Driving on the Isle of Skye: Everything You Need to Know

Planning a road trip around the Isle of Skye, but worried about the roads? Don’t worry; this is your practical guide to driving on Skye, using passing places and getting to grips with single-track roads.

By: Lesley Stewart | June 2025

Driving in Scotland’s towns and cities is a reasonably standard affair that won’t present much of a problem to visitors from overseas or other parts of the UK. However, driving on the Isle of Skye is an altogether different beast.

The A87 spine road lulls you into a false sense of security, then—almost without warning—you’re negotiating a sliver of tarmac to Elgol or a hair‑raising bend on the Quiraing. Add frequent rain, monster potholes and wandering sheep, and you’ve got a very different driving experience from what you might be used to.

If you’re heading to the Isle of Skye this year, you should be prepared for the island’s remote roads and their, shall we say, unique characteristics.

I’m talking, of course, about single-track roads and passing places.

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Before you dive in, discover our five-star rated Skye road trip itinerary and map, your complete day-by-day itinerary for a seamless Skye road trip. Includes hidden gems, top sights, places to eat and stay, plus insider tips on parking, avoiding crowds, and getting the most from every stop. Download it here.

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Single‑tracks dominate every peninsula - Sleat, Minginish, Duirinish, Waternish, Trotternish. You’ll meet them to reach Glen Brittle (Fairy Pools), Neist Point, the Quiraing and dozens of other must-see spots.

Hairpin bends, blind summits, blinder corners, and tyre-buckling potholes are common features. So too are sheep who happily wander in front of vehicles, the odd herd of cows relaxing on the tarmac, and skittish stags likely to leap out of the hedgerow.

Needless to say, driving on Skye offers a unique driving experience!

Now, as an adopted Highlander, I know exactly what to do. But I still vividly remember the first time I drove on a single-track road on Skye—somewhere near Portree, I think—when the road suddenly narrowed without warning and a car was heading straight towards me.

I had no idea what to do.

Were we both meant to stop? Was I in the wrong? Were we going to smash into each other? Thankfully, my much more experienced passenger calmly pointed out the little lay-by I’d completely missed and explained how these roads actually work. And yes, I had to reverse back into the passing place.

It was a steep learning curve in the middle of a beautiful landscape and could’ve been an accident - but it didn’t need to be.

That’s why I’ve written this blog post: to help you understand how driving on Skye really works before you’re in the thick of it, so you can feel prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy the journey. So, if you’re road tripping around Skye this year, read these helpful tips on single-tracks, passing places, and other things you may encounter on your journey.

Quick Guide: Driving on Skye

• Single-track roads are common across Skye; they only fit one car at a time, so understanding how they work is essential.

• Passing places are used to let oncoming vehicles or faster drivers pass. Never park in them or block them!

• Potholes are a real issue on many of Skye’s rural roads; hit one hard and you risk serious tyre or wheel damage.

• Mobile signal is patchy in places, so download offline maps and save key locations in advance.

Travel tip: The best way to explore Scotland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Scotland, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

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How to drive on the Isle of Skye

If you’re planning to drive on the Isle of Skye for the first time and feel unsure about single-track roads and passing places, this guide is for you. It’ll help you feel prepared and confident before you set off.

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1. Skye’s single-track roads

Single-track roads are everywhere on Skye, from the dramatic drive to Elgol, to the winding route out to Neist Point or the Quiraing. These are narrow roads with room for just one vehicle at a time, so when you meet someone coming the other way, one of you needs to pull into a passing place (we’ll cover those in a moment).

Here’s how to handle them with confidence:

• Look well ahead. Scan the road as far as you can see for oncoming vehicles.

• Use your passenger as a co-pilot. Ask them to help watch for cars; another set of eyes is always helpful.

• Don’t rush. Driving too fast on Skye’s single-tracks can land you in trouble - whether that’s a near miss, a ditch, or just sheer panic.

