The Skye Trail, a challenging unofficial route aimed at experienced hillwalkers, takes in some of the very finest landscapes on this celebrated island - and indeed in the whole of the UK.
The route follows much of the amazing Trotternish Ridge and later passes beneath the very shadow of the Cuillin. Other sections follow remarkable but little visited coastal cliffs, take in steep trails above high drops, or pass through haunting deserted villages destroyed in the cruel Clearances.
| Stage descriptions | Length | Time | Done |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Rubha Hunish to Flodigarry | 12.25km | 5½-6½ hours | |
| 2: Flodigarry to The Storr | 27.5km | 8½-10 hours | |
| 3: The Storr to Portree | 14km | 4½-6 hours | |
| 4: Portree to Sligachan via the Braes | 19km | 5½-6½ hours | |
| 5: Sligachan to Elgol | 18km | 6½-8½ hours | |
| 6: Elgol to Torrin | 16.5km | 5½-6 hours | |
| 7: Torrin to Broadford | 20km | 6½-7 hours |
THE CHALLENGE
There are no waymarks for the route and many sections do not even have a path. The route includes a long ridge traverse - a very strenuous journey with no easy escape routes - whilst other sections cross burns which become impassable when in spate. The approach to Elgol is on an airy coastal path that requires great care.
This walk should be left to the more experienced who can judge the conditions for themselves and are competent with map and compass - but for them this can be a slice of heaven. See the Skye Trail mini-site for more photos and information.
BAGGAGE TRANSFERS AND WALKING PACKAGES
Click to find organised Skye Trail walking holiday packages and baggage transfer providers.
ACCOMMODATION AND SERVICES ALONG THE WAY
The route starts from an isolated spot near the northernmost part of the Trotternish peninsula. There are and some hotels throughout Trotternish, but most visitors will stay overnight in Portree before taking the bus to the start in the morning.
Flodigarry has only a hotel; There are B&Bs nearby scattered around Staffin.
The following stage ends at the Storr car park where there is no accommodation, though there is in an infrequent bus if you complete the walk early enough. Otherwise you could arrange to be picked up and dropped off by a bed and breakfast in Trotternish or Portree.
Portree is the capital of Skye and offers a chance to restock supplies as well as having a choice of hotels and guest houses. There is also a campsite at Torvaig on the northern edge of town.
Sligachan is an isolated spot, but does have its namesake hotel, a campsite and bunkhouse.
Elgol and neighbouring Glasnakille offer some bed and breakfast accommodation. Elgol additionally has a cafe. There is also a b&b and cafe in Torrin.
Finally, Broadford is a larger village offering a choice of hotels and bed and breakfast establishments. It also has a good supermarket.
Wildcampers should be able to find suitable sites along the route; if doing so, please follow the guidelines of the Outdoor Access Scotland website.
BOOKS AND MAPS
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are no trains on Skye; the nearest station is adjacent on the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh; however there are direct bus services to Portree (and Uig) from Inverness, Fort William and Glasgow.
The start and end points of the stages of the Skye Trail are all served by bus. Four buses a day (not Sundays) run around the Trotternish peninsula (passing Duntulm and the Storr car park) from Portree.
Portree, Sligachan and Broadford are all linked by the long distance Citylink as well as by local buses, whilst an infrequent local service runs out from Broadford, through Torrin to reach Elgol.
Timetables for all the routes can be found on Traveline Scotland.
Users' walk reports for the Skye Trail
There are 419 Walkhighlanders who have completed the Skye Trail
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