The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most picturesque destinations, with stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and a vibrant culture. One of the most popular attractions on the island is Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, a breathtaking geological formation that showcases the beauty of Skye’s natural wonders.
Located on the Trotternish Peninsula, Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls offer stunning views of the rugged coastline, the blue waters of the Sound of Raasay, and the surrounding mountains. In this post, we share with you what you need to know before visiting Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls.
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Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, Isle of Skye
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
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Where to Stay in the Isle of Skye
These recommendations may vary depending on what activities you are wanting to do whilst on the island. We have based these accommodations close to the centre of the island and near Portree. In the summer Portree is extremely busy and we would recommend that you look to stay elsewhere if you want to avoid the crowds and traffic.
In the winter months, however, Portree is a pleasant and central location from which it is easy to get to many of the sights around the island.
Luxury – If you are looking for a comfortable apartment stay to come home to after a day exploring, Quayside Apartment is the perfect place for you. With spectacular views and a good central location, this accommodation is comfort plus for your next trip to Skye.
Book your stay at the Quayside Apartments right here.
Mid-range – The Portree Hotel is a great central location for your stay in Skye. This hotel overlooks the main square in Portree and during the winter months, there are wood-burning stoves to keep you warm after a day of exploring.
Book your stay at the Portree Hotel right here.
Budget – If you are looking for a budget place to rest your head but still have a great view, The Pink House is the place to stay just for that. A continental breakfast is included in your stay and you can book a room with a great view out to sea.
Book your stay at the Pink House right here.
If hostels are more your scene, you can check out the hostels available in Isle of Skye here.
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What are Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls?
Kilt Rock is a dramatic basalt cliff that rises over 90 meters above the sea, resembling a pleated kilt. The cliff face is made up of hexagonal columns that were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, and it provides a stunning backdrop for photos. There is a safety barrier that you can walk along for panoramic views of the sea and the coastline.
Mealt Falls is a 60-meter waterfall that flows over the cliff and plunges into the sea below. The waterfall is fed by the Mealt Loch, a freshwater loch located at the top of the cliff. You can admire the waterfall from the viewing platform near the car park, or you can take a short walk along the path to get closer to the waterfall.
How to get to Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls are located on the A855 road, which runs along the eastern coast of the Trotternish Peninsula. The site is about 10 miles north of the town of Portree, the largest settlement on the island. There is a reasonably sized car park at the falls that is free to park at however this does fill up quickly as it is a popular spot.
Things to do nearby Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
Quiraing
The Quiraing is a landslip on the eastern side of the Trotternish peninsula on the Isle of Skye. It is a popular hiking destination with stunning scenery and unique rock formations. The hike takes you through a series of switchbacks and steep inclines with breathtaking views throughout. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Skye’s rugged landscape and the surrounding sea.
The Quiraing is also home to several other hiking trails, including the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The area has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including the movie Stardust and the TV series Outlander. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, the Quiraing is a must-visit destination on the Isle of Skye.
Brothers Point
Brothers Point, also known as Rubha nam Brathairean, is a stunning location on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Located on the Trotternish Peninsula, Brothers Point offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the sea and the nearby mountains. The area is known for its unique geological features, including ancient rock formations and fossils.
Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along the coast, taking in the stunning views and exploring the rocky shorelines. The area is also popular among birdwatchers, who can spot a variety of seabirds, including puffins and various types of gulls.
Brothers Point has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic era. Visitors can explore the ruins of an ancient broch, as well as a number of abandoned crofts and other structures.
Overall, Brothers Point is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Isle of Skye. Its stunning views, unique geological features, and rich history make it an unforgettable experience.
Lealt Falls
Lealt Falls is a beautiful waterfall located on the east coast of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The waterfall is easily accessible by car, and a short walk from the parking lot leads to a viewing platform with stunning views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
The falls are formed by the Lealt River, which flows from the Trotternish Ridge and empties into the sea. The water cascades down a series of rocky ledges before plunging 90 feet into a deep pool below. The mist from the falls creates a beautiful rainbow on sunny days.
Lealt Falls is a popular spot for photography, and many visitors also enjoy hiking in the surrounding area. The nearby Lealt Gorge is a deep, narrow canyon with steep sides, and it is possible to hike along the edge of the gorge for some incredible views.
Overall, Lealt Falls is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Isle of Skye. Its beauty and accessibility make it a popular spot, but it is still well worth the visit.
