Caisteal Uisdean, Isle of Skye

Castle near Isle of Skye

Caisteal Uisdein
Caisteal Uisdein
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Dave Fergusson

Caisteal Uisdean, also known as Hugh's Castle, is one of the Isle of Skye's most hauntingly atmospheric ruins. Perched on a clifftop overlooking Loch Snizort Beag, this small tower house was built around 1589 by Hugh MacDonald, an outlaw-turned-laird whose dramatic life ended in betrayal and imprisonment. Although little of the structure survives today, the setting is unforgettable, with rugged scenery and sweeping sea views that make the site one of the top sights in the Isle of Skye for those who enjoy remote historic landscapes.

The ruin's simplicity adds to its charm. With thick walls, narrow arrow slits, and a stark rectangular footprint, it hints at a life of hardship, ambition, and violence during Skye's late medieval clan feuds. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Isle of Skye for travellers interested in little-known ruins and tales of power, revenge, and downfall.

History and Significance of Caisteal Uisdean

Caisteal Uisdean was built by Hugh MacDonald, son of Archibald the Clerk, a MacDonald chief who died under suspicious circumstances. Hugh believed his uncle, Donald Gorm Mor of Sleat, was responsible and sought revenge for years. After being outlawed for piracy and cattle raiding, Hugh was eventually pardoned and given stewardship of Trotternish.

Seeking to re-establish his authority, Hugh began construction of Caisteal Uisdean on a cliff above Loch Snizort Beag. The tower was simple but symbolically powerful-a statement of renewed influence in the region. Its design was similar to Castle Moil, with an entrance on the first floor leading into the hall.

However, Hugh's ambition undid him. Still determined to avenge his father, he tried and failed to incite rebellion. Captured on North Uist, he was imprisoned in Duntulm Castle and cruelly killed: fed salted beef but denied water until he died of dehydration. After his death, the tower was abandoned. Today, the remaining walls stand as a reminder of clan rivalry and one of the darkest stories in Skye's history.

Things to See and Do in Caisteal Uisdean

The key experience is the short walk to the ruin. Standing before the tower, you’ll notice how thick its walls are-over two metres-and how few openings exist at ground level. The arrow slits provided minimal light, while the original entrance on the first floor would have required an external stair or ladder.

Walk around the structure to appreciate its position. The tower rises from a natural cliff with sheer drops to the sea below, offering impressive views across Loch Snizort Beag and the surrounding coastline. Although only part of the structure remains, the drama of the landscape more than compensates for its modest scale.

This is one of the things to do in the Isle of Skye if you enjoy short, rewarding walks paired with atmospheric ruins far from the crowds.

How to Get to Caisteal Uisdean

Caisteal Uisdean is located on the Trotternish Peninsula just south of Uig. The nearest major airport is Inverness Airport, which provides access to the Highlands before travelling onward to Skye. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Isle of Skye on Booking.com.

Travellers arriving by train can reach Kyle of Lochalsh, cross the Skye Bridge by bus or car, and follow the A87 north toward Uig. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Driving is the easiest way to reach the site. Head north on the A87 and look for the left turn signed for Cuidrach (T). Limited parking is available near the end of the road, but a better option is the grass area beside a disused quarry about a kilometre down the track. From here, the 2.75-mile return walk can be completed in under two hours.

Practical Tips on Visiting Caisteal Uisdein

  • Suggested tips: Wear sturdy footwear; the ground can be wet, uneven, and slippery.
  • Best time to visit: Clear days provide the best clifftop views over Loch Snizort Beag.
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Always accessible.
  • Official website: Local tourism pages offer route notes and updates.
  • How long to spend: 1.5-2 hours including the walk and time at the ruin.
  • Accessibility: Not suitable for limited mobility due to rough paths and cliff edges.
  • Facilities: None nearby; Uig offers the closest amenities.
  • Photography tip: Capture the tower from the cliff edge with the sea as a backdrop for maximum drama.
  • Guided tours: Rare; visits are almost always self-guided.
  • Nearby food options: cafés and pubs in Uig provide meals before or after your walk.

Where to Stay close to Caisteal Uisdein

Uig is the closest base and ideal for exploring northern Skye. Consider Uig Hotel for comfort and sea views. For a more scenic stay along the eastern coastline, Flodigarry Hotel offers dramatic landscapes. A quieter alternative is Staffin House, just a short drive away.

Is Caisteal Uisdean Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially for travellers who enjoy remote ruins, atmospheric landscapes, and stories steeped in clan intrigue. Though small, Caisteal Uisdein offers a powerful sense of place and history, making it one of the must-see places in the Isle of Skye for those who seek lesser-known corners of the island.

FAQs for Visiting Caisteal Uisdein

About 2.75 miles return, usually completed in under two hours.
No, the structure is a ruin and unsafe to enter.
Yes for older children, but supervision is essential near the cliffs.
Sections of the tower walls up to around 20 feet high, arrow slits, and the footprint of the hall.

Nearby Attractions to Caisteal Uisdein

  • Uig Bay - Beautiful coastal views and ferry connections to the Outer Hebrides.
  • Fairy Glen - A surreal landscape of grassy cones and miniature hills.
  • The Quiraing - A dramatic landslip offering excellent walking routes.
  • Staffin Dinosaur Museum - Fossils and tours of local dinosaur footprints.
  • Duntulm Castle - Atmospheric clifftop ruins with strong clan MacDonald history.

The Caisteal Uisdean appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Isle of Skye!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Isle of Skye: 31 km

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