The rugged, wild darling of Scotland
Though the etymology of Skye's name is still hotly debated, even if you didn't know early Celtic or Norse languages, you could probably figure out that it has something to do with the sky, clouds, or mist, all of which are defining characteristics of Scotland's second-largest island. Skye's topography is dominated by the rugged Cuilin Hills, and the peninsulas and bays that stretch outward from the Hills to plunge dramatically into the sea. Stunning cliffs and lochs are a dime a dozen in Skye, and a good reason to stay awhile - hiking opportunities abound, and it's easy to get away from the tourist hordes in Portree. Nature aside, there are also ancient castles to explore, leftover from post-Norse Scottish clan rule. Though the weather is milder than you would expect from an island so far north, it's still unpredictable. For those times it is too rainy or misty to do anything in Skye, cozy up in one of the many pubs with a wee dram of Talisker, the local single-malt whiskey.
