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HIKE THE SKYE TRAIL
9-days
From £795pp

 

Venture off the beaten track in some of the worlds most inspiring scenery!

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This is an Intermediate level unmarked route of 127km (79 miles) through the island of Skye.

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However the rewards as you walk south from the most northerly point on the island are many in terms of:

Spectacular mountain views - passing under the shadow of the Jagged Cuillin, the finest mountain range in Britain;

Coastal scenery - from beaches to cliff-tops in areas that are remarkable but almost unvisited;

Haunting ruins of deserted villages - destroyed in the highland clearances;

Visiting small island communities, and;

The superb opportunities for watching wildlife.

 

This trip has been devised for those who prefer to get well away from the beaten track

An adventure never to be forgotten!​

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Cost.

From £795

Duration.

9-days away

6/7-days hiking

Difficulty.

4.0/5.0 - Challenging

Relatively easy multi-day hike, but one tough day

Accom.

Hostels/Bunkhouses/

B&B/Cottage

Tents for wild camping

When?

Wild camp: Spring & Autumn

Non-wild camp: Summer

ITINERARY

Note: The following itinerary may be altered based on weather conditions and, in some cases, the route may be reversed

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Saturday:  Arrival

Meet in Inverness train station or airport at around 11am.  After brief introductions you will be driven from Inverness to Isle of Skye where you will have a couple of hours of free time to explore Portree before continuing on the road journey to the far north of the island.

Wild Camp option: You head off on a short hike to your first campsite on the most northerly point of the island

Accommodation option: You will check in to your hostel accommodation, which will be your base for 2-nights

 

Sunday: Coastal hike to Flodigarry (17km)

The trail starts from Skye's most northerly tip, Rubha Hunish, and follows a spectacular but rough section of the coastline, continuing above dramatic cliffs to reach Flodigarry

Wild Camp option: You will hike into the the magical Quiraing to your next campsite for a second night under the stars

Accommodation option: You will return to your hostel accommodation for a second night

 

Monday: Hike inland to The Storr - Trotternish Ridge (25km) 

A slightly more challenging stage than the first day climbs from Flodigarry beneath the amazing rock formations of The Quiraing, continuing south on the Trotternish Ridge towards the Storr before a final descent to the road. The rewards are tremendous - this must be one of the most dramatic ridge traverses in Britain!

Wild Camp option: The day will end with a wild camp amongst the dramatic scenery and panoramic views on The Trotternish Ridge

Accommodation option: You will be transported to your hotel accommodation in Portree for the night

 

Tuesday: Cliff-top hike to Portree (18km)

The third stage of the Skye Trail, takes a short section of road which leads to a fabulous parade along the top of dramatic coastal cliffs with superb views.

At the end of the day you will be transported to a small village away from The Skye Trail, enabling you to see parts of The Isle of Skye that you mayb not otherwise see.  You will check in to a hostel, which will be your base for the next two nights.  After a well-earned shower you will head to the local pub for dinner.

 

Wednesday: CONTINGENCY/OPTIONAL REST DAY - Drive/Hike to the west coast via Sligachan (20km) 

You have the option of either hiking this stage (which is mostly on a road), or completing the route in the minibus, plus an additional tour of the island, visiting The Talisker distillery and local oyster/fish bars.

You will spend the second night in a wonderful hostel overlooking the sea.

The Skye Trail part of the day:  This day we follow a rough track along Loch Sligachan to the Hotel, where we will stop for lunch before heading through the remote Glen Sligachan (a valley separating the mighty Black Cuillin with the Red Cuillin) to the beautiful bay at Camasunary .  Arriving at the coast on the south-west of the island, we will camp on the shores of the Atlantic ocean​

 

Thursday: Hike below the mighty Cuillin mountains to Elgol (15km)

From here a vertiginous cliff path with fantastic views across the water to the Cuillin reaches Elgol which has a shop, cafe, B&B and seafood restaurant.

This will be a shorter hiking day, which will end at a beach where we will pitch the tents for the night.

Wild Camp option: You will camp in a beautiful bay overlooking the sea and views of the huge Cuillin mountains

Accommodation option: You will be met in Elgol and transported to your bunkhouse accommodation, with will be your base for two nights.

 

Friday: Hike on good trails to Torrin (17km)

The sixth stage of the Skye Trail presents a lovely day with great views to Sleat and the small isles, ending at Torrin.

Wild Camp option: Tonight will either be another beach camp, or a camp on a hill top to watch the sun set for the final time of our trail experience.

Accommodation option: You will return to your bunkhouse accommodation for your final night on the trail.

 

Saturday: Coastal hike to Broadford (20km)

The final stage of the Skye Trail follows the coast from Torrin to the cleared villages of Suisnish and Boreraig before heading inland to pick up the Marble Line, the old railroad route into Broadford and the end of the Trail.

At the end of the trail you will then check-in to your hostel/lodge accommodation and celebrate the completion of the Skye Trail with a hearty meal and drinks

 

Sunday: Departure

Return to Inverness, where you will be dropped off at either the Train Station or the airport at around 2pm.

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Upcoming Skye Trail Trips - Hiking & Wild Camping

​What's included?

  • Highly experienced and qualified guide

  • Travel and logistical support from Inverness

  • All food whilst hiking (excludes any food in cafes/restaurants/pubs and food on the rest day)

  • Small group (max. 8 people plus guide)

  • All accommodation:

    • Non-wild camp option: 8-nights hostel/hotel/lodge accommodation

    • Wild Camp Option: Tents provided for wild camp sections, plus 3-nights ​hostel accommodation

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Skye Trail Trips 2025 - Hiking & Accommodation

​Why City Mountaineering?

  • Led by a highly experienced and fully qualified UK guide with countless ascents of Ben Nevis

  • All inclusive trip so let us sort out the logistics and you just turn up and enjoy!

  • You will be fully supported from the moment you sign up, to the moment you reach that summit (and back, of course)

  • Nothing less than 5* reviews on Google, Facebook and Trust Pilot

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