The Isle of Skye
Visiting the Isle of Skye is a uniquely Scottish experience. This is a land of clans and castles, a place of myths and legends. Scotland’s most famous island is home to spectacular and varied landscape as well as excellent accommodation and superb food.
The Isle of Skye lies off the west coast of Scotland, about a 240 kilometre drive north of Glasgow. Measuring 80 kilometres in length and 40 kilometres in width, the island contains many distinct and unique terrains. Portree is the picturesque main town on the island and is a thriving cultural centre as well as a busy port. Its brightly coloured buildings are nestled around a natural harbour and and the harbour is fringed by high cliffs.
There are excellent walking trails across the different regions of the island. The southern peninsula of Sleat is known as the garden peninsula. It features coastal and woodland walks, sandy bays, a scenic lighthouse and the Armadale Castle.
The central region showcases the challenging Cuillin Mountains. Whilst scaling the mountains is best suited to experienced mountaineers, their grandeur and beauty can be appreciated from lakeside and valley trails. Walking beside Loch Scavaig and Loch Coruisk and through Glen Sligachan affords memorable vistas of the Black Cuillin Range.
The northern Trotternish Peninsula is home to stark sculptural rock formations such as the famous Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr. North Skye also features fascinating fossils and dinosaur prints. The best place to see these is at Duntulm and Staffin Beaches as well as the Staffin Museum.
Other highlights can be found in West Skye. The Neist Point Lighthouse is the most spectacular lighthouse in Scotland. It stands proudly atop soaring cliffs on the most westerly tip of Skye near Glendale and is the perfect spot for stunning sunset photos. Another popular sight in West Skye are the Fairy Pools and Waterfalls which are located on the crystal clear waters of the River Brittle near Glenbrittle.
The Isle of Skye offers many day and multi-day walks and there are a number of tour operators offering a variety of walking trips.
The most well-known of the longer multi-day walks is probably the relatively new Skye Trail. This is a challenging unofficial 128 kilometre route that runs the entire length of the island. The walk can be undertaken as a guided trip and that is recommended unless you’re an experienced walker competent at map reading as the route is not waymarked and includes off-trail sections. The walk has been designed to give access to B&B accommodation at the end of each section.
The self-guided walking tour operators offer a shorter version of the Skye Trail that’s more accessible.
Many walkers tackle the Isle of Skye by basing themselves in one or two locations and undertaking day walks. The walking tour operators have tapped into this and have crafted walking itineraries, including accommodation and transfers, tailored to the time available to walkers and their inclinations. These packages are available on a guided or self-guided basis.
We can help you choose a walk itinerary on the Isle of Skye and an operator that best suits your needs.