Scotland - Isle of Skye Trek

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland as you embark on an 80-mile adventure along the renowned Isle of Skye Trail. Experience the rugged beauty of this iconic destination, where every step reveals vistas, majestic mountains, and serene lochs. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a nature enthusiast, the Isle of Skye offers a unique escape into the wild. Prepare for an unforgettable journey with natural wonder and rich Scottish heritage.

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Day 1 - July 18th: Arrive in Edinburgh

 

• Today you will arrive in the most historic city in all of Scotland, Edinburgh. After getting a transfer to our hotel, enjoy walking around this majestic "fairy tale" of a city before meeting the larger group at a local pub for dinner. Accommodation: Edinburgh

 

Day 2 - July 19th: Arrive in Broadford, Skye 

 

• Today is your chance to make your way to our start point in Broadford. In the morning, we will depart as a group for a shuttle to the the island (6 hour trip from Edinburgh) where your first night’s accommodation will be waiting for you. You will have the opportunity to meet your guides and the rest of the group in a local pub this evening, before the walking begins tomorrow! Accommodation - Broadford (B)

 

Day 3 - July 20th: Walking to Torrin - 12 miles 

 

• This is the first day of walking, where the adventure really begins. Once everybody has got their lunches we will be walking to Torrin, which is 12 miles walking in total, 460m of ascent and will take us around 6 hours. We will use a minor road to leave Broadford and soon follow a good track with excellent views of Beinn Na Caillich. This section of the trail follows the old Marble Line, the route of a railway line that ran between Broadford and a series of Marble quarries which has been closed since 1912. Next we will follow a rougher path, heading towards to the coast and will continue by following the coastal route around Loch Eishort to the ruins of Boreraig and Suishnish. The population of these small hamlets was forcibly removed during the Highland clearances in 1853. A good track followed by a rougher coastal section which brings us to Torrin itself, whereby we will gain excellent views of Bla Bheinn and The Red Cuillin Hills. Accommodation – Broadford (B)

 

Day 4 - July 21st: Walking to Elgol – 10 miles 

 

• Today's walk to Elgol is an easier, shorter day. It is just 10 miles with a little under 400m of ascent and will take us around 5 hours to walk. We begin by following a section of road around the head of Loch Slapin. This simple section of walking allows you to make the most of the breathtaking views of Bla Bheinn and Clach Glas. Once we leave the road we will ascend through a forestry section of the trail until we reach the heather moorland above. The path here is less defined and boggy underfoot with spectacular views of the Skye Trail behind. After a glimpse of the peninsular of Sleat we will descend back to the road once more. We follow the road through to Kilmarie to a secluded, pebble beach before continuing along good footpaths and tracks until we reach the road to Elgol. Accommodation - Broadford (B)

 

Day 5 - July 22nd: Walking to Sligachan – 11.5 miles 

 

• One of the most scenic days of The Skye Trail. Today begins by following a very narrow path above steep drops, where great care will be needed on this dramatic section! For those nervous of heights just let your guide know so they can give you the extra encouragement and support you may need. The views from here to The Black Cuillin are some of the most spectacular of the trek. There is an alternative start point should this section be something you don’t wish to undertake. Once we reach the beach at Camasunary the path becomes a wider track. The terrain underfoot is easier going and so the inspiring views of the Black Cuillin to the left and the Red Cuillin to the right can be fully enjoyed. This path will take you all the way to Sligachan itself and offers one of the most beautiful walks in the UK. You will be walking a total of 11.5 miles today with 350m of ascent, and it will take us around 7 hours to complete. Accommodation - Broadford (B)

 

Day 6 - July 23rd: Walking to Portree - 12 miles

 

• Today we will begin heading out of Sligachan by crossing a small river. We will then be following the narrow coastal path that gives excellent view over Loch Sligachan until we reach an area known as The Braes. Once we reach The Braes we will be rewarded with views over the Narrows of Rassay and to The Isle of Rassay itself. This section of The Skye Trail is a simple and quiet road walk for much of the afternoon. As we begin to reach Portree we will leave the road and follow the edge of the estuary before making our way into the town of Portree itself. This 12-mile day has 300m of ascent and will take us around 5-6 hours to complete. Accommodation – Portree (B)

 

Day 7 - July 24th: Walking to The Storr – 9 miles 

 

• Today’s walk to The Storr from Portree is 9 miles, 600m of ascent and will take us approximately 5 hours to complete. We will begin by following the Skye Trail around the outskirts of Portree, with beautiful views over Portree Harbour. We will then ascend up above the sea cliffs to a rough path. Much of the day we continue following this undulating route over some rough and often boggy ground. The walk is well worth the effort and many an eagle has been spotted in this area. On a clear day, views of Raasay, Rona and even Torridon on the mainland can be enjoyed. Heading North we will gain views of The Storr and The Trotternish Ridge, our challenge for tomorrow. Accommodation - Portree (B)

 

Day 8 - July 25th: The Trotternish Ridge - 14 miles 

 

• Today we will be walking the toughest section of the the Skye Trail; trekking The Trotternish Ridge. We have 14 miles of walking to complete, including 1450m of ascent (more than Ben Nevis) and it should take us 9-10 hours to complete. The day will begin by climbing towards the summit of The Storr until we are on one of the finest ridge walks in the UK. After reaching the ridge line we start up the summit of Hartaval and continue on to Sgurr a’Mhalaidh, Beinn Edra and 7 other summits! After completing our final summit of Bioda Buidhe we begin a final descent to the road. Although this is an incredibly hard day it is also perhaps the best and certainly the most memorable of the trail. Accommodation - Portree (B)

 

Day 9 - July 26th: Walking to Kilmaluag – 10.5 miles

 

• Our last day of walking is 10.5 miles, 500m of ascent and it will take us about 6-7 hours. We will begin by walking through The Quiraing. This incredible area includes the rock formations of The Prison, The Needle and The Table and is one of the most famous features on the Island. We will then descend past Loch Langaig before we reach the road and the outskirts of Flodigarry. After a short walk down the road you will continue along a very rough path, which soon becomes a scenic costal route. Much of the rest of the day will be on moorlands making use of rough paths until we gain sight of the headland itself. The Skye Trail is complete once we reach the cliffs above Rubha Hunish, the closest we can get to the the Northerly tip of the Isle of Skye without climbing the vertical cliffs below. Once here the route is complete and a short walk back over the moorland will bring us out to the road and our transport which will take you back through Skye to Portree. Accommodation – Portree (B)

 

Day 10 - July 27th: Departure 

 

• Today, after breakfast, you will have come to the end of your holiday with the guides and it is time for us to make our way back to Edinburgh via shuttle. You are free to take an evening flight back home, or feel free to stay another night in Edinburgh (hotel stay can be added for an extra charge).