With this walking holiday you will explore the spectacular and varied landscapes on the Isle of Skye – the jewel of Scotland’s island crown.
Enjoy some of the best hiking in Scotland, if not the world as you explore the north, south, east and west of Skye on a series of hikes. With excellent accommodation and wonderful food, this trip takes you away from the crowds and well-known routes, allowing you to discover some wonderful hikes that get under the skin of Scotland’s most famous island. You will also learn of the myths and legends, passed down through generations, that make this place so magical and mysterious.
Accommodation in the Isle of Skye
This itinerary is based in two different locations throughout the course of the week, with 3 nights in South Skye and 3 nights in North Skye.
Our accommodation in Southern Skye is a 3-star, 2 rosette privately owned hotel with spectacular views over the Sound of Sleat to the Knoydart Hills. In Northern Skye, we stay in a owner-managed 3-star hotel which benefits from fantastic views across Uig Bay.
Walking along the Isle of Skye
On this walking holiday, you will explore all corners of Skye on a series of hikes which show off the best of this fabled island. From gentle bays to wave-ravaged peninsulas, elegant glens and tortured rock formations – Skye delights and surprises at every turn.
We’ll cross onto Skye using the unique turntable ferry, take a boat trip to a remote loch and eventually leave the island by crossing the famous Skye Bridge. Eilean a’ Cheò – the island of mist – is a place which draws hikers back time and time again for its special blend of wild landscapes, beautiful light and rich culture.
The Isle of Skye walking holiday itinerary
Meals included each day are indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors.
Day 1 – Inverness to the Isle of Skye – Leaving Inverness, we make our way west via Loch Ness and the spectacular mountains of Kintail before arriving on Skye. Here we can enjoy a short hike around Portree Bay and have time to explore this quirky little town before heading to our accommodation to settle in and enjoy our welcome dinner. (L, D)
Walk details: 4km, approx. 2 hrs
Day 2 – Hiking the Trotternish Peninsula – After enjoying breakfast, we drive up a steep road which takes us to The Quiraing. We enjoy a fantastic hike here through the stark and unusual rock formations and landscapes, all the time admiring sweeping views across the Sound of Raasay to Torridon and Wester Ross. Afterwards, we can explore the very north of the Trotternish Peninsula, or perhaps visit Kilt Rock and the charming village of Staffin on this relaxing day. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 8km, approx. 4hrs
Day 3 – Far west to Neist Point – We transfer west – almost as far as we can go! Our hike today takes in Neist Point, the most westerly point on Skye and a wonderful viewpoint. Starting from near Neist point, we follow a faint trail northwards along the cliff tops, with wonderful sea views that can stretch as far as the Outer Hebrides; and of Neist Point itself. After completing a coastal circuit, we finish by following the trail out to Neist Point itself. (B,L)
Walk details: 11km, approx. 5hrs
Day 4 – Exploring the Glen Brittle – Glen Brittle lies in south-west Skye, and is the starting point for many hikes and scrambles to the Cuillin summits. Although we are not venturing onto the rocky peaks and ridges of the Cuillin, Glen Brittle is a great place for hiking, as the views to the high summits are spectacular. There are many great options for hikes including an easy wander to Talisker Bay, the popular hike to the Fairy Pools, or even a hike up into one of the coires for a taste of the high mountains. (B,L)
Walk details: Variable – up to 10km, approx. 5hrs
Day 5 – Wild Loch Coruisk and the Cuillin Mountains – The wild and jagged peaks of the Black Cuillin are a real highlight of a visit to Skye. While the summits are accessible only through challenging scrambles, their beauty is easy to appreciate from more forgiving glens. We take a boat trip to the remote southern edge of the Cuillin. After being dropped off in this lonely and wild spot, we circumnavigate Loch Coruisk, perhaps Scotland’s most dramatic loch, with sharp summits rising straight from the shoreline. A memorable and spectacular hike. (B, L)
Walk details: 7km, approx. 4 hrs
Day 6 – The Clearance villages – While the landscapes of the Highlands have always been wild, many remote glens and bays had small populations until fairly recent times. The Highland Clearances – a dark blotch on Scotland’s history – hastened the demise of many small communities. On this coastal circuit, we’ll pass through the sites of two villages which were abandoned during the Clearances. The peaceful landscape of today contrasts with the harsh emotions felt at the time of the evictions. This walk is slightly longer than others on this trip, but worth that bit of extra effort! (B, L)
Walk details: 13km, approx. 6hrs
Day 7 – Glenelg and return to Inverness – Leaving our accommodation, we depart Skye via the unique community-owned ‘turntable ferry’. Arriving in Glenelg, a remote village on the mainland, we hike down to the coast to see the site of the house where the famous author Gavin Maxwell lived when he wrote ‘Ring of Bright Water’. We visit the well-preserved Brochs – Iron Age dwellings – in Glenelg before make our way east via the spectacular Mam Ratagan Pass back to Inverness. (B, L)
Walk details: 3km, approx. 2 hrs
Dates and Availability
For specific dates for 2022, please contact the holiday provider through the contact form below.
A single room supplement of £495 is charged if a single room is available.
Please contact the holiday provider, through the contact form below, for more information.
