Skye’s Not The Limit: Taking the path less crowded in the Scottish Highlands

“Speed bonnie boat like a bird on the wing, over the sea to Skye / Carry the lad that’s born to be King, over the sea to Skye.”

The hauntingly beautiful rhythm of the opening credits of Outlander has been calling increasing numbers of travellers to the Isle of Skye over the past few years. There’s no doubt that Skye has it all - jagged peaks, tumbling waterfalls, wild beaches and quaint harbours. The island ticks all the boxes for travellers from across the globe seeking to take in the spectacular beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

However, the once remote island gem is not so secret any more. You will certainly not be the only ones taking the ‘road to the isles’ from Inverness or setting off from your cruise ship port at Invergordon. In fact, you may find yourself jostling for camera space at the Fairy Pools with that family of 10 you’ve been trying to avoid at the buffet all week. And there’s something bittersweet about tucking into a fish and chips made with that days’ catch when you’ve had to take on a scrum of hungry tourists to do so.

Whilst still unfailingly beautiful, Skye is now groaning under the weight of tour buses, cruise ships, hillwalkers, wildlife enthusiasts and road-trippers. So why not take the road less travelled and discover some of the less well–known but equally stunning parts of the Highlands?

Despite its ominous name, The Black Isle has some of the Highlands’ best–kept secrets right under the noses of the gateways of Inverness and Invergordon. Where else could you explore beaches, rolling hills, once-isolated fishing villages, secret glens and mysterious spots of local superstition all in one day? The compactness of the Black Isle means that seaside life rubs shoulders with a patchwork quilt of fields and centuries old farms. You can even channel your inner David Attenborough as you dolphin watch at Chanonry Point, one of only two places in the UK where you can spot bottlenose dolphins. See all this and more just a stone’s throw from your cruise ship port or Inverness hotel.

Alternatively, if you want to head inland, this tour, can begin at Invergordon cruise ship port or Inverness. Within half an hour you are already at Rogie Falls, a set of stunning but often overlooked waterfalls hidden in thick forest. What better way to find your ‘land legs’ than meandering through the woods rather than embarking on a long car journey? Other hidden surprises along the way include charming villages and often car-free roads, recently featured on the hit motoring show "The Grand Tour".

Let your guide take you back in time through the tumultuous history of the Highlands whilst enjoying a cup of tea in a local favourite tearoom, such as the Elphin Tearooms on the road from Ullapool. With a ToursByLocals guide, you have not only a knowledgeable companion for the day, but also someone who knows the secret spots away from the tour bus crowds.

So if you only have one day of shore time, make the most of your precious hours in the Highland air. Rather than sitting in the car for the best part of two hours, you can explore what’s right down the gangplank on these wonderful tours. These barren and largely empty lands were once home to many crofting communities who left for North America or Australia in search of a new life. Maybe even some of your ancestors set sail from these shores and waved goodbye to Caledonia for the last time. So what are you waiting for? Come and discover the hidden Highlands for yourself!