An Corran Beach
One of the Isle of Skye’s most fascinating and exciting sights to visit, the black sands of An Corran Beach have a hidden treasure that requires a keen eye and a bit of patience to uncover. Stamped into the solid rocks that line the coastline are a number of ancient footprints left by the long-lost residents that once roamed the Isle of Skye over 166 million years ago. Discovered in 2001, the collection of 18 dinosaur footprints can be found scattered across the rocks, including the perfectly preserved imprint of a Megalosaurus footprint.
To get there, follow the signposts to Staffin Slipway and continue along the rod to the small harbour.
Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr is a natural landmark located on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. This iconic rock formation stands at a height of 50 meters and is visible from miles away. The name “Old Man” refers to the shape of the rock formation, which resembles the head of an old man. The Storr is a rocky hill that rises to a height of 719 meters, and the Old Man is located on the Trotternish Ridge, which runs along the eastern side of the hill.
The Old Man of Storr is a popular destination for hikers and photographers. The hike to the formation is approximately 3.8 km round trip, with an elevation gain of 235 meters. The trail is well-maintained but can be steep and rocky in places. The hike takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete, depending on fitness level and pace.
The best time to visit the Old Man of Storr is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the days are long. However, the area can be crowded during peak tourist season. To avoid the crowds, it’s recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the evening.
The Old Man of Storr is also a popular spot for photography. The dramatic landscape and unique rock formations make for stunning photos, especially during sunrise or sunset. Photographers should bring a wide-angle lens and a tripod to capture the full beauty of the area.
Before You Leave on Your Trip to the Isle of Skye
Before you leave on your trip to the Isle of Skye there are a few things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. These include how to get there and around the island, what to pack and where to stay, all of which are discussed below.
How to Get to the Isle of Skye
Drive
The Isle of Skye is connected to mainland Scotland by the Skye Bridge, a free road bridge, from Kyle of Lochalsh to the village of Kyleakin on the island. In high winds, the bridge will close to high vehicles and on days of particularly extreme weather, the bridge may close to all vehicles.
Ferry
Another option is to get the ferry over to Skye which typically takes around 30 minutes, leaving from Mallaig on the mainland to Armadale. You can check the timetables online as there is typically only a morning and afternoon ferry running.
Bus
If you are travelling to Skye without a vehicle, buses run from Scotland’s major cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh direct to Isle of Skye’s capital, Portree. Buses to the Isle of Skye run from other areas in Scotland and you can plan your bus journey to Skye here.
Once you are on the island, you can book onto a tour that departs from Portree and takes you around the best sights that there are to see on the island. Read more about this tour and book your place right here.
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
These recommendations may vary depending on what activities you are wanting to do whilst on the island. We have based these accommodations close to the centre of the island and near Portree. In the summer Portree is extremely busy and we would recommend that you look to stay elsewhere if you want to avoid the crowds and traffic.
In the winter months, however, Portree is a pleasant and central location from which it is easy to get to many of the sights around the island.
Luxury – If you are looking for a comfortable apartment stay to come home to after a day exploring, Quayside Apartment is the perfect place for you. With spectacular views and a good central location, this accommodation is comfort plus for your next trip to Skye.
Book your stay at the Quayside Apartments right here.
Mid-range – The Portree Hotel is a great central location for your stay in Skye. This hotel overlooks the main square in Portree and during the winter months, there are wood-burning stoves to keep you warm after a day of exploring.
Book your stay at the Portree Hotel right here.
Budget – If you are looking for a budget place to rest your head but still have a great view, The Pink House is the place to stay just for that. A continental breakfast is included in your stay and you can book a room with a great view out to sea.
Book your stay at the Pink House right here.
If hostels are more your scene, you can check out the hostels available in Isle of Skye here.
What to Pack for the Isle of Skye
When it comes to packing for a trip to Scotland there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your trip to the Isle of Skye in winter, you can expect rain at some point. Due to this, the number one item on your packing list is a good waterproof jacket.
Second to that, another item to not leave home without is a good pair of warm and, if possible, waterproof boots. A lot of the best sights on Skye require a bit of walking to reach them and the conditions underfoot can become very muddy. You do not want to ruin a good pair of white trainers so pack some sturdy boots.
You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the winter months as the wind chill can be bitter.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around the Isle of Skye, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Scotland
We know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, visiting Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls on the Isle of Skye. If you are visiting this incredible place and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was! Did you get a clear day to see the sights? Did you manage the trip without getting caught in the rain? Let us know in the comments below!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning walk.
If you are planning a Scotland trip soon then check out our other Scotland content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
Read Now:
- Visiting the Isle of Skye in Winter – All You Need to Know
- Isle of Skye – The Best Things to Do in Skye
- Isle of Skye Itinerary – One Day on the Isle of Skye
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