Driving on Skye can be stressful if you're not used to Highland roads or driving on the left. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
Armed with a little knowledge, you can reduce stress and feel more confident when traveling around the island.
When we moved to Skye in October, the roads were relatively quiet, but we were constantly warned about how crazy things could get during the May to September season.
They are not wrong!
It really was like a switch was flipped and we couldn't leave our house and drive anywhere without witnessing some kind of event!
I don't want to just put down tourists who come here to drive, because I'm sure no one wants to be a bad driver, and I'm sure a lot of the things we see and deal with are due to a lack of education.
So, I wanted to write up some tips for driving on Skye.
1. Know the speed limits and signs
Unless otherwise stated, the speed limit is usually 60mph on open roads and 20mph or 30mph in villages/towns, so be aware of these changes.
Round signs indicate speed limits. After slowing down in a construction zone, you also don't see a sign to speed up again, but instead you see a round white sign with a black diagonal line, which means it reverts to the top speed for that type of road (usually 60 mph) single lane or single track).
There are some confusing rectangular signs on the main road, with signs down to 40 for heavy vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, and people often slow down when they don't need to.
Apparently this sign is quite rare but has appeared a few times on the Isle of Skye! Watch out for it on the road between Broadford and Portree.
Another sign you'll see many times on the main road between Bridges and Portree is Give Way on Narrow Road/Bridge. It usually has arrows indicating which lane should give way to another lane. Please watch and wait for traffic to pass before proceeding.
Those of us who live here would consider the main roads (two lanes, one in each direction of traffic) to be very simple to drive and mostly 60 mph. However, I know that visitors who are not familiar with the roads sometimes find it impossible to achieve this amount.
While it's not a goal, and you do need to drive at a speed you feel is safe, it's also important to be aware of other traffic on the road and who feels comfortable driving to that level. We often get stuck behind people traveling at 40 mph or less.
This got me thinking…
2. If you are slowing traffic, pull over safely
One week I had two drivers stop in the middle of the road to let me overtake when there was oncoming traffic, so that actually wasn't helpful and was dangerous.
If there is a line of cars behind you or you know you are going much slower, find a safe parking spot and pull over to the side of the road so traffic can pass. This is usually a parking area or a place of interest.
If it's a single lane road, you can also pull over where you're passing and let cars pass; just turn left or sign a hazard and they'll understand and pass you. Let them know early so they don't come after you!
This got me thinking…
3. Know how to drive on single track
A single-lane road has only one lane for traffic in both directions, but has different access points on both sides of the road so that cars can go around each other before continuing on.
There are definitely some rules you need to know to be able to drive on these roads safely in a way that is suitable for all road users.
First, the left-hand driving rule still applies to single-lane roads. You don't cross the street into a parking space, but stay on the left next to the parking space so that another car always passes on your right, even if they have to move into the passing position to do so.
The exception is pulling into a parking space for larger vehicles such as trucks or construction vehicles so they don't have to maneuver around you in the parking space. If you think this is necessary because it is a small intersection that their vehicle cannot enter, then slow down and use your turn signal when you arrive at the parking space so the driver knows what you are doing.
Always look ahead and judge which location is best for you and the other car to meet. If there's more passing between you, you don't need to stop a few miles away. Generally speaking, those of us who are accustomed to the road will judge this when driving, and can constantly pass each other wherever we pass.
Don't pull onto the side of the road to overtake; use the space you pass correctly.
It is very important not to join long queues as if you encounter multiple cars also coming from the other direction you will not all be able to fit into the smaller passing position, so if there is a group of cars in front of you, move back.
For example, passing places usually only have room for 2-3 cars, so if you're in a queue of 4 cars and you encounter multiple cars coming from the other direction, you won't be able to accommodate them all space to pass, so you need to wait where you pass behind.
If someone flashes their light at you, it means they are waiting for you and you should move on.
Wave politely to the person waiting for you to say thank you! This also makes me think…
4. Practice reversing
Some people may not need to back up much in their daily driving, but we do it all the time.
If you accidentally drive past a passing spot and you are closest to it, you should reverse to let another vehicle pass.
Additionally, you should give way to vehicles traveling uphill whenever possible, so if you pass somewhere you may need to reverse back uphill.
You need to be able to reverse and curve back into the space, or pull straight back and forward into the passing space. If you’re not used to it, just practice more!
We often see people panic, make mistakes when reversing, or simply refuse to reverse and veer off the road, which can damage the edge of the road and lead to issues like potholes or blown tires.
5. Watch out for potholes
Having a flat tire is no fun. These can be caused by potholes or by driving off the edge of the road to overtake on the edge rather than using the overtaking spot correctly. The edges are sharp and can pop off the inside of the tire, which can also lead to more potholes on the sides of the road.
Unfortunately, when this happens, you can also block a single track road so traffic can't flow in either direction. You don't want to be that person!
6. Never park in a passing area. once.
Some of the places you pass by are unmarked, but don’t be fooled! You can tell by looking at the roads and places you pass as they are often very regular, or the corners on the roads may be wider.
Parking in these areas can be dangerous to other road users.
7. Use designated parking lots
During peak season, parking lots at major attractions do fill up. Don’t use this as a reason to park on the side of the road nearby. Be prepared to change plans and try to visit at less popular times (I actually think mornings are the worst!).
If you're visiting during the summer, try to visit early (before 9am) or wait until later in the day. The days are long, so make the most of it!
8. Watch out for other road users, including livestock
Give cyclists and motorcyclists space, even if it means slowing down to wait for safety to pass. The roads are not wide and the wind is strong, so you may have to wait a while before it is safe.
Also, be aware of livestock on the roads. Especially the spring lambs!
9. If you want to see something, stop safely
Don't just slow down and hold up traffic or drive erratically!
If you see something you want to stop, quickly find a safe place to park or make a note and plan to return and find somewhere on the way back/next time.
Don't park in passing areas for the same reasons you don't park in these areas!
10. Find a way to center your car in the lane
I can't tell you how many drivers I follow who can't seem to find the center of the lane, jumping between being on/over the center line and on/almost off the left side of the road.
I also saw two campervans with their wing mirrors smashed on the open road as they were both very close to the center line!
If you're not used to narrower roads than at home or driving on the other side, you'll need to find something in your car that you know you can line up in the middle of the road.
Sometimes something on the dashboard that aligns you with the curb, or your own position in the driver's seat (perhaps just to the right of center), actually keeps you on track.
You can also use your rearview mirror for this purpose, giving a quick glance to check your position.
That’s my top tip!
I get a lot of questions about driving so I hope this helps. If you have any further questions about driving on Skye you can join our Isle of Skye Travel Tips Facebook Group Go ask!
