Several films and television shows have used this Scottish island’s breathtaking and surreal nature as their setting. In fact, hiking on the island of Skye is the finest way to fully appreciate its breathtaking scenery, with routes ranging from rugged mountain scrambles to gorgeous beach strolls. Here are Skye’s top 10 day hikes.
1. Neist Point: simple, two-mile roundtrip distance in one to 1.5 hours.
On Skye’s most westerly headland, there is a climb to the famous lighthouse at Neist Point. The trail gradually drops across an open, grassy area before changing into a rather steep, stair-assisted drop in the center. That descent results in a hard ascent of more than 400 feet on the way back.
The ubiquitous, expansive ocean vista is the hike’s most alluring feature. The breathtaking view extends across the ocean to the Outer Hebrides islands, and if you’re lucky, you might even see whales and dolphins during the summer. The walk takes about 45 minutes round trip, but it’s worthwhile to plan more time so you may tour the lighthouse, have a picnic, and look for marine life.
2. Old Man of Storr: moderate, 2.75 miles roundtrip, 1.5–2 hours
The well-known Old Man of Storr would be the ideal symbol of Skye’s magical splendor if you had to choose just one location. The Trotternish peninsula is home to a number of enormous rock formations, including this magnificent 165-foot-tall free-standing boulder. The Storr top and its craggy, towering cliffs provide a striking backdrop to the scene.
Starting out steeply upward, this journey will need you to climb 950 feet before you reach the imposing Old Man himself. You may enjoy expansive, 180-degree views of the surrounding ocean, the Islands of Rona and Raasay, and the mainland’s Applecross peninsula from this vantage point.
Fortunately, you may continue to enjoy the scenery as you descend along the same route. If you are visiting Skye in the summer, it is advisable to go early in the morning to escape the crowds, as this is perhaps the most popular trek on the island.
3. Quiraing loop: moderate, four miles roundtrip, three to four hours.
The Quiraing, an undulating terrain dotted with towering rock pinnacles, oddly formed grassland domes, untamed cliffs, and hidden plateaus, takes on a surreal look thanks to ancient landslides. The Quiraing is a trek with it all when the common Skye seaside vistas are included.
This circular trip takes you on a challenging ascent slog to a grassy plateau from where it begins at the top of the twisting single-track road on the ridge of Skye’s north-pointing Trotternish Peninsula. Spectacular 360-degree views of the island and its unusual topography are available from a great height.
Onto the main route, descend the opposite side of the hill. The Needle and the Jail are two examples of the new, cockeyed rock towers that are revealed as this winds around beneath the peak.
You may just go as far as you like along the level, flowing the main trail to avoid the 1,200-foot elevation. Enthusiastic photographers who wish to capture Quiraing’s southern vista, the subject of one of Scotland’s most famous photos, frequently choose this alternative.
4. Fairy Glen: one-mile round trip, easy, 45 minutes
The Fairy Glen is a scaled-down, less well-known version of the stunning Trotternish Peninsula scenery. Cone-shaped hills, little grassy mounds, and the occasional lochan are all encircled by a variety of pathways (pond).
The hiking in this area is less about following a certain path and more about free-flowing and explorative. Yet, every journey must end with a short ascent to Castle Ewan, a rock formation that genuinely resembles an abandoned tower. In this strange yet endearing environment, one might in fact, anticipate a fairy working her magic.
You might spot some intriguing artificial rock spirals from the vantage point of Castle Ewan. Locals beg that you refrain from adding to the Fairy Glen’s ethereal atmosphere because doing so might harm the ecology. As there isn’t a designated visitor parking area, it’s a good idea to take the shuttle bus from Portree, the island’s largest town.
5. Fairy Pools: an easy 1.5-mile roundtrip hike that takes 40 minutes.
A picture of the stunning River Brittle and one of its waterfalls went viral two years ago, sparking an immediate increase in interest in this walk. To understand why, all it takes is one glance at the alluring turquoise ocean.
On the opposite side of the street from the forestry parking area, the hiking trail begins. Just stroll along the river, across the undulating moorland, and past the waterfalls and pools. People can be seen relaxing by the stream in the summer, going “wild swimming” in the pools, or having picnics on the grass.
The main waterfall, which can be reached in around 40 minutes total and is beautiful even on foggy days, is where most visitors want to go. Due to the Fairy Pools’ popularity, it is advisable to visit in the morning or late in the day when there will be fewer crowds.
