Major city · United Kingdom
ColbostCealabost
Come for one night at most: a restaurant, a lighthouse walk and a dead-end lane. Without a car, skip it — buses run 3–5 times a day.
Colbost is a scattered crofting township on the Duirinish peninsula, the western dead end of Skye past Dunvegan. There is no village centre, no pub and no shop: the lane strings together Colbost, Skinidin, Glendale, Lephin and Milovaig, then stops. People come for one restaurant, the Neist Point lighthouse walk and the quiet. Everything else on Skye is a drive away.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep
- avoid Jul–Aug (midges, peak prices), Nov–Mar (many places shut)
- Airports
- INV · GLA · EDI
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Colbost999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Colbost, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are the single-track roads, weather that turns fast on the Neist Point path…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance, coastguard · 101 police non-urgent · 111 NHS non-urgent (Scotland)
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckINV Inverness (About 3 h 30 min by road to Skye via the A82 and A87; check car hire hours.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and cake at a lane café£5–9 (≈ US$7–12)
- Sit-down mealDinner, main course, mid-range£18–30 (≈ US$25–40)
- Street or quick mealSoup or sandwich lunch£8–14 (≈ US$11–19)
- BeerPint in a Dunvegan pub£5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£6–12 (≈ US$8–16)
- Budget bedHostel or bunkhouse bed, a night, per person£30 (≈ US$40)
- Mid-range bedB&B double room, a night, per room£160 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedB&B double room, a night, per room£270 (≈ US$400)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £85 (≈ US$120) · High £160 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- INV Inverness (About 3 h 30 min by road to Skye via the A82 and A87; check car hire hours.) · GLA Glasgow (About 5 h 30 min by road; the usual arrival airport for Skye by car.) · EDI Edinburgh (About 6 h by road; rail to Kyle of Lochalsh then bus or taxi is the car-free option.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Apr
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
May
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jun
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jul
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Aug
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Sep
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Oct
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (22 rain days), driest May (15). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Colbost: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
22 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
Mar
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
20 rd
Apr
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
16 rd
May
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
15 rd
Jun
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
15 rd
Jul
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
18 rd
Aug
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
19 rd
Sep
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
20 rd
Oct
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
22 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
22 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
22 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The B884 from Dunvegan is single-track with passing places for the last stretch; Stagecoach bus 56 runs 3–5 times Monday–Saturday from Portree via Edinbane and Dunvegan, with a couple of journeys continuing to Colbost and Glendale/Milovaig. No bus on Sunday. Fuel and groceries: Dunvegan or Portree.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Neist Point Lighthouse
goDoor to door: About 30 min drive from Colbost plus a 20–30 min walk each way
Drive the B884 west through Glendale and Milovaig to the road end, then walk
The path is paved but steep at the start; the lighthouse is 19 m tall, built 1909. Go early or late for parking.
Dunvegan Castle
goDoor to door: About 25 min
B884 east to Dunvegan, then the castle car park
Gardens and castle; check opening times and last entry before you drive over.
Portree
goDoor to door: About 1 h by car; longer by bus
B884 to Dunvegan, then the A87 east; or Stagecoach bus 56
The nearest real town for supermarkets, banks and a wider choice of food.
Carbost and the Talisker distillery
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Back east to Sligachan, then the B8009
Talisker is made at Carbost, not Colbost; book a tour ahead and do not drink and drive the single-track roads.
MacLeod's Maidens
cautionDoor to door: About 5 h return on foot
Walk from the road end near Idrigill, south of the peninsula
A long, exposed coastal hike with no shelter; only with proper boots and a forecast you trust.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Colbost and Skinidin
The lane itself: guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering cottages; walk to the restaurant.
Glendale and Lephin
Two to four miles west; shop and café, still on the same dead-end road.
Milovaig
The far west end, closest to Neist Point; quietest, longest drive back east.
Dunvegan
Ten miles east: more beds, pubs and a Co-op if the lane is full or you want a fallback.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–120 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- £120 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B double room1 × 1 night × £160 | £160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £85 | £170 |
| Car hire, one day, small car1 × £60 | £60 |
| Fuel, about 60 miles of peninsula driving1 × £10 | £10 |
| Dinner at the Three Chimneys, per person before drinks2 × £90 | £180 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £8 | £16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £60 |
| Trip total≈ £328 per person per day, bed included | £656≈ US$900 |
2026 estimate in pounds; fuel and ferry or flight excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and cake at a lane café | £5–9 (≈ US$7–12) |
| Soup or sandwich lunch | £8–14 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Dinner, main course, mid-range | £18–30 (≈ US$25–40) |
| Dinner at the Three Chimneys, per person before drinks | £60–130 (≈ US$80–180) |
| Pint in a Dunvegan pub | £5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9) |
| Fuel, per litre | £1.45–1.65 (≈ US$2–3) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £6–12 (≈ US$8–16) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Midges from June to August, worst at dusk and in still, damp weather.
- Single-track road with passing places; pull in on the left and let uphill traffic keep moving.
- No pub, no off-licence and no shop in Colbost itself: buy food and drink before you arrive.
- Mobile signal is patchy; EE, O2 and Vodafone give some 4G, Three gives none, and there is no 5G.
- Sunday: buses do not run and several cafés and shops close.
- Book the restaurant and any B&B weeks ahead in summer; the lane has very few beds.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard
- 999
- Police non-urgent
- 101
- NHS non-urgent (Scotland)
- 111
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
ColbostCealabost
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Don seòladh seo, mas e do thoil eTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard999
- Police non-urgent101
- NHS non-urgent (Scotland)111
Embassy
No consulates on Skye: US citizens use the consulate general in Edinburgh, most other countries the embassies in London. Check before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Stagecoach bus 56, Portree → Colbost: 3–5 journeys Monday–Saturday, none on Sunday; buy on the bus or in the app
- Taxi, Dunvegan → Colbost: about £25–35 (≈ US$35–50), roughly 25 min
- Car hire, one day, small car: £40–90 (≈ US$55–120) plus fuel
Say or show
- Tapadh leat — Thank you (TAH-pah let)
- Madainn mhath — Good morning (MA-ting vah)
- Slàinte — Cheers (SLAHN-chuh)
- Càite a bheil an taigh-beag? — Where is the toilet? (KAH-tchuh vel an tye-bek)
- Am faod mi pàigheadh le cairt? — Can I pay by card? (am fued mee PIE-ugh le karsht)
Print this or keep it offline: signal on the peninsula is patchy and Three has none.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Colbost. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep · avoid Jul–Aug (midges, peak prices), Nov–Mar (many places shut) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for INV, GLA and EDI: last sensible arrival times, car-hire desk hours and a Dunvegan fallback bed.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: the Colbost lane, Glendale and Lephin, Milovaig and Neist Point, Dunvegan.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Neist Point path, Dunvegan Castle, Glendale Corn Mill exterior, Colbost Folk Museum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Weather and midge fixtures so the drive-out decision can go green or red on the day.