• Give yourself extra time. If you’re new to these kinds of roads, allow for longer travel times between stops. Trust me, you’ll want the breathing room.

• Let faster drivers pass. If there’s a car behind you that clearly knows the road better, pull into a passing place when safe and let them by. It’s not just polite—it helps reduce frustration and keeps the roads flowing smoothly.

💡 All the iconic highlights and best places to visit — and the best routes to get there — are included in my detailed Skye itinerary. It’s a downloadable guide designed to make your trip planning effortless, with tried-and-tested routes based on my time exploring the island.

2. How to use passing places

If there’s one thing you absolutely need to master for driving Skye’s single-track roads, it’s the art of the passing place.

When the road narrows so much that two cars simply cannot pass side by side, you’ll find these passing places (essentially small lay-bys) carved into the roadside, usually spaced every 200 metres or so.

They are absolutely vital for keeping traffic flowing smoothly across the island’s many narrow routes.

Keep in mind, these roads were originally built for local traffic: farmers, delivery vans, and the occasional school bus. Certainly not the surge of tourists we see today. Right now, the local council are working to improve the road network (wider lanes and more passing places), but it’s a big project with ways to go.

Most of the time, passing places are clearly marked with black and white triangular signs, and have plenty of room for two vehicles to safely pass. But in some more remote spots—especially on minor roads around Waternish or Minginish—you might find them unmarked, smaller, or rougher underfoot, with gravel or mud making the surface less stable.

Stay alert, watch the road carefully, and keep an eye out for these little havens where you can safely pull over to let other cars by. They’re your key to stress-free driving on Skye.

Here’s how it works:

• If a car is approaching, one of you needs to pull into a passing place. It’s not a showdown—save the Wild West energy for a whisky bar.

• The golden rule? Whoever is closest to the passing place should use it. Sometimes that means a gentle roll forward; other times, yes, you’ll need to reverse.

• Never cross the road to get to a passing place. In the UK, we drive on the left. If the bay is on your right, stop on your side and wait for the other car to pull in. Once they’re tucked in, proceed slowly and carefully past, giving them space to rejoin behind you.

• Flashing headlights and indicators are often used as polite signals—like saying “You go ahead, I’ve pulled in.” If you’re letting someone through, a quick left indicator and flash does the trick.

• On hills, the car travelling uphill has priority—it’s much easier (and safer) to maintain momentum going up than it is to reverse mid-slope.

The roads might be narrow, but a bit of awareness and patience turns them into a rhythm you’ll soon get used to. And when both drivers do the right thing, it’s a tiny moment of harmony that keeps the traffic flowing.

3. What not to do in Skye’s passing places

Passing places are there to keep traffic moving, not for coffee breaks, drone flights, or quick photos of the scenery.

Pulling over to admire the view is fine if you find a proper lay-by or parking area. But blocking a passing place, even for a minute, can cause chaos.

And if you’ve missed a passing place and find yourself nose-to-nose with another car, do not try your luck with the verge. Hidden ditches, boggy mud and sharp edges have ended many a Skye road trip prematurely. I've seen cars properly beached and tyres torn to shreds.

If you need to reverse, take it slowly and carefully—it's always the better option.

4. Passing place etiquette

There’s a whole quiet language that happens on single-track roads—waves, flashes, nods—and if you don’t speak it, you’ll stand out immediately. In the Highlands, using a passing place comes with a very simple code:

• Always acknowledge the other driver. A wave, smile, thumbs-up, a lift of the hand from the wheel—whatever feels natural. It’s a small thing, but it matters.

• And reciprocate. Someone gave way for you—return the courtesy with a thank you.

• Feeling nervous? If it’s your first go at passing place navigation and you're sweating through your t-shirt, ask your passenger to do the wave for you.

• Take a moment. Everyone remembers their first time on these tricky roads, and people are incredibly understanding. Just a little gesture to say “give me a minute”, and you’ll get lots of space to do your thing.

