Last chance availability on popular trips: Browse here

 

A Long Walk on the Isle of Skye

9 Days & 8 Nights 4.5 Read 35 reviews
  • Walk the length of Skye from south to north
  • Soak in the atmosphere of rugged Loch Coruisk
  • Marvel at the jagged peaks of the Cuillin Ridge
  • Discover the history and people of Skye on your journey across this magnificent island
  • Overnight in the colourful harbour town of Portree
The Isle of Skye draws walkers from across the globe because of it’s spectacular scenery, inspiring geology and deep history. On this self-guided walking holiday taking in the highlights of the Skye Trail discover the magic of the "misty isle" for yourself. Begin in the remote southern Sleat Peninsula and wind your way north towards the small shore-side village of Broadford via wild stretches of coastline on quiet trails. Keep an eye out for soaring sea eagles! Explore perhaps the remotest area on Skye round Loch Coruisk and enjoy one of Scotland's finest day walks below the spectacular Cuillin Ridge to arrive in Sligachan. From here head for the colourful and harbour-side village of Portree - this bustling village will be your base from which to explore the island's rugged north. Walk mountain paths through the iconic landscape of The Storr's rock pinnacles and the beautiful Trotternish Ridge that draws you further north still.
Read All
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. If you are comfortable navigating on trackless terrain with map and compass you will relish this adventure.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Islands

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 17 Years

Activity Level & Terrain

This route is graded strenuous as it passes through remote country and some days include considerable ascent and descent. 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. 

Navigation

This route is not waymarked and much of it does not follow a path so you will need to be a competent navigator and know how to use a map and compass for back-up. However, we supply detailed route notes and GPX tracks for each day on our Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app. 

Accommodations

One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. You will stay in carefully selected 3 or 4 star B&B’s, guesthouses, country pubs and small hotels. Your room will always have an en-suite or private bathroom and a delicious breakfast is always included.

Solo Walkers & 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.

Included
  • Accommodation in hand-picked B&B's, guest houses and small hotels
  • Breakfast each morning
  • Baggage transfer
  • Taxi transfers as detailed in the itinerary
  • Information pack
  • Access to GPX tracks, route notes and detailed mapping on the Macs Adventure smartphone app
  • 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office
Excluded
  • Travel to the start or from the finish of the walk
  • Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
  • Personal equipment
  • Travel insurance (required)
Extras
  • Additional nights along the route

When To Go

The season runs from April to September and you can begin your holiday on any day of the week. If you intend to arrive/depart Skye by public transport do make sure this fits around your travels plans. Bus and ferry timetables are limited especially on weekends and during the shoulder season. Outside of May-September some museums and attractions have limited opening hours and some restaurants may stop serving food earlier so make sure to check before you arrive to avoid disappointment. 

Weather and Climate

The weather in Scotland is variable all year round, but generally speaking May and September are the driest months. In mid-late October the weather will begin to cool significantly, but with the appropriate clothing these make for pleasant walking temperatures. "Summer" temperatures on the island vary between around 10-22 degrees celcius, but even in the height of summer it's best to prepare for all seasons. 

Getting to the Start

By Air:  Inverness Airport is located a few miles east of Inverness and is served by many airlines. A regular shuttle service runs to the city centre, where you can connect with public transport to Skye (4 hours). Visit www.invernessairport.com for details of operators and routes. Glasgow Airport is located 8 miles west of Glasgow and is also served by many airlines. 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.

By Rail and Ferry:  The West Highland Line railway links Glasgow with Mallaig and connects with the ferry to Armadale on Skye from where it is a short walk to your Ardvasar accommodation. Total journey time is about 8 hours. For information on all rail routes visit ScotRail and for ferry information visit Calmac. 

By Bus:  Services from Scottish destinations are operated by Citylink. The Glasgow to Portree route (5h 20) arrives  in Broadford from where you can take a local bus to Ardvasar. Services run several times daily.

Getting from the End

By Bus:  For the return journey from Flodigarry take a local bus or taxi to Portree from where you can take a Citylink bus back to Glasgow. It's also possible to take the bus or train to Inverness for your onward travel. 

Luggage 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 20kg per person.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase.  Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person.  It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How fit do I need to be?
Do I need to be able to Navigate?
How far in advance do I need to book?
What personal equipment do I need?
When is the best time of year?
What are the midges like?
Am I able to take my dog?
What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Armadale and overnight Day 2 Ardvasar to Achnacloich 10.5 miles / 17 km Day 3 Torrin to Broadford 11 miles / 17.5 km Day 4 Kilmarie to Sligachan 10.5 miles / 17 km Day 5 Sligachan to Portree 12 miles / 19.5 km Day 6 The Storr Dam to Portree 8 miles / 13 km Day 7 The Storr to Quirang 12 miles / 22.5 km Day 8 The Quirang to Flodigarry Area 6 miles / 10.5 km Day 9 Onward Travel

Blog Articles

The Macs Way

  • Tried & Tested Adventures Tried & Tested Adventures
  • Freedom Freedom
  • Book with Confidence Book with Confidence
  • Expertise Expertise
  • Positive Impact Positive Impact
Built with our expert knowledge, to suit you.
  • Knowledgeable and helpful specialist trip planners
  • Wide variety of tours to suit all interests and experience levels
  • Start on any date that suits you
  • Choose your ideal trip length and difficulty
  • Range of accommodation comfort levels
  • Choice of trip styles
Authentic adventure travel experiences on your own terms
  • Choose your own travel companions
  • Walk, cycle and explore at your own pace
  • Make your own decisions
  • Choose your own path
  • Indulge your passions
Feel secure in making the right choice for your precious adventure time
  • 18,000+ unbiased trip & service reviews
  • Feefo Platinum Award 2023
  • 25,000+ travelers trust us each year
  • As featured in the Guardian, Times, Nat Geo Traveler
  • Founder owned & operated since 2003
  • 100+ passionate team members across the US, UK & Europe
You can be confident that every detail of your journey has been expertly planned
  • Carefully planned adventures
  • Quality, hand-picked accommodations
  • Seamless and reliable arrangements
  • Comprehensive trip information & insider tips
  • Detailed maps, route notes and mobile GPS app
  • Helpful 24/7 support should you need it
Travel the right way and make a positive impact
  • Travel responsibly
  • Explore off the beaten track
  • Support locally owned businesses
  • Engage with local communities
  • Minimize your impact
  • Maximize the benefit of your travel
  • Challenge yourself & grow
Currency:
$ - USD - US Dollar
Country/Region name:
USAUSA