Trek Scotland’s Isle of Skye via the Skye Trail
The Skye Trail is one of the most remote and challenging hikes in Scotland, exploring some of the very finest mountain and coastal scenery on the rugged Isle of Skye – and indeed in the whole of the United Kingdom. Connecting Broadford in the south with Rubha Hunish in the north, the route hugs dramatic coastal cliffs, passes in the shadows of the majestic Cuillin Hills, traverses the spectacular Trotternish Ridge, and visits the pinnacle-like Quiraing.
Hikers seeking intense physical challenge, solitude, and an opportunity to soak in a visual feast of craggy peaks and coastlines, immense wedge-shaped ridges, and abundant marine wildlife will find plenty to appreciate on the Skye Trail.
The trek is done as a point-to-point journey, connecting Broadford in the south with Rubha Hunish in the north. Typically done southbound to delay a somewhat-disappointing section near Broadford, using a northbound itinerary provides for a gentle start, saving the most demanding sections for later in the itinerary after legs and lungs are acclimated. There are options from many places along the route – the very remote Trotternish Ridge being an exception – for trekkers to exit via taxi if required, allowing sections of the route to be skipped in case of bad weather, unsafe trail conditions, time constraints, or injury/illness/fitness.
The 80-mile / 13,800’ gain itinerary is unmarked, off-trail / primitive boot path, and requires route-finding expertise. No established, marked, or heavily-traveled trails are utilized. Adding an ascent of Blà Bheinn to the trip adds 7.1 miles and 3,400’ gain to the itinerary.
The route can be done as a backpack with nights spent in the backcountry, or – using taxi or private shuttle support – as a continuous series of day hikes with overnight village stays.
Selected lodging, dining, and provisioning opportunities exist along the route, from small guesthouses and B&B’s – offering simple, hearty meals – to restaurants and shops in communities such as Broadford, Portree, and Flodigarry.
Outfitter / Guide Service:
Using an outfitter or guide service is not necessary when trekking the Skye Trail. Backpackers can access the beginning and ending trailheads via public bus service. Doing the route as a continuous series of day hikes with overnight village stays in guesthouses and B&B’s, however, requires twice-daily transfers between accommodations and trailheads. While this could be accomplished using taxis, it is likely much more convenient to utilize a booking agent or outfitter to arrange dedicated shuttle service and manage lodging reservations.
Trekkers preferring easier, higher-service, and/or shorter itinerary options – including daily luggage transfers and certified mountain guides – can select from a limited group of outfitters who offer supported Skye Trail treks.
Getting there:
The main gateway to/from the Skye Trail is Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland, from which regular bus service reaches the Isle of Skye in approximately 30 minutes. To reach Kyle of Lochalsh from the two closest major airports – Glasgow (GLA) and Edinburgh (EDI) – requires 4 hours via car and 11 hours via bus/train.
- Suitable Activities: Global Adventures, Backpacking, Day Hiking
- Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
- Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
- Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
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