Walking Holidays on the Isle of Skye

Unsure what Skye itinerary is the best choice for you? We are here to help! We have compiled a brief round-up of our Skye trips to help you decide which itinerary is the perfect fit for you. If you would like more detailed advice don't hesitate to contact our knowledgeable specialists. 

Best for ...

Enthusiastic walkers 

• A Long Walk on The Isle of Skye - a challenging yet rewarding itinerary on The Skye Trail, traversing the entire length of the island, best suited to experienced walkers. 
• Across The Isle of Skye - walk from the island's south coast to the harbour town of Portree, taking in sections of The Skye Trail, perfect for the seasoned hiker. 
• Skye & The Outer Hebrides - hike highlights of The Skye Trail combined with a journey to Harris and Lewis to walk the incredibly scenic and remote Harris Walkway. 

Seeing it all

• Highlands & Isle of Skye: Rail & Hike - a classic week-long journey of discovery with shorter optional walks between scenic rail and ferry travel; explore Edinburgh, the forests of Perthshire, Inverness, the dramatic landscapes of Skye and Highland glens. 
• Highlands, Isle of Skye & Edinburgh: Drive & Hike - spend over a week driving Scotland's most scenic roads including the famous "Road to the isles", punctuated by hand-picked optional walks, the sights are too many to list but think castles, heather-clad glens, distilleries, dramatic coastlines and mountains. 
• Skye, Outer Hebrides and NW Highlands: Drive & Hike - from Inverness, drive to Skye to take in the highlights before travelling to the Outer Hebrides (look out for sea eagles) wander white-sand beaches and visit the famous Callanish standing stone circle before returning to the mainland to hike in the spectacular NW Highlands. 

Short breaks 

• Skye Highs Short Break - in just 5 days immerse yourself in the rugged landscapes of Skye by day, and by night overnight in the colourful harbour town of Portree topped off with an iconic railway journey over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. 

A touch of luxury

• Luxury Highlands & Isle of Skye: Rail & Hike - with all the same great walks as our week-long classic itinerary but overnighting in 4 and 5* Highland castle hotels, plush lodges and boutique accommodations with some delicious included meals and a private guided tour of Skye. 
• Best of Skye In Style - this short break begins in Glasgow with a world-class rail journey to Skye, includes a private guided tour of Skye, our favourite walks on the island and stays in stylish 4* country houses and small hotels. 

1) Sample a bottle of ale from the Cuillin Brewery in the Sligachan Hotel after a spectacular day on the trail. 

2) Wander around the Old Man of Storr rock pillar with amazing views to the mainland. 

3) Explore the ruined castle and gardens at Armadale, home of clan MacDonald, on the southerly Sleat Peninsula.

4) Try local fish & chips followed by live music in a Portree pub. 

5) Visit Neist Point lighthouse, the most westerly point on the island, for that edge of the world feeling atop steep cliffs. 

6) Enjoy a tour of Skye's oldest distillery - Talisker - accompanied by a dram or two. 

7) Seek out a magical encounter as you take a short stroll in the Fairy Glen, or visit Glenbrittle's waterfalls known as the Fairy Pools. 

8) Experience a wildlife watching boat trip from Portree, or Elgol, and look out for seals, sea eagles and dolphins. 

9) Hike the Trotternish Ridge in the island's NW and experience the curious rock formations of the Quiraing for yourself.

10) Take in some of the island's culture; visit the Skye Museum of Island Life, the fossil museum at Staffin (known for dinosaurs) or the quirky Giant Angus MacAskill Museum. 

Q: When is the best time to walk on Skye?

A: Typically the best months for walking in the Highlands are May and September when the midges aren't a problems, the temperatures are ideal for walking and daily rainfall tends to be at its lowest. However, the walking season extends from April through to October. Skye is busiest with tourists and sightseers in the height of summer, but once you leave the honeypots you'll be able to find solitude on the trail passing just the occasional fellow-hiker. 

Q: Will I need a map and compass?

A: Our Skye itineraries vary greatly in difficulty, some are challenging and require experience navigating pathless terrain with a map and compass to back-up our handy, free Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app with maps, GPS tracks and route notes, while other trails are easy-going and waymarked. Make sure to check out the route information for your specific trip. 

Q: What's the foodie scene like on Skye?

A: In a word, varied ... from simple fish & chips sitting at Portree harbour, to intimate Michelin-listed dining experiences, to plush country house hotels, and casual restaurants serving fresh seafood and local venison. If you have something particular in mind it's best to book ahead especially during the busier summer months.