Overview
Introduction to the Skye Trail
This is a seven day walk on the Isle of Skye, a beautiful, mountainous island off the west coast of Scotland. The Skye Trail is a challenging, unofficial long distance route, it is unmarked and many sections aren't even on paths. However, the challenge is well worth the effort as you will experience some of the most breath-taking scenery in Scotland. You will pass ruins of deserted villages, destroyed in the Highland Clearances. Have multiple views of the Cuillin Ridge and walk over the Trotternish Ridge. You will also have the chance to see The Isle of Skye's array of wildlife, including seals, otters and eagles.
Highlights of the Skye Trail
- Walking the cleared coast, a place full of Scottish history.
- Trekking along the Trotternish Ridge – 10 summits in one day!
- Views of the jaggedCuillin Ridge.
- Walking through the Quiraing, an incredible rock formation.
- Visit the most Northerly point of the Isle of Skye.
What's Included with this Holiday
- A qualified Mountain Leader
- A Skye Trail Information Pack
- Accommodation for 8 nights – Bed and Breakfast or Hostel Options
- Luggage transfer to each accommodation
- Maximum group size of 12
- Support Vehicle available (so you can skip a section)
- Free pick-up/drop-off at Fort William train station before and after trek (spaces limited)
What to Expect from the Skye Trail
Please read the itinerary for a day-by-day plan of what to expect. However, we also want to be able to give you a more general understanding of this trek. The Skye Trail is a fairly new long distance trail and so it has not yet gained the exceptional reputation that it thoroughly deserves. However, the unsung character of this trek only adds to the dramatic sense of remoteness and wilderness that makes it so special. You will likely see only a handful of other walkers tackling this route.
The Isle of Skye comes from the Norse word Sky-a, meaning cloud island. It has both mountain and coastal scenery that is nothing short of remarkable. During your trek you will get to experience some of the breathtaking sights. This includes both the Red and Black Cuillins; Skye’s most dramatic mountain range. You will have coastal views out to the islands of Soay, Rum, Scalpay and Raasay, trek along The Trotternish Ridge, walk next to The Quiraing, along Glen Sligachan and out to the most northerly part of the island. The island also gives you the opportunity to see Skye’s great variety of wildlife; Peregrine Falcons, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Gannets and if you are lucky even Puffins, Minke whales, and schools of dolphin and porpoises.
The wildlife, scenery and Skye’s amazing history, make the Skye Trail an exceptional trek. However, it is well worth remembering this has been graded as one of our harder trails for a reason. The walking can be on rough, boggy and exposed paths, and some sections are even off path completely. While the difficulty of The Skye Trail must be respected, for those who are willing and able, the experience is well worth the effort!
To see more information on the trail, wildlife and walk reports, visit https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/skye-trail.shtml
Why Book With Us
With Thistle Trekking you get a personal service. We are happy to answer any questions and queries and help where we can with all aspects of your trip. Your point of contact will be the same person from the first enquiry to the final communication before your Skye Trail trek. Our guides are all qualified, experienced, and fun companions on the trail.
Is the Skye Trail Right For Me?
The Skye Trail is one of our harder walks. This is due to some of the trail being “off path”, making it tougher going underfoot than trails like The West and The East Highland Way. There is also one very long day over the Trotternish Ridge which is committing and requires a good level of hill-fitness. This day is the primary reason for the rating 4.5 on our difficulty scale. The other days are less demanding in length but most include sections that are rougher underfoot than say the West Highland Way.
If you have enjoyed walking a long distance trail before and got home feeling you could have managed something just slightly harder then this is a great trail for you. If you felt The West Highland Way or East Highland Way pushed you to your walking limits you may find this trail is a greater challenge than you would like.
