Motorhome Tour Scotland Part 3: Dunvegan Castle | Neist Point Lighthouse | Isle of Skye
A post by Wickie On Tour
📍 Isle of Skye – Church of Kilchrist, Dunvegan Castle & Storm at Neist Point
A day straight out of the Highlands saga – raw, wild, unforgettable
After a quiet night among all the sheep on the Isle of Skye, the day greets us with dark clouds and wind whistling over the hills.
Scotland shows its wild side once again – and we are right in the middle of it.
With a cup of coffee in the campervan and a view of the island's lush green, we plan our day. For us, this is true vanlife: in pajamas in the morning, sheep outside, coziness inside – and adventure right on the doorstep.
Church of Kilchrist (Cill Chriosd) – Pure mysticism and history
Our first stop is a real insider tip: the ruins of the Church of Kilchrist (Cill Chriosd), hidden at the roadside in the middle of the moor.
Google Maps link to Church of Kilchrist
The parking lot is small, but there's enough space for a few campervans. As soon as we get out, we feel it: time has stood still here.
Among weathered gravestones, Celtic crosses, and the remains of the old church walls, we feel history at every turn.
For centuries, the church was the spiritual center for the Clan MacKinnon. Here, people were baptized, married, and said goodbye, with views extending to the mountains on the horizon.
When the wind sweeps across the moor, it feels like another world is very close. Mystical, magical – goosebumps guaranteed!
Tip:
Take your time, walk slowly through the ruins, and soak up the atmosphere. Especially in windy weather, the place is even more impressive.
Dunvegan Castle – Clan treasures, legends, and seals
We continue north, past green hills, with constant sea views – until suddenly Dunvegan Castle appears before us, Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited castle.
Google Maps link to Dunvegan Castle
The car park is large and free. The first glimpse of the gardens and the castle makes us want to explore more.
We buy our ticket (£17 p.p., as of 2024) – and off we go:
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Mighty walls & secret rooms:
Old furniture, grand ancestral portraits, knight's armor, memories of past centuries. -
The legendary Fairy Flag:
An ancient banner, to which Clan MacLeod attributes magical powers – and around which many myths entwine. -
The Dunvegan Cup & Sir Rory Mor's Horn:
Fascinating clan treasures with real adventure stories – and the tradition of emptying the horn in one go. -
Garden highlight & seals:
Exotic plants, small waterfalls, ancient trees. In good weather, boat tours to the seals depart from the castle – an absolute highlight!
Our conclusion:
Dunvegan Castle is a place where history and family life intertwine to this day. You feel the spirit of the Highlands, the pride of the clans – and get one of the most beautiful views on the island for free.
Neist Point Lighthouse – Storm at the wild edge of Skye
The wind picks up, and the app reports a storm. Nevertheless, we want to go to Neist Point Lighthouse – the wild lighthouse at the westernmost tip of the island.
Google Maps link to Neist Point car park
The drive itself is an experience: narrow roads, sheep on the asphalt, vast landscapes, and always dramatic clouds over the sea.
The car park is huge (and currently being expanded).
But today, hardly anything keeps us on our feet: the storm is raging, the campervan is shaking, and we struggle down the steep stairs to the lighthouse.
Holding onto the railing – this is not an outing for fair-weather tourists!
The lighthouse itself is closed, but the scenery is spectacular:
Cliffs, Atlantic waves, gulls in the wind, and with luck, you might even see dolphins or whales.
We briefly consider abandoning the path, but the view is rewarding – and the way back feels like a real adventure.
Tip:
In a storm, only go with sturdy footwear and a windbreaker! It's said to be magical here at sunset – but beware: the wind can be fierce.
Our Vanlife Conclusion
In the evening, we find a quiet spot for the night. Outside, the storm rages; inside, it's cozy.
Was it a good idea to be here in this weather? You'll find out in the next video!
We keep realizing: Scotland in a campervan is pure adventure.
Sometimes raw, often beautiful, always surprising.
Practical tips for your Skye tour
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Parking & Overnight Stays: There are many pitches on Skye – but in high season, it's best to arrive early or research in advance.
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Dunvegan Castle Admission: £17 (as of 2024) – includes permission to photograph.
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Seals: The boat tour starts directly at the castle, but cancellations can occur in stormy weather.
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Best time to travel: May to September, but the weather is always a surprise – that's part of the adventure!
Our Highlights & Links for your own trip
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Thank you for joining us on our journey – until the next part with new adventures!