The Isle of Skye is a magical and mystical place, steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Located off the west coast of Scotland, Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebrides and is known for its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and towering mountains. The island is a hiker’s paradise, with countless walks and hikes to explore.
From the towering cliffs of the Quiraing to the crystal-clear waters of the Fairy Pools, there are countless hikes to explore on this beautiful island. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a challenging hike, Skye has something for everyone. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at 13 of the best walks on the Isle of Skye.
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Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
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Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
These recommendations may vary depending on what activities you are wanting to do whilst on the island. We have based these accommodations close to the centre of the island and near Portree. In the summer Portree is extremely busy and we would recommend that you look to stay elsewhere if you want to avoid the crowds and traffic.
In the winter months, however, Portree is a pleasant and central location from which it is easy to get to many of the sights around the island.
Luxury – If you are looking for a comfortable apartment stay to come home to after a day exploring, Quayside Apartment is the perfect place for you. With spectacular views and a good central location, this accommodation is comfort plus for your next trip to Skye.
Book your stay at the Quayside Apartments right here.
Mid-range – The Portree Hotel is a great central location for your stay in Skye. This hotel overlooks the main square in Portree and during the winter months, there are wood-burning stoves to keep you warm after a day of exploring.
Book your stay at the Portree Hotel right here.
Budget – If you are looking for a budget place to rest your head but still have a great view, The Pink House is the place to stay just for that. A continental breakfast is included in your stay and you can book a room with a great view out to sea.
Book your stay at the Pink House right here.
If hostels are more your scene, you can check out the hostels available in Isle of Skye here.
Glenbrittle Falls
Glenbrittle Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Glenbrittle, on the west coast of Skye. The falls are easily accessible via a short walk from the car park, and the surrounding landscape is stunning. The hike takes you through a forest of tall trees, and you can hear the sound of the waterfall as you get closer. When you reach the falls, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the water cascading down the rocks. It’s a great spot for a picnic or just to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Glenbrittle Falls is a short and easy walk that takes around 30 minutes to complete. The walk is approximately 1 km in length and takes you through a forest of tall trees to the beautiful waterfall.
Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools are a series of crystal-clear blue pools on the River Brittle, near Glenbrittle. The pools are a popular destination for visitors from all over the world, and offer great “wild swimming” for those brave enough to enter the cold water. The hike to the Fairy Pools takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery on Skye, including waterfalls, rocky outcrops, and stunning mountain views. The walk is relatively easy, but can be muddy in places, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
The Fairy Pools is a popular and scenic walk that takes around 2-3 hours to complete. The walk is approximately 5 km in length and takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery on Skye, including waterfalls, rocky outcrops, and stunning mountain views.
Camas Daraich
Camas Daraich is a beautiful beach located at the end of the Sleat Peninsula on the southern end of the Isle of Skye. If you are visiting the Point of Sleat Lighthouse, you will pass by Camas Daraich on route and we would really recommend stopping to take in the beautiful views.
The beach is around an hours walk away from where you will park your car along a rough road and boggy terrain however it is well worth the walk.
Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr is an iconic pinnacