Skye Trail

The 7 day Skye Trail is a relatively recently created informal route which covers a great deal of Skye's finest landscape (and links several walks which merit inclusion on Walkopedia in their own right), albeit not much of it on the highest peaks. 

The trail begins with 3 days on the Trotternish Peninsula in the far north, starting at the northern promontory of Rubha Hunish including a long and demanding day following the high Trotternish Ridge, including an exploration of the Quiraing formation. Stunning views all the way.

From Portree you walk down to Sligachan the coastal Braes, perhaps staying in the famous climbers' hotel; then you walk down the length of Glen Sligachan, which crosses the island between the Black and Red Cuillin ranges with extraordinary views the whole way, to beautiful Camasunary beach, and on down the wild coast of the Elgol peninsula to the fishing village of Elgol.  

Thence it is a day walking up the Elgol peninsula to Torrin, up Loch Slapin, which has meltingly beautiful views of Red Cuillin peaks reflected in the loch on a good day; and then a final wind around the coast to view the remains of the cleared villages of Suisnish and Boreraig before heading inland to cross to the north of the island, in part on the Marble Line, an old railway route, to Broadford on the north coast.

There are some fantastic detours – check out Skye Trail website.

This is often quite demanding walking, much of it not on major paths. Skye has notoriously fickle and often bad weather, and conditions on top can be appalling, and it is easy to lose your way in cloud/mist. Always come fully prepared. This is really a walk for experienced hillwalkers with good navigating skills.

There is basic accommodation available on most of the route, but not all of it, which means that, unless you are willing to carry a big pack and camp, it is hard to walk the entire route consecutively - although you may be able to organise taxis to take you to accommodation. Organising supplies can also have its challenges. It is a wonderful route for those who like wild camping. It is worth checking if bag transfer can be arranged.

The Skye Trail website has lots of good information. There is also a Cicerone book on the trail, which, knowing them, will be excellent.

Walkopedia would love to tackle this walk one day: while you could select a better 7 days of non-consecutive walking Skye, this trail would give immense satisfaction.

For more information and photos, including detailed practical information, see our Isle of Skye pages.