Skye Trail Gallery
- Clouds on the Cuillin and view over Loch Slapin
- Group walking along Glen Sligachan with Pinnacle Ridge in the background
- Glen Sligachan with Bla Bheinn in the background
- The Old Man of Storr Rock Formation on The Skye Trail
- Bla Bheinn with cloud along the summit and sheep grazing by the road
- Blue Sky on and loch in Glen Sligachan
- Cloudy day by Loch Slapin on The Skye Trail
- Lunch Stop on the shore of Loch Slapin on a beautiful sunny day
- Path along Loch Slapin on The Skye Trail
- Loch Slapin and The Cuillin
- Walking along small footpath on Glen Sligachan
- Bright Blue Sky in Glen Sligachan
- Small river crossing in Glen Sligachan on The Skye Trail
- Walking along a grass coastal path on The Skye Trail
- Fantastic lighting and cloud on The Trotternish Ridge
- Walking on a narrow path from The Old Man of Storr
View Full Gallery
Skye Trail Guided Walking Itinerary
Daily Plan
Each day you will be guided along The Skye Trail. There is no need for you to worry about being lost, we will be with you from the moment you set off in the morning to the moment you enter your B&B in the evening. You will only be expected to carry your day rucksack (what you will need to keep you warm, dry, fed and watered for the day). Everything else will be transported to your next B&B for you. Everything will be arranged for you so all you need to worry about is the walking itself!
Day 1: Arrive in Broadford
Today is your chance to arrive in Broadford to meet your guide and the rest of the group before you Skye Trail begins! It may be possible for us to meet you in the afternoon in Fort William and provide a free lift up to Broadford if you need us to. Please do email us about this before you book if you require this.
Accommodation in Broadford
Day 2: Walking to Torrin - 11.5 miles
This is the first day of walking, when the trip really begins. Once everybody has got their lunches sorted we will begin walking to Torrin, a distance of 11.5 miles in total. Including 460m of ascent this 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, until they closed in 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 inhabitants of these small hamlets were forcibly removed during the Highland clearances in 1853. A good track is followed by a rougher coastal section (Thistle Trekking alternative to the road) which brings us to Torrin itself, gaining excellent views of Bla Bheinn and The Red Cuillin hills and mountains.
Accommodation in Broadford
Day 3: Walking to Elgol - 10 miles
oday'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 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 forest to reach the heather moorland above. The path here is less defined and boggy underfoot but there are spectacular views of the Skye Trail behind us. 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. Here the official route follows the road to Elgol. (If group enthusiasm is high for some more off-path walking, we have another Thistle Trekking alternative to the official route, on which we walk around the headland over rough terrain past Prince Charles’ Cave and into Elgol. This adds just over 2 miles onto the day.)
Accommodation in Broadford
Day 4: Walking to Sligachan - 11.5 miles
One of the most scenic days of The Skye Trail. Today begins by following a very narrow path over 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. [Note: the exposed section described above is not the infamous ‘Bad Step’ which isn’t on the main Skye Trail route. Our walk today does not require scrambling, just careful walking.]
Accommodation in Broadford/Portree
Day 5: Walking to Portree - 12 miles
Today we will head out of Sligachan, 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 Raasay and to The Isle of Raasay. This section of The Skye Trail is straightforward with quiet road walking. Changing into cushioned trainers might be worth considering here and our trek manager will be able to meet the group with any reserve footwear. As we near Portree we will leave the road and follow 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 in Portree
Day 6: 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. For 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 in Portree
Day 7: 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 in Portree
Day 8: 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 the van which will take you back through Skye to Portree.
Accommodation in Portree
Day 9: Leaving Portree
Today, after breakfast, you will have come to the end of your holiday with us and it is time for you to make your way home. There are bus links from the main square in Portree to Inverness and Fort William. The nearest train station is in Kyle of Lochalsh near the Skye road bridge and can also be accessed by those bus services. The line runs to Inverness. We offer a free transfer to Broadford/Kyle of Lochalsh for those who need it. We are usually able to provide a free transfer to Fort William - places are limited so please let us know when making your booking if you wish to reserve a seat.
Skye Trail T-shirts
Before or after your trek you might like to purchase one of our very own range of souvenir t-shirts. These are all made from organic cotton and come in a range of colours and styles. Head over to our store to have a look.