5. When in doubt, go with common sense

There’s no official handbook for navigating Skye’s single-track roads—no Highway Code section titled “What to do when a herd of sheep blocks your path”.

A lot of it simply comes down to instinct, patience, and basic politeness. If something doesn’t feel safe, don’t do it. If you’re unsure who should give way, err on the side of generosity. And if you’re ever stuck, slow down, breathe, and take your time. A little courtesy goes a long way on Highland roads.

6. Hazards you won’t find on Google Maps

Skye’s roads aren’t just shared with other drivers—you’re in the territory of some truly free-roaming locals.

Deer, pheasants, and rabbits often appear out of nowhere, especially at dusk. Sheep are a constant fixture at the roadside, seemingly unbothered by traffic. And cows? They don’t move for anyone.

It goes without saying you need to drive sensibly when wildlife is present, but always keep your eyes peeled for an unexpected appearance!

7. Campervans on Skye

There’s no denying the appeal of exploring Skye in a campervan—freedom, flexibility, and waking up to some of the most breathtaking views in Scotland. I travel the island this way myself, and it’s an incredible way to experience the landscape.

But van life does come with its challenges, especially here. Many of Skye’s roads are narrow, winding, and single-track—not designed for oversized motorhomes. The bigger the vehicle, the harder it is to navigate tight corners, squeeze into passing places, or reverse when needed (and you will need to reverse).

In addition to that, slower speeds, limited overtaking spots, and congestion have become real issues, especially in summer.

If you’re hiring a van for your Skye adventure, go small. A compact camper makes the whole experience easier, safer, and far less stressful for you and everyone else on the road.

For more advice on doing van life the right way, these Scotland motorhome experts have some great tips on driving responsibly and travelling respectfully.

8. Don’t rely on your phone for navigation

Phone and internet signals in Skye’s more remote parts are frequently hard to find.

Entire stretches of road (think Glen Brittle) are total black spots, so if you're depending on your phone for directions, you might find yourself without a clue where to go.

If you’re using Google Maps for navigation, I can’t stress enough how important it is to make your map available offline. This means you can still find your way around even without a signal. It’s also a great idea to save your accommodation, petrol stations, and any sites on your map - or at least have a note of them to save you from getting lost if you can’t access the internet.

Also, watch out for road signs, which are frequently more helpful in rural locations than Google Maps!

9. Remember you're sharing these roads with the people who call Skye home

This might be my last point, but it’s also one of the most important.

It’s easy to get swept up in the magic of a Skye road trip—every bend seems to reveal a new mountain, waterfall or sea view. But while you’re soaking in the scenery, it’s important to remember that these narrow, rural roads are not just part of your adventure—they’re vital lifelines for the people who live here.

That car behind you isn’t just impatient—it might be a local trying to get to work, pick up their kids, make a hospital appointment, or simply get home after a long shift. In recent years, places like Skye have seen a huge surge in visitor numbers, and what were once peaceful, quiet roads now see long queues and frequent hold-ups.

So please: pull over to let others pass, keep passing places clear, and drive with care. A little road respect goes a long way—and it’s one of the easiest ways to leave a positive impact while you’re here.

10. Other things that are good to know

• This year, we’ve seen some outrageous potholes and sharp roadside drop-offs that will absolutely damage your car if you hit them hard or at the wrong angle. Please keep your eyes peeled and prepare to avoid them.

• Have your breakdown cover details handy!

• Don’t slam your brakes on because you’ve seen a Highland Cow or Insta-worthy vista. This causes so many road accidents on the island; turn somewhere sensible and circle back.

• Attractions are generally marked with brown signposts.

• Parking charges are standard in car parks, and generally payable with coins, a card, or the Ringo app.

• You’ll find the basic rules of the road - speed limits, signage, and highway code essentials - in our main Scotland driving post.

• The RAC have helpful information about driving in the UK.

• And you’ll find the all-important Highway Code on the government’s dedicated site.