28/05/2024
10 TIPS FOR DRIVING ON SKYE 🚘
When we moved to Skye in October the roads were relatively quiet, but people kept warning us how crazy things would get come the beginning of the season.
And it was seriously like a switch flipped and we haven’t been able to leave our house to drive anywhere without witnessing some kind of incident!
I don’t want to just be down on visitors driving here, because I’m sure no one WANTS to be a bad driver, and I’m sure much of the things we see and deal with are due to lack of education.
So I thought I’d comment some tips for driving on Skye. Feel free to chime in in the comments, but constructively rather than critically please! ❤️
1. Know the speed limits and signs - The speed limit, unless otherwise stated, is generally 60mph on the open road and either 20mph or 30mph in villages/towns so keep an eye out for those changes. Speed limits are designated by round signs. There are some confusing rectangle signs on the main road where it drops to 40 for heavy vehicles that people often slow down for when they don’t need to. You will also not see a sign to speed up again, but a round white sign with a black diagonal line, which means it goes back up to the maximum for that type of road (generally 60mph on a single carriageway or single track). Check the Highway Code for examples and explanations. Although not everyone will be comfortable driving 60mph on some roads, which brings me to…
2. Pull over SAFELY if you are slowing down traffic - Last week I had two drivers just stop right on the road to allow me to pass, when there was traffic coming the other way so it wasn’t actually helpful, but dangerous instead. If you have a line of cars behind you, or know you’re travelling much slower, look for a safe space to pull off the road so traffic can pass. You can also pull over in a passing place to allow cars to pass, just indicate to the left or put your hazards on and they’ll understand to pass you. Which brings me to…
3. Know how to navigate single track roads - Single tracks roads have various passing places on each side of the road. You do not cross the road to pull into a space, but stay on the left side so the other car always passes on your right, even if they have to dip into the passing place to do so. The exception is pulling across into a space for a large vehicle like a lorry/construction vehicle. Always be looking ahead to judge which place is best for you and the other car to meet at. You don’t need to stop miles away if there are more passing places between you. But don’t join long lines of cars as you won’t all fit in the smaller passing places if you meet multiple vehicles also coming the other way, so hang back if there’s a cluster of cars ahead. If someone flashes their lights at you it means they’re waiting for you. Give a polite wave as thanks for anyone waiting! Which also brings me to…
4. Practice reversing - Some people may not have to reverse much in their daily driving life, but we do it a LOT. If you pass a passing place by accident and you’re closest to it you should reverse to allow the other car to pass. Also, you should give way to vehicles coming uphill where you can, so you may need to reverse back uphill if you’ve passed a place. You need to be able to reverse and curve back into spaces, or go straight back and pull forwards into the passing space. Practice if you’re not used to it! We often see people panicking and making mistakes when reversing, or point blank refusing to and going off the road which ruins the road verges.
5. Watch out for potholes. Having a flat tire is not fun. Also a reason why you shouldn’t drive off the verges because it creates more holes and more chances for tire damage.
6. NEVER park in a passing place. Ever.
7. Use designated carparks - The carparks at the main attractions do full up. Don’t use that as a reason to park on verges nearby. Be prepared to change plans, and try to visit at less popular times (I actually think morning is the worst).
8. Watch out for other road users, including livestock - Give cyclists space, even if it means slowing down to wait until you can pass safely. Also watch out for livestock on the roads. Especially lambs around spring!
9. If you want to look at something, stop safely - don’t just slow down and hold up traffic, or drive erratically. Quickly look for somewhere safe to pull over or plan to return and find somewhere on your way back/another time.
10. Find a way to centre your car in the lane - I can’t tell you how many drivers I follow who can’t seem to find the centre of the lane, bouncing between on/over the centre line and on/almost off the left-hand side of the road. I’ve also watched two campervans smash their wing mirrors on a wide road because both were so close to the centre line! If you’re not used to narrower roads or driving on the other side you need to find something in the car you know lines you up in the middle of the road. Use your mirrors! Sometimes its something on a dash you keep in line with the side of the road, or something about your own position in the driver’s seat (maybe just right of the centre) that keeps you on track, literally.
And that’s my top tips! Lots of questions have come my way about driving, so hoping this helps some. If you’ve been here/live here I’d welcome your tips too because I’ll write a longer post about it. But like I mentioned, please stay constructive so everyone can learn! 🙏
