Hike The Skye Trail, Scotland

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Adventure Hosted by Stu

Stu Guide
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Scotland, United Kingdom
7 days
Max 8 per group
Mixed
Moderate

Adventure overview

Hike 127km through what may just be the best mountain range in the UK

Collection from Inverness train station or airport. Transfer to Skye. Short hike to wild camping spot.

  • Sunday: 16km to Flodigarry. Wild camp at Flodigarry.
  • Monday: 2km to The Quiraing and along the Trotternish Ridge. Wild camp at Trotternish Ridge.
  • Tuesday: 17km to Portree with views of the Storr and Cuillin. Night in a Portree bunkhouse (or nearby pub!).
  • Wednesday: 19km along Loch Sligachan or opt for a minibus ride and sightseeing. Camp at Camasunary bay.
  • Thursday: technical 15km cliffside route to Elgol. Relax in the village and enjoy Cuillin range views.
  • Friday: 17km to Torrin, potentially camping on a clifftop overlooking the bay.
  • Saturday: 20km to Broadford. Celebrate with a night in Broadford.
  • Sunday (AM): 2pm (roughly) drop-off at either Inverness train station or airport

OR DELUXE OPTION: For those seeking comfort: no wild camping, nightly accommodation, and an optional Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Inverness.

Saturday (AM):

Arrive at Inverness airport/train station and transfer to Skye, where we'll take a short hike to the northernmost tip of the island for our first night of wild camping.


Sunday: Flodigarry (16km)

We begin our Skye adventure with a 16km coast-hugging hike to Flodigarry along the Skye’s most northerly point, Rubna Hunish. Dramatic sweeping cliffs make for a rocky hike with beautiful sea views and plenty an opportunity for a photo. Home for the night is Flodigarry where we’ll pitch up wild for the night.


Monday: The Storr - Trotternish Ridge (22km)

This is the most challenging day of the trail. A steep climb kicks off the second day, offering views of the formidable rock formation known as The Quiraing and plenty of ridge traverses. Hard work is rewarded with spectacular views of the jagged landscapes around us and a good night’s rest in the wild at Trotternish Ridge.

This just has to be the most dramatic ridge walk in Britain!


Tuesday: Cliff-top walk to Portree (17km)

The Skye Trail takes us to a fabulous cliff-top section above the sea, with views of the Storr to the north and the Cuillin to the south. Once we’ve reached Portree we’ll stock up on supplies and spend the night in a local bunkhouse overlooking a beautiful sea loch… or more likely the pub that’s next door!


Wednesday: Portree - Sligachan (19km) / Rest day available

Spend the day hiking stage 4 of the trail - a jagged route that hugs the sparkling Loch Sligachan - or, for those with aching muscles, watch the stunning scenery of this leg go by in the comfort of the minibus. There’ll also be an opportunity to visit some of the island’s most beautiful attractions (Fairy pools, Talisker Distillery, Black Cullins etc). The afternoon will see the hikers head through a remote glen to a bay at Camasunary. Everyone will camp here for the night on the shore.


Thursday: Cullins to Elgol (15km)

Great care is needed on today’s hike as we navigate up and down steep narrow paths along the cliffs. A shorter day distance-wise, but a technical and challenging leg. We’ll be rewarded by arriving at Elgol, where we can spend the afternoon relaxing in the village cafe or seafood restaurant.

We'll have fantastic views of the mighty Cuillin range.


Friday: Elgol - Torrin (17km)

A more straightforward leg today that winds through the meadows and fields. Excellent views towards Sleat as well as the opportunity, if the weather holds, to camp atop a beautiful clifftop with views over the bay.


Saturday: Torrin - Broadford (20km)

More coastal views over the Atlantic make up our final day of hiking as we head towards the haunting cleared villages of Suisnish and Boreraig, before heading inland on the Marble Line, an old railroad route into Broadford. Our trail ends here so celebrations are in order! We’ll check into our accommodation and spend the night toasting the week’s success with some drinks and a hearty meal.


Sunday (AM): Return home

Return to Inverness train station/airport for 2pm ish filled with great memories and some epic Skye photos!

DELUXE OPTION

We have a deluxe option of the Skye Trail for those who prefer not to rough it and enjoy a little comfort each night.

This option includes accommodation every night - no wild camping - plus the option of taking the Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Inverness - that's a bucket lister right there!

  • All accommodation (tents provided for wild camping sections, B&B's for other nights)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Guide - Fully qualified and experienced guide
  • Meals - All grub when hiking (except pub/cafe meals on the rest day) - brekky on Sunday to lunch on Saturday
  • Accommodation (tents for wild camping, hostels, and B&B's)
  • Transfers - from Inverness to start location and back to Inverness

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Transport - to and from Inverness
  • Personal kit
  • Meals - food and drinks not on the trek or rest days
  • Travel Insurance - we recommend Campbell Irvine

WHAT'S INCLUDED - DELUXE

  • Guided trek with experienced and fully qualified Mountain Leader
  • Brekky (excluding arrival day) and lunches (excluding departure day)
  • 8 nights accommodation (hostels/bunkhouses/hotels/B&Bs)
  • Transfers from and to Inverness
  • Optional: Return travel from London to Inverness on The Caledonian Sleeper Train

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED - DELUXE

  • Return transport between London and Inverness (if not taking the Sleeper Train option)
  • Personal kit
  • Grub and drinks not on the trek or rest days not listed above
  • Make your way to Inverness by train or plane for a morning pick up.
  • Transfers to and from Skye and any transfers on the island are included.
  • 2pm (ish) drop off at Inverness Train Station or Airport (buy an open train ticket if taking train).

How fit do I need to be?

  • You'll need a moderate level of fitness for this one and be willing and able to walk the distances set out in the itinerary. Don't worry though, you don't need to be a super hiker. This will be the biggest hike every attempted for many on the trip. Keep in mind that you'll be carrying kit for wild camping too.

What's the Skye Trail like?

  • The Skye Trail is not an official trail and there are no waymarks. Some sections don't even have a path! However you'll be led by an experienced guide who knows the route well. Expect some of the most stunning scenery you'll see in Britain, the chance to see rare wildlife and a wilderness experience you'll never forget.

What if I don't want to wild camp?

  • Our deluxe option cuts out the wild camping - you'll be sleeping in a proper bed every night!

What time will we get to Inverness after we finish?

  • We expect to arrive in Inverness around 2pm but it's a good idea to buy an open ticket for onwards travel just in case.

Is there a minimum age for this trip?

  • Yes, 18 years old
  • Free cancellation or date change up to 65 days before departure
    Deposits are non-refundable unless the trip is cancelled by us, then you'll get a full refund

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