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 small village of Ardvasar which is about 1km away from the ferry port.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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 and return the following morning.
Today begins with a steep climb via The Old Man of Storr to the highpoint of the Trotternish Ridge, The Storr at 719m. This is where the route enters real mountain country and although the journey along the Trotternish Ridge is truly spectacular the walking is challenging and mostly on pathless sheep cropped terrain. A series of cliffs, pinnacles and towers decorate the eastern slopes of the ridge and the view of the ridge and the sea on each side is breathtaking.
Overnight: Staffin B&B
You will be picked up from The Quirang for the short run down to Staffin for your overnight accommodation in this small highland community.
After navigating the maze of The Quirang you continue on the Trotternish Ridge to your ultimate destination of Duntulm. This final short section has several viewpoints which offer stunning views of the Minch and the Outer Hebrides.
Overnight: Duntulm
Your last night is spent at the north of the island overlooking the minch. A glorious way to finish your adventure.
A Challenging Walk on Skye
1: Arrive Ardvasar
2: Walk to Ord: 12m, Taxi Transfer to Broadford
3: Walk to Torrin: 12m
4: Local Bus to Elgol, Walk to Sligachan: 8-12m
5: Walk to Portree: 12m
6: Walk to Storr, Taxi back to Portree: 8m
7: Taxi to Storr, Walk to Quirang: 12m
8: Walk to Duntulm: 6m
9: Onward Travel