The best MTB trails around Struan

One of the most spectacular waterfalls on the Isle of Skye. The River Lealt plunges into a deep gorge carved between ancient layers of volcanic basalt, before continuing to the sea. But don't just stay at the first viewpoint: follow the path to see the canyon from different perspectives. After several days of rain is when it really impresses, with much more water and small waterfalls appearing on the walls. With strong wind, you can even see the water pulverize and seem to rise instead of falling.

The River Lealt plunges here down a deep gorge before reaching the sea, forming several stepped waterfalls. What's interesting are the surrounding walls: the water has excavated ancient layers of basalt lava, the result of the enormous volcanic activity that transformed Skye about 60 million years ago. From the viewpoint, you can perfectly appreciate the canyon and, further down, the sea. After heavy rain, it changes completely: the flow increases enormously and that's when Lealt Falls is at its most spectacular.

This stretch crosses Strath Suardal, one of Skye's most geologically curious landscapes, between Broadford and Torrin. Here the terrain changes radically: expanses of white limestone appear on an island normally dominated by dark volcanic rock. That limestone was transformed by the heat of the magma that formed the Cuillins and gave rise to the famous Skye marble, exploited for over a century in the nearby Torrin quarries. In just a few kilometres, you go from open moorland to mountains, small lochs, and huge rock faces. A road where it's worth looking up from the handlebars.

A 4.2 km descent with about 150 m of elevation change, crossing one of Skye's inland wind farms. Ben Aketil Wind Farm became operational in 2007 and its wind turbines are spread across a huge expanse of moorland, with practically no buildings around. The tracks built to access and maintain the turbines have also created a curious network of paths for exploring this much less touristy part of the island. By bike, the contrast between the gigantic turbines, the mountains, and Skye's completely open landscape is what's truly special about this section.

Portree harbour lies deep in a sheltered bay, where colourful gables along the quay contrast with dark cliffs and the ever-changing light of Skye. Fishing boats, tour boats and the tide create a lively, almost cinematic backdrop. From the waterline, you look out towards the hills around Ben Tianavaig, which give the bay an intimate, natural embrace.

The Quiraing Pass on the Isle of Skye is a spectacular, narrow mountain road that connects the villages of Uig and Staffin on the Trotternish Peninsula. It leads through the dramatic landscape of the Quiraing and reaches an altitude of about 260 meters. The road is known as a single-track, winding route with steep sections and tight hairpin bends. In some places, it reaches gradients of up to 14% and requires careful driving. During the drive, exceptional views of rock formations, hills, and the coastline are offered. The Quiraing Pass is therefore considered one of Scotland's most beautiful, but also most challenging, scenic roads.

The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye is a spectacular landscape of rugged rocks, steep slopes, and green plateaus on the Trotternish Peninsula. It was formed by massive landslides, which are still active today and constantly changing the shape of the landscape. The area is known for distinctive formations such as The Needle, The Prison, and The Table. The Quiraing offers some of Scotland's most impressive views and is a popular destination for hikers and photographers. Its dramatic scenery gives it an almost mystical atmosphere.

The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye is a spectacular landscape of jagged rocks, steep slopes, and green plateaus on the Trotternish Peninsula. It was formed by massive landslides that are still active today, constantly changing the shape of the landscape. The area is known for its distinctive formations such as The Needle, The Prison, and The Table. The Quiraing offers some of Scotland's most impressive views and is a popular destination for hikers and photographers. Its dramatic scenery gives it an almost mystical atmosphere.