Skye Trail Map
Skye Trail Accommodation Options
All our Skye Trail guided walking holidays are offered with the option of B&B or Hostel accommodation. Bed and breakfast is our most popular option for all our treks.
Bed & Breakfast
The Bed and Breakfast option provides you with good standard Bed and Breakfast accommodation, with breakfast included within the price of the holiday. The B&Bs we use are located within small towns or villages and so you will have access to local shops as well as a choice of pubs to make sure you have plenty of opportunity to have an evening meal. In areas where there are no B&Bs or there are no facilities such as shops or pubs we will instead drive you out to another nearby village where a better overall experience can be achieved.
Hostel
We offer this holiday with the option of hostel accommodation. This will be a bed in a shared dorm within a local hostel. Bathroom facilities are shared and there is access to a communal kitchen. This is a more basic accommodation option and great for those travelling on a budget.
We only use accommodation in Portree and Broadford since these are the only villages with options for eating out in the evening and shops, meaning you are better placed to fully recover after each day of walking. Therefore, you will have a short drive before or after each day of walking.
Broadford
Broadford is located on the beautiful east coast of The Isle of Skye and is one of the larger villages on the island. However, by most people’s standard it would still be seen as a small village. It does have a large shop so you will have plenty of opportunity to buy your lunches there and it also has a good variety of hotels, pubs, and restaurants for your evening meal.
Portree
Portree is the biggest town on Skye, but it is still a small place. It does have a good shop for lunch supplies, numerous pubs and restaurants to eat in, as well as a few take-aways. It also has some fantastic views as it too is located on the Island’s East Coast.
Dates & Prices
The dates of our scheduled treks can be seen below. We also off the option of private bookings for groups. Please get in touch if you'd like to book privately.
Date of Trek | Availability |
---|---|
Saturday 19th April 2025 to Sunday 27th April 2025 | 3 spaces left |
Saturday 17th May 2025 to Sunday 25th May 2025 | 3 spaces left |
Saturday 14th June 2025 to Sunday 22nd June 2025 | 4 spaces left |
Saturday 16th August 2025 to Sunday 24th August 2025 | Spaces |
Saturday 20th September 2025 to Sunday 28th September 2025 | Spaces |
No Suitable Date?
If there are no dates on this calendar to suit you please let us know, sometimes we can add extra dates if there is enough demand for an extra trip to be added.
Waiting List
If a trek is full but you would like to be added to the waiting list, please do let us know. The waiting list is there so that if anyone drops out of the trek we will contact you and let you know, so you can take their place on the trek instead.
Future Dates
Our trekking calendar is released a year in advance each spring. Keep an eye on the 'Year Planner' in the menu above, or send us a request for an email alert when the latest calendar is published. If you are keen to book early and secure a trek on a date to suit you, do feel free to get in contact with us to suggest a date
Pricing
Price for Bed & Breakfast:
The price of this trip is £1349 per person (based on two sharing).
To book this trip we will require a £200 deposit per person with the rest to be paid a month before your trip.
If you are booking as a solo traveller and happy to share a twin room with another solo traveller of the same sex the price is £1349.
If you are a solo traveller and would like a single room to yourself there is a £45 per night single supplement (£360 in total).
Price for Hostel:
The price of this trip is £859 per person (based on two sharing).
To book this trip we will require a £200 deposit per person with the rest to be paid a month before your trip.
If you are booking as a solo traveller and happy to share a twin room with another solo traveller of the same sex the price is £859.
There is no single supplement available for this trail as rooms are mainly of a shared basis.
How to Book
How to Book
Booking is simple, you can either phone us, email us or use our online shopping cart below.
Book Skye Trail Online
What Happens Once you Have Booked
Once we have received your booking (either through the online shopping cart, email or phone). We will then confirm with you that your accommodation option and room type, single, twin or double, is available. We will then send you a full booking form and information about paying your deposit for your trek. All deposits can be paid by cheque, bank transfer or debit/credit card. Once we have received back both your booking form and deposit we will let you know and your place on the trip will be secure.