Self-Guided Isle of Skye Tours

Isle of Skye

Highlights

Revel in the heady combination of sea and mountain scenery around every corner
Hike trails exploring the Trotternish Ridge, Old Man of Storr and rugged coastline
Enjoy island hospitality in the lively pubs of harborside Portree
Take a guided day trip; learning about Skye’s stories, history and wildlife from a local
Wander ruggedly beautiful beaches, and the Highlands in miniature

The Isle of Skye is brimming with rugged landscapes that have inspired myth and legend over centuries; the towering rock spires of the Old Man of Storr, the charming fairy pools and the ancient ruins of Dunvegan Castle, all combine to create a haven for active exploration. Wander picturesque island villages, windswept beaches, the Highlands in miniature or take on more challenging terrain on one of our Classic hiking tours - with no group or guide you can adventure at your own pace on one of our self-guided active adventures.

If you are seeking out Skye's lesser trod trails to get away from it all, our A Long Walk on The Isle of Skye trip, or its less challenging variation Across the Isle of Skye are best and take in the highlights of the Skye Trail. To see Skye and other Hebridean islands, check out the Skye & The Outer Hebrides hiking adventure. To experience the very best Skye and the Highlands then our Highlands and Isle of Skye In Style Rail & Hike trip is the one for you. Alternatively, to immerse yourself in island life on a shorter timescale we recommend our Skye Highs Short Break. If you'd like a bit more freedom and to get a full picture of Scotland, our Highlands, Skye & Edinburgh: Drive & Hike is ideal.

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Our Tour Types

Classic Hikes on Skye

Get away from the crowds and into some of Skye's most rugged and unforgettable landscapes such as the Quiraing, Cuillin Ridge, Loch Coruisk and the Sleat Peninsula on Across the Isle of Skye, or A Long Walk on the Isle of Skye. Or, hike Skye and hop a ferry to the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides

Skye Rail & Hikes

Journey through Scotland by rail and Skye by foot, enjoying curated hikes, and charming accommodations.

Skye Drive & Hike

Hit the road and cover more ground, driving through Highlands, across Skye and ending in Edinburgh, taking in some optional hikes so you can immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Scotland.

Skye Highs Short Break

Short on time? See Skye in just 5 days, hitting all the highlights and staying in the colorful harbor town of Portree. This tour starts in Fort William, making it a perfect add-on after a West Highland Way hike. The train journey from Fort William to Mallaig is one of the world's best

Discover Isle of Skye

Top 10 things to do on Skye

1) Sample a bottle of ale from the Cuillin Brewery in the Sligachan Hotel after a spectacular day on the trail.

2) Wander around the Old Man of Storr rock pillar with amazing views to the mainland.

3) Explore the ruined castle and gardens at Armadale, home of clan MacDonald, on the southerly Sleat Peninsula.

4) Try local fish & chips followed by live music in a Portree pub.

5) Visit Neist Point lighthouse, the most westerly point on the island, for that edge of the world feeling atop steep cliffs.

6) Enjoy a tour of Skye's oldest distillery - Talisker - accompanied by a dram or two.

7) Seek out a magical encounter as you take a short stroll in the Fairy Glen, or visit Glenbrittle's waterfalls known as the Fairy Pools.

8) Experience a wildlife watching boat trip from Portree, or Elgol, and look out for seals, sea eagles and dolphins.

9) Hike the Trotternish Ridge in the island's NW and experience the curious rock formations of the Quiraing for yourself.

10) Take in some of the island's culture; visit the Skye Museum of Island Life, the fossil museum at Staffin (known for dinosaurs) or the quirky Giant Angus MacAskill Museum.
Isle of Skye FAQs

Q: When is the best time to walk on Skye?

A: Typically the best months for walking in the Highlands are May and September when the midges aren't a problems, the temperatures are ideal for walking and daily rainfall tends to be at its lowest. However, the walking season extends from April through to October. Skye is busiest with tourists and sightseers in the height of summer, but once you leave the honeypots you'll be able to find solitude on the trail passing just the occasional fellow-hiker.

Q: Will I need a map and compass?

A: Our Skye itineraries vary greatly in difficulty, some are challenging and require experience navigating pathless terrain with a map and compass to back-up our handy, free Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app with maps, GPS tracks and route notes, while other trails are easy-going and way-marked. Make sure to check out the route information for your specific trip.

Q: What's the foodie scene like on Skye?

A: In a word, varied ... from simple fish & chips sitting at Portree harbor, to intimate Michelin-listed dining experiences, to plush country house hotels, and casual restaurants serving fresh seafood and local venison. If you have something particular in mind it's best to book ahead especially during the busier summer months.
The perfect Isle of Skye itinerary for you
Unsure what Skye itinerary is the best choice for you? We are here to help! We have compiled a brief round-up of our Skye trips to help you decide which itinerary is the perfect fit for you. If you would like more detailed advice don't hesitate to contact our knowledgeable specialists.

Best for...

Short Break from Fort William:
- Skye Highs Short Break - Depart from Fort William (perhaps after completing the West Highland Way!) and in just 5 days immerse yourself in the rugged landscapes of Skye. Explore the colorful harbor town of Portree, hike The Old Man of Storr and perhaps enjoy a wee dram at an island distillery.
Enthusiastic hikers:
- A Long Walk on The Isle of Skye - a challenging yet rewarding itinerary on The Skye Trail, traversing the entire length of the island, best suited to experienced walkers.
- Across The Isle of Skye - walk from the island's south coast to the harbor town of Portree, taking in sections of The Skye Trail, perfect for the seasoned hiker.
- Skye & The Outer Hebrides - hike highlights of The Skye Trail combined with a journey to Harris and Lewis to walk the incredibly scenic and remote Harris Walkway.
Combining Skye & The Highlands:
- Highlands & Isle of Skye: Rail & Hike - a classic week-long journey of discovery with shorter optional walks between scenic rail and ferry travel; explore Edinburgh, the forests of Perthshire, Inverness, the dramatic landscapes of Skye and Highland glens.
In Style Skye:
- The Highlands & Isle of Skye Rail & Hike In Style - with all the same great walks as our week-long classic itinerary but overnighting in 4 and 5* Highland castle hotels, plush lodges and boutique accommodations with some delicious included meals and a private guided tour of Skye.

Rail & Hike to Skye

Caroline takes a Caroline takes a Rail & Hike trip to Skye, enjoying the Jacobite railway and walking in the hiker's paradise of Skye. Watch her video to as she experiences the Scottish Highlands by train and on foot, taking in some of the best scenic rail journeys in the world.
Across the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is a magnificent and majestic place to visit, but to truly discover the island, the best way is to walk its hidden paths. On our Across the Isle of Skye trip, walk from Ardvasar, where the ferry arrives on the island's southern shores, to Portree near the Trotternish Peninsula in the north.