Across the Isle of Skye

Day 1: Arrive Starting Point: Armadale

The best way to arrive on the isle of Skye is by ferry from Mallaig and then the island will slowly reveal her secrets to you.

Overnight: Ardvasar

There are a few lovely places to stay in the village of Ardvasar which is about 1km from the ferry port.

Day 2: Armadale to Ord—12 Miles

You quickly leave the houses of Ardvasar behind as you climb the green slopes of Sleat to the seemingly deserted west coast of Sleat which you follow to the picturesque crafting township of Tarskavaig which is famed for it’s spectacular views of the Cuillins. A quiet minor road through mixed woodlands brings you to Ord where you will be collected and transferred to Broadford.

Overnight: Broadford B&B/Guesthouse

Broadford is a  bustling little town which offers lovely views across Broadford Bay to the Applecross Peninsula. We use a number of excellent B&B’s and small guesthouses which offer a warm highland welcome and hearty breakfast to send you on your way.

Day 3: Broadford to Torrin—12 Miles

Your journey today over the moorland to the deserted villages of Suisnish and Boreraig is a sobering insight into the harsh reality of the Highland Clearances of the mid-19th century which cleared the local communities to make way for sheep. The walking is on good tracks and the views across the sea to the small isle of Rum and Eigg are inspiring.

Overnight:Broadford B&B/Guesthouse

After todays walk you will be required to take a local bus back to Broadford and then the next morning take the bus back down to Elgol to continue walking

Day 4: Elgol to Sligachan— 8-12 Miles

Your day begins with a short local bus journey from Broadford to Elgol and then you have a choice of a spectacular boat journey to Loch Coruisk at the heart of the black Cuillin and the inspiring walk across the island to Sligachan or you can choose to walk all the way from Elgol via Camasunary Bay. Both are amongst the finest day walks in Scotland.

Overnight: Sligachan Hotel

Sligachan Hotel enjoys a spectacular location at the head of Loch Sligachan framed by the high peaks of the Black and Red Cuillin. Sligachan has been at the centre of mountaineering in Skye since the 19th century. Today it offers a good standard of accommodation and a lively bar and restaurant as well as it’s own brewery.

Day 5: Sligachan to Portree— 12 Miles

You can let your mind float free as you follow a good path along Loch Sligachan to the Braes and enjoy the dramatic views across to Raasay. From Raasay you will follow a quiet minor road until you reach Varragill estuary were you join a track again and should be able to see a good selection of birdlife.

Overnight: Portree Guesthouse/Small Hotel

Portree is the largest town on the island and offers all the normal facilities you would expect as well as some great local restaurants and pubs to spend the evening in.

Day 6: Portree to The Storr—8 Miles

Heading north from Portree the trail initially hugs the shoreline but then you climb to the cliff tops and the expansive vista they offer as you make your way to one of Skye’s most famous landmarks, The Storr which serves as a sentinel marking the start of the Trotternish Ridge.

Overnight: Portree Guesthouse/Small Hotel

We will arrange a return taxi transfer for you from the Storr back to your accommodation in Portee

Day 7: Free Day in Portree

There are several excellent walks available from Portree or you may choose to take a tour of the other areas of Skye or perhaps hire a car to fully explore this enchanting island

Overnight: Portree Guesthouse/Small Hotel

Day 8:Onward Travel

Accommodation

We specifically choose the hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay on the Isle of Skye. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. 

Below you will find a list of the accommodation we regularly use which will give you a good idea of the standard of accommodation we use.

Single Rooms

This independent walking holiday is not available to solo walkers. If you require single rooms in your party we will of course try to accommodate your request, subject to availability. Please note that singles may not be of the same standard as twins/doubles.

Accommodation Location

We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in the itinerary, but because of limited availability we may have to accommodate you at an alternative location. Alternative details will be noted on your accommodation sheet.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Alternatively your info pack includes details of local shops and convenient lunch stops on the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants and your info pack will of course have details.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person.

Grade

This route is graded moderate to strenuous as it passes through remote country and some of the ground is rough. Although some of the route is on good paths and minor roads much of the route is on rough ground which can be wet underfoot and completely trackless in places.

Navigation

This route is not waymarked and much of it does not follow a path so you will need to be a competent navigator with map and compass.

