A Long Walk on The Isle of Skye

This is a challenging walk suited for experienced long distance walkers. Several days involve considerable ascent and descent and many of the trails are rough underfoot. A head of heights is a must, as there are sections of this walk along cliff tops. It is also recommended you have some experience dealing with river crossings. If you are confident with the above and are comfortable navigating on trackless terrain, you will be rewarded with quiet trails and unrivalled views of some of the finest scenery in Scotland.

Although some of the route follows good paths and minor roads much of the route is on rough ground that can be wet underfoot and completely trackless in places.

Old Man of Storr / Storr Dam to Portree: The two suggested routes, Old Man of Storr and Storr Dam to Portree, are true highlights of the Isle of Skye. However, they are also very challenging hikes that should not be attempted in bad weather or fog.

There are sections along unsecured cliffs where there is a risk of slipping, and the route leads cross-country and finding your way can be difficult.

This tour is graded strenuous. Within the tour individual days may vary in difficulty - some might be a bit tougher or easier than the overall rating suggests.

Accommodation on this tour is one of its highlights - you'll stay in carefully selected 3 and 4-star B&Bs, guesthouses, country pubs and small hotels, always with an en-suite or private bathroom and breakfast included. We'll always try to place you in the accommodations detailed in your itinerary, but because of limited availability in this remote area we may occasionally need to use an alternative location, which we'll note on your accommodation sheet.

Unfortunately, this is not available to solo travelers. We can, however, offer single rooms if you are traveling with others. These are available for a supplement.

Please note that single rooms on this route may not always be of the same standard as twin or double rooms.

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner aren't included, so you're free to choose from the available options. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch on request, bookable on arrival, and your Tour Info includes details of local shops and convenient lunch stops along the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs and restaurants, with details also in your Tour Info.

The season runs from April to September, and you can start on any day of the week. If you're relying on public transport to get to or from Skye, check the bus and ferry timetables carefully, as these are limited, especially on weekends and during the shoulder season, and some museums, attractions and restaurants have reduced hours outside of May to September.

Weather in Scotland is variable year-round, though May and September tend to be the driest months. Summer temperatures on the island typically range from around 10-22C, but it's worth preparing for all conditions even in high summer, and by mid-to-late October the weather cools noticeably, so pack accordingly. April and May have traditionally been considered the most popular time to go, partly because midges (small biting insects, common on still, overcast summer days) haven't yet appeared - though any time between March and October offers a wonderful experience, and carrying repellent covers you for the odd occasion you might need it.

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation.

This route isn't waymarked, and much of it doesn't follow a clear path, so you'll need to be a competent navigator with a map and compass as backup - navigation through sections like the Trotternish Ridge can be especially challenging in poor visibility.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Inverness Airport, located a few miles east of Inverness, is served by many airlines, with a regular shuttle service running to the city centre, where you can connect with public transport to Skye (4 hours). Glasgow Airport, 8 miles west of Glasgow, is also served by many airlines, with a shuttle to the city centre connecting to public transport to Skye (6 hours).

By rail and ferry, the West Highland Line links Glasgow with Mallaig, connecting with the Calmac ferry to Armadale on Skye, from where it's a short walk to your Ardvasar accommodation. Total journey time is around 8 hours.

By bus, Citylink operates services from Scottish destinations. The Glasgow to Portree route (5 hours 20 minutes) arrives in Broadford, from where you can take a local bus to Ardvasar, with services running several times daily.

Getting from the end, for the return journey from Flodigarry, take a local bus or taxi to Portree, then a Citylink bus back to Glasgow. It's also possible to take a bus or train to Inverness for your onward travel.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

In some cases, the luggage transfer van may also be able to help move you to your next overnight stop - full details are in your Tour Info.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation