It isn't as simple as you might imagine to drive on the single track roads of Skye! I encounter plenty of tourists who think they are being helpful by pulling in to a passing place - but actually they've pulled on to the wrong side of the road.

Driving on the Isle of Skye can be challenging for those unaccustomed to single-track roads and unpredictable weather. While the main A-roads are standard two-lane highways, many of the most famous tourist routes (like the drive to the Quiraing or Neist Point) consist of a single lane with "passing places." You must be comfortable with the etiquette of pulling over to the left to let oncoming traffic pass or allowing faster drivers behind you to overtake. In 2026, the island faces significant "overtourism," meaning these narrow roads are often congested with large campervans and tour buses, which can be intimidating on steep, winding terrain. Additionally, free-roaming sheep are a constant hazard, often wandering directly onto the road. It is a peer-to-peer "pro-tip" to always keep your fuel tank at least half full, as gas stations are sparse, and to avoid using GPS as your sole guide, as it may lead you onto unsuitable "farm tracks" that are not intended for standard rental cars.