Skye Trail Full
Duration: 9 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km / 9 - 12 mi per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m / 1640 - 3281 ft ascent per day
> Traverse the full length of the Isle of Skye in a week
> Accommodation before and after the trek included
> Enjoy epic views of the Cuillin Hills and share your tales in the local pub
The Isle of Skye is one of the most stunning corners in Scotland. With the dramatic hills of the Cuillin and charming fishing villages it's an island of contrasts. What is a better way to explore Skye on foot! From the northern tip of Skye at Rubha Hunish we follow the 128 km long Skye Trail across the island's mountain ridges, rugged coast lines and moorlands to end in the village of Broadford.
> Accommodation before and after the trek included
> Enjoy epic views of the Cuillin Hills and share your tales in the local pub
The Isle of Skye is one of the most stunning corners in Scotland. With the dramatic hills of the Cuillin and charming fishing villages it's an island of contrasts. What is a better way to explore Skye on foot! From the northern tip of Skye at Rubha Hunish we follow the 128 km long Skye Trail across the island's mountain ridges, rugged coast lines and moorlands to end in the village of Broadford.
The route is typically completed in 7 stages and is quite strenuous. Some stages end in locations where no accommodation is available directly on the trail, requiring a taxi ride to a nearby accommodation. Each day, your luggage will be transported to your next location. This tour also includes accommodation in Flodigarry before the trek and in Broadford after completing the Skye Trail.
This trek is not suitable for beginners. While the route is non-technical, it can be challenging, and there are no waymarks. You will need navigation skills and must bring a map and compass—and know how to use them.
Disclaimer: Taxis and other forms of public transport before, during, or after the trek are not included in the price of this tour. You will need to arrange and cover these costs yourself.
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival Flodigarry
Arrival at Flodigarry, located close to the northern edge of the Isle of Skye. The quaint villages sit in the shadow of the Trotternish peninsula, looking out over the sea.
Mealabhaig B&B (Flodigarry)
Day
2
Rubha Hunish - Quiraing Car Park
Duration: 07:40 h
Distance: 18.8 km / 11.7 mi
Ascent: 700 m / 2297 ft
Descent: 460 m / 1509 ft
Take a taxi to the northern tip of Skye at Rubha Hunish, where you start the Skye Trail. The trail runs partly along the coast through farmland and on the top of the cliffs with magnificent views across the seas straight called the Minch and the dramatic hills on the mainland. After Flodigarry, you’ll head inland towards the trail up Quiraing, a brilliant final section of the first day on the trail. Finally, take a taxi back to your accommodation in Flodigarry.
Mealabhaig B&B (Flodigarry)
Day
3
Quiraing Car Park - The Storr
Duration: 11:30 h
Distance: 23.2 km / 14.4 mi
Ascent: 1180 m / 3871 ft
Descent: 1260 m / 4134 ft
Today you will take a taxi back to the Quiraing Car Park for the second stage of the Skye Trail. It’s a long, tough day, following the spine of the Trotternish Peninsula. You hike from hilltop to hilltop with constant views of the sea on both sides. This beautiful stage has a fitting end at one of the most iconic geological landmarks on Isle of Skye, The Storr. This bizarre rock formation is probably the most photographed feature on the island. You’ll see why. From the car park, take a taxi to the charming village of Portree.
Portree Independent Hostel (Portree)
Day
4
The Storr - Portree
Duration: 06:30 h
Distance: 14.7 km / 9.1 mi
Ascent: 430 m / 1411 ft
Descent: 570 m / 1870 ft
You take a taxi back to the Storr car park to start stage 3. Today is a marvelous day along the eastern cliff tops of Trotternish with views across the Isle of Raasay and the Torridon Hills in the far distance. The stage is relatively short with some time left to spend in charming Portree, where you will stay for the second night.
Portree Independent Hostel (Portree)
Day
5
Portree - Sligachan
Duration: 06:25 h
Distance: 20 km / 12.4 mi
Ascent: 210 m / 689 ft
Descent: 230 m / 755 ft
A country road winds along small hamlets and farmland along the eastern shores. It’s a dead end road and at Loch Sligachan a coastal trail heads inland. You’ll end the trek at the Sligachan Hotel, your accommodation for the night, an old haunt for climbers who used this hotel as a base for daring first ascents in the Cuillins.
Sligachan Hotel (Sligachan)
Day
6
Sligachan - Elgol
Duration: 06:15 h
Distance: 19 km / 11.8 mi
Ascent: 220 m / 722 ft
Descent: 220 m / 722 ft
Stage 5 is one of the most scenic stretches on the Skye Trail, cutting through the Black and Red Cuillins across Glen Sligachan. The Cuillin Ridge is notorious among hillwalkers, with technical sections that require mountaineering techniques. Today’s hike is nothing like that, though it may be a little boggy in places. Once you’ve passed Loch na Creitheach it’s not far anymore to the shores of Loch Scavaig. A couple of kilometers further you’ll reach Elgol, a very scenic coastal village and you'll stop for the night.
Bayview Bed and Breakfast (Elgol)
Day
7
Elgol - Torrin
Duration: 05:40 h
Distance: 16.5 km / 10.3 mi
Ascent: 340 m / 1115 ft
Descent: 310 m / 1017 ft
From Elgol you cross the peninsula and head back north towards Loch Slapin. It’s an easy hike along landrover tracks and small country roads. In the distance you can see the mainland munros. You finish the route in Torrin and then take a taxi back to Elgol, where you will spend the night.
Bayview Bed and Breakfast (Elgol)
Day
8
Torrin - Broadford
Duration: 06:25 h
Distance: 19.5 km / 12.1 mi
Ascent: 290 m / 951 ft
Descent: 320 m / 1050 ft
Take a taxi back to Torrin to start the final day of the Skye Trail. The first half follows the beautiful shoreline of Loch Slapin, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and sea otters! The second half is through the fields to the sleepy village of Broadford, which marks the end of your epic trek on the Skye Trail. Celebrate this brilliant achievement in the local pub!
Broadford Backpackers Hostel (Broadford)
Day
9
Departure from Broadford
After a well-deserved night's sleep it’s time to move on. Bye bye Skye!
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