6. Rubha Hunish: Five miles roundtrip, three to four hours, moderate
The most northerly point of Skye is reached by way of this lovely, tranquil route. Before to arriving on a steep and rocky descent, a comparatively flat path winds over moorlands. Doing a circle of Rubha Hunish Headland eases the walking once more. Even if the scenery could lure you, keep well away from the edge as you walk along some really sheer coastal cliffs.
At the tip of the headland, looking out at the ocean and the emptiness, there is a feeling of openness and peace. This might be related to the area’s isolation, which also makes Rubha Hunish one of Skye’s more tranquil hikes. You’re likely to be alone; seals, otters, whales, and dolphins are frequently seen.
The route back involves climbing the rocky incline once again before returning either down the Duntulm Bay shoreline trail or back over the moorlands. After that, stop by Single Track Espresso in the neighborhood for a piece of congratulations cake.
7. Coire Lagan: moderate to difficult, 5.5 kilometers roundtrip, three to four hours.
A tiny glacial pool called Coire Lagan has hidden away in a high valley and is encircled by the magnificent Cuillin mountains. The Cuillins, a group of angular, angry-looking peaks, are one of Skye’s most well-known sights and draw experienced hikers and mountain climbers.
Without attempting a difficult mountain trek, this trail is an excellent way to get up close to the towering mountains. The hike won’t call for any belaying equipment, although, at times, being challenging.
Glen Brittle’s picturesque coastline serves as the starting point for a path that ascends steadily into the mountains. The hardest portion of the trip now begins a rough clamber up a precipitous valley that is just below Coire Lagan’s entrance.
The little blue water is at your feet as soon as you cross the rim. The feeling of being in a gigantic amphitheater on the roof of the globe is created by being perched high within the ring of towering peaks.
8. Lake Coruisk is a simple, three- to five-hour, 4.5-mile roundtrip.
Although the trek is amazing, the journey to the trailhead is magnificent in and of itself. Drive down a stunning single-track road that winds around majestic mountains and sea lochs as you channel James Bond from Skyfall. Parking is available at Elgol, a picturesque fishing community with stunning views of the rugged Cuillin mountains across the ocean.
Take the ferry from here to the Lake Coruisk trailhead at the foot of the mountains. On the way there, seeing seals is almost a given. To guarantee a space on one of the ferries, either the Bella Jane or Misty Isle, make a reservation in advance.
Since there is no road access to Loch Coruisk, as soon as you step off the ferry, you’ll realize how remote it is. This gives the rather level circle around the loch that is surrounded by mountains plenty of room for meditation. Although the views are amazing, you’ll need strong shoes because the ground can be slippery and the rocks can be wet. Just make sure to return in time to catch the ferry back home.
9. Sgurr na Stri: 15 kilometers roundtrip, difficult, 7–8 hours
At less than 1,600 feet tall, Sgurr na Stri is a very little mountain tucked away at the end of a stunning narrow valley. The trek begins at Sligachan, where there is just one hotel and a well-known whisky bar, an excellent incentive for the challenging hike’s return leg. The path, though lengthy, is mainly flat and relaxing as it extends into the deep glen.
As the trail continues through the valley, other mountains appear and change on either side until it reaches the base of Sgurr na Stri. Although not difficult, the ascent is rough, and the path is not always well indicated. It is a hike best suited to individuals who are familiar with navigation.
One of the most breathtaking vistas in the UK can be found from the peak. As you eventually reach the summit, a grand panorama of mountains, lochs, the ocean, and the sky opens up in front of you. The shot that looks out over Loch Coruisk and the craggy, dark Cuillin Mountains beyond is the most breathtaking. For this view alone, it is more than worth the arduous walk back to the car.
10. Blaven: four hours, five kilometers total, difficult
Although the Cuillins are a mountain range known for its difficult and complex ascents, serious hikers come from all over the world to attempt them. While Blaven (Bla Bheinn, in Gaelic) is one of the Cuillins’ easier climbs, it is still appropriate for more seasoned hikers. Be prepared for all seasons because the weather can change suddenly. Remember to always let someone know where you’re going.
The hike is a rigorous ascent of nearly 3,000 feet from the beginning to the peak. The path leading from the parking lot at Loch Slapin is initially well-formed, but when you get to the scree slopes or areas of loose stone, you must navigate more cautiously.
After the screen, a little rock climbing and presto: breath-taking (literally) vast views in all directions that will keep you continuously circling in place. The sole lone black Cuillin mountain is Blaven. Its isolated location has the advantage of giving its peak unparalleled views of the main Cuillin group.
