Day 5: From Harris to Skye – Ferry Hops, Mountain Walks & Highland Magic

By now, you're probably wondering how this trip keeps getting better. Day 5 is where things take a dramatic turn, in the best way. You’ll leave the Outer Hebrides behind with a CalMac sailing from Tarbert to Skye, swap beach vibes for moody mountains, and cap it all off with one of the most iconic hikes in Scotland.

Two people with arms raised stand in front of a white and black motorhome parked on gravel, with trees and mountains in the background.
Two poached eggs on greens with prosciutto, garnished with dill and pesto, served on a white plate.
Person with blonde hair walks on a dirt path toward a rocky mountain under a clear blue sky, surrounded by grassy terrain.
On a clear day a view of the rocky point at the Old Man of Storr - Isle of Skye
The Fairy Pools, with mountains in the background Isle Of Skye.

Morning: CalMac Ferry from Harris to Skye

  • Departure: 11:40am from Tarbert
  • Check-in closes: 10:55am
  • Duration: Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes

Say goodbye to Harris (for now) and drive onto your CalMac ferry bound for Uig, a small harbour village nestled on the Isle of Skye. As always, boarding is smooth and staff are super helpful – whether you’re in a camper or just driving a car.

Check Tarbert (Harris) port information

Grab breakfast or lunch from the onboard Coffee Cabin and soak up the panoramic views from the sundeck – it honestly feels more like a boutique cruise than a ferry.

Before you travel, be sure to check our Service Status and Timetable pages for the latest updates on ferry times and any changes. To stay informed on the go, download our app and receive service notifications directly to your device.

The ship was spotless, staff were lovely, and the food from the Coffee Cabin? Genuinely amazing. Proper hot meals with panoramic sea views. We weren’t expecting that at all.

@thattravelcouple

Afternoon: Hike the Old Man of Storr or Chase Waterfalls at the Fairy Pools

Once you roll into Uig at 1:20pm, it’s time to dive into Skye’s raw, rugged landscape. Here are two incredible options, depending on your vibe:

Old Man of Storr

  • A short but steep hike (about 45 minutes each way) that rewards you with jaw-dropping views of jagged rock formations and distant lochs.
  • Located approx. 35 minutes from Uig.
  • Bring proper shoes – it can get muddy, but the views are so worth it.

Opens in new windowCheck Old Man of Storr Information

Fairy Pools

  • A 50-minute drive from Uig takes you to this magical series of waterfalls and crystal-clear pools.
  • Great for photographers or a chilly dip if you're feeling brave.
  • Free parking available nearby.

Opens in new windowCheck Fairy Pools Information

Evening: Dinner & Campsite in Broadford

After a big day outdoors, roll into Opens in new windowCamping Skye, a clean and quiet site in Broadford – complete with excellent facilities and a peaceful, forested backdrop. You can expect showers, electricity, and spacious pitches, all within walking distance to cafés and pizza spots.

For dinner, we recommend:

  • Café Cuil – Laid-back and trendy with tasty brunch-style dishes
  • Pizza from Café Siaway – Great wood-fired options, especially after a hike
  • The Three Chimneys – If you’re feeling fancy and want to splurge

Opens in new windowCheck more food & drink options

 Pro Tip: If you're planning to hike, check the weather on Skye in advance – conditions can shift quickly, and it’s best to hit the trails earlier in the day if possible.

Once we got to Skye, we headed straight to The Storr, one of the most iconic hikes in Scotland. It’s a leg burner, but the views from the top are totally worth it.

@thattravelcouple