 

 

 

Hotel

Visit the website

The Ardvasar Hotel - Ardvasar

The Ardvasar Hotel was built in the early 1800's making it one of the oldest hotels on Skye. Personally run by the owner Richard Jeffrey, it is situated in the beautiful "Garden of Skye" overlooking the Sound of Sleat and the magnificent Knoydart Mountains beyond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guest House

Visit the website

Seaview Guest House - Broadford

Bill & Penny welcome you to the Isle of Skye and Seaview Guest House in Broadford. The bed and breakfast cottage overlooks Broadford Bay with plenty of places to eat nearby. There is also a selection of local hotels and pubs in which to experience Highland hospitality and nightlife.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel

Visit the website

Sligachan Hotel - Skye

It would be hard to find a more dramatic and inspiring setting in the whole of Scotland, let alone Europe, than the one enjoyed by the world famous Sligachan Hotel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guesthouse

Visit the website

Quirang Guesthouse - Portree

The Quirang Guesthouse is a few minutes walk from the centre of Portee and offers a traditional warm highland welcome, comfortable accommodation and a delicious breakfast.

 

 

 

Getting to Ardvasar

Glasgow or Inverness Airports are the closest to the Isle of Skye. From Glasgow take the train to Mallaig (approx 6 hours) and then the ferry to Armadale, which is a 800m walk to Ardvasar. Alternatively the bus to Broadford and a connecting local bus is a good option.

Getting from Portree

City Link run buses direct from Portree to Glasgow (6h) and Inverness (3h20). Local buses will get you back to Armadale with one connection.

Travel resources & details:

Inverness/Glasgow International Airport

Inverness Airport is located a few miles East of Inverness and is served by routes from around Britain and the world. A regular shuttle service runs to the city centre, where you can connect with public transport to Skye (6 Hours). Visit their website for details of operators and routes. Web: www.invernessairport.com

Glasgow Airport is located 8 miles west of Glasgow is served by routes from around Britain and the world. A regular shuttle service runs to the city centre, where you can connect with public transport to Skye (6 Hours). Visit their website for details of operators and routes. Web: www.baa.co.uk/glasgow

Rail and Ferry

The West Highland Line runs from Glasgow to Mallaig several times daily and connects with the ferry to Armadale on Skye from where it is a short walk to Ardvasar. Total journey time is about 8 hours. For information on all rail routes contact National Rail Enquires or Calmac Ferries. Web: www.nationalrail.co.uk Web: www.calmac.co.uk

Driving

If you are driving I would recommend leaving your car in Broadford (public parking available), which is about five hours drive from Glasgow and then catching the local bus to Ardvasar. For the return journey a taxi/local bus to Broadford will return you to your car. 

Bus

Services from Scottish destinations are operated by Scottish Citylink. The Glasgow to Portree route (5h20) will drop you at Broadford and then you can take a local bus to Ardvasar. Services run several times daily. For the return journey CityLink services run several times daily from Portree to Glasgow (6-7h) and Inverness (3h10) Web: www.citylink.co.uk

We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

How fit do I need to be?

Across the Isle of Skye is a fairly challenging walk, which crosses some rough and remote countryside so you should have a good level of walking fitness.

Do I need to be able to Navigate?

Yes, the walk is not waymarked and passes through high mountain areas with vague paths and you will need to be a competent navigator with map and compass.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Isle of Skye is extremely popular over the summer months. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from our website here:

When is the best time of year?

Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better and the midges have not yet appeared. Although I believe any time between March and October walking in Scotland offers a wonderful experience.

What are the midges like?

Midges are small biting insects (much like north American knats) which are prevalent in the summer months. They are particularly bad on still, overcast days but do not bother you if you are moving, the wind is blowing, sun is shining, it’s raining, or you are inside so as long as you carry repellent for the odd occasion you may need it they shouldn’t have any impact on your experience.

Am I able to take my dog?

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets and several sections of the way are closed to dogs as they are permissive paths through farm land.

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

You can use public transport, local taxis or our baggage van may be able to move you to the next overnight stop. Full details are included in your info pack.

Across the Isle of Skye is available to start on any day of the week from March to October, although it is best to avoid arriving in Ardvasar on a Thursday or Friday as you need to use public buses on day 3 and 4 and these do not run on a Sunday.

To make a provisional reservation select "Book" for the itinerary you are interested in.

Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every Skye walking holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour you are interested in for your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.