Portree Skye Coast and Ridge Loop

A circuit of a peninsula on the Isle of Skye, starting from the island's main town. The road runs north along a sea loch to a ferry village, climbs out on a tight hairpin, then follows the exposed western and eastern coast beneath a long, jagged ridge, with the Outer Hebrides on the horizon and sheep on the road.

This is the Highlands at their most demanding: much of the loop is single-track with passing places, with a steep hairpin near the start, cattle grids, and wind that comes straight off the sea. Expect slow progress, heavy summer traffic and camper vans, and use the passing places early. Fuel is limited to the start town, so fill up before you leave. It is short in miles but a full half-day, best on a clear weekday outside the peak months.