The Isle of Skye is a fabulous destination for anyone who enjoys walking breaks whether it's a gentle stroll or an epic hiking excursion into the Cuillin Hills.
Wild coastal scenery, deep fjords and secluded windswept bays, jagged mountain ranges and a wealth of history make this an easy choice of destination to visit for superb mixed walking and the chance to explore the many different aspects of this diverse island.
Enjoy wild hiking experience through a unique landscape. Take in as much of this scenery as possible, with a superb range of easy to moderate walks and hikes throughout the length of the island to give you a full Skye experience!
Also take in the island's wildlife and incredible geology, its turbulent history, strong tradition and thriving Gaelic culture which all combine to make this a quite fascinating place to visit.
Walking / Hiking Trips: • Author/naturalist Chris Mitchell offers guided day walks on Skye. Explore cliffs, moorland and seashore; learn to identify birds, wildflowers, lichens and ferns. Based at Croft 3, Waterstein (10 miles west of Dunvegan). B&B also available. Tel: 01470 511265
• Hebridean Pathways, based in Broadford, offer guided walks, coastal treks, mountain scrambling, private guiding, skills courses for climbing, navigation, etc. Special interest walks are also an option, covering geology, flora & fauna, and local history. Areas covered include Skye, Raasay, Torridon, Eigg & Harris.
With such a broad variety of walking and hiking breaks on offer, why not let an expert guide you through. Here are some superb recommended walks in Skye by Bev Mercer:
Easy:
• Eas Mor waterfall, height and distance negligible: A walk to a stunning waterfall at the base of the Cuillin.
• Neist Point, 300 ft, 1.5 miles: An easy walk on good paths to a lighthouse at the most westerly point of Skye.
• Portree Forest Walk, height negligible, 2 miles: A gentle walk through woodlands on the outskirts of Portree.
• Talisker Bay, height negligible, 1 mile: A walk through the grounds of Talisker House to the beach at Talisker Bay. Excellent views of Preshal More.
Moderate: • Coire Lagan, 1845 ft, 2.5 miles: A strenuous walk to a pretty lochan below the Cuillin Ridge.
• Point of Sleat, 200 ft, 12 miles: A long walk on good paths to a tiny harbour and then to the lighthouse at the most southerly point of Skye.
Hard: • The Quiraing and the Table, 950 ft, 4 miles: A walk to the base of the Quiraing, then a short, steep climb up to the Table on narrow paths which wind their way between the rock formations.
• Storr Summit, Sanctuary and Old Man of Storr, 2358 ft, 4 miles: A strenuous walk to a summit with stunning views, returning via the Old Man of Storr and the Sanctuary.
Useful Links
www.skyewalk.co.uk The ultimate guide to the Isle of Skye for walkers. Includes over 80 free routes, plus where to stay, what to see and do