on the journey home, it was time for one of my favourite traditions — Luke’s On-Board Quiz.
Throughout the day I had been sharing stories and information about Skye and the Highlands, so the quiz is a fun way to see how much has sunk in.
This one had 27 questions.
Joshua set himself the goal of getting more than 14 correct, while Rhianna said she would be happy if she got more than 5.
Joshua officially won the quiz with 15 correct answers. But really they both won — because Rhianna managed to score 7, beating her own target as well. It was a great way to keep everyone entertained as we drove through the dark Highlands on the way back to Inverness.
Back to Inverness
We rolled back into Inverness around 8pm, tired, soaked, but incredibly satisfied with the day. I’m pleased to report that by the time we arrived the socks were completely dry… and thankfully the van didn’t smell at all!
It had been one of those tours filled with great conversations, laughter, adventure and unforgettable moments.
Before we said goodbye, the conversation turned to the future. Rhianna and Joshua told me they were seriously considering moving to the UK, most likely Scotland. Their plan at the moment is to try it for two years initially, almost like a trial period, and then see where life takes them after that.
Having made a big move myself in the past, I told them to stay in touch and that I’d happily offer any advice I could — whether that’s places to live, what to expect, or just my honest thoughts about life here.
You never know where life might lead. But if Skye had anything to do with it, I suspect Scotland may well see them again.
Thinking About Visiting the Isle of Skye?
If reading about our day exploring the Old Man of Storr, Sligachan Bridge, and the wild landscapes of the Isle of Skye has inspired you, you might enjoy experiencing it for yourself.
If you’re considering booking a tour, there are three private tour options available, each designed for a different level of adventure.
Perfect if you’re short on time but still want to experience Skye’s most iconic locations. This tour focuses on dramatic landscapes, unforgettable viewpoints, and some of the island’s best photo stops.
A more relaxed pace that allows us to explore deeper into the island. With extra time we can visit additional locations, enjoy scenic walks, and experience Skye beyond the usual viewpoints.
3 Day “Edge of the World” Adventure
For those looking for something truly unique, the 3-day Edge of the World tour follows a mystery itinerary through some of the most remote and spectacular parts of Scotland’s west coast.
Over three days we travel using four different modes of transport, visit three islands, and focus heavily on Scotland’s incredible coastal wildlife.
Depending on the conditions, sightings may include puffins, whales, dolphins, white-tailed eagles, and Atlantic seals — all set against some of the most dramatic seascapes in the Highlands.
Once you’ve decided which tour suits you best, you can simply select your preferred date on the tour page to check availability.
Hope to see you on tour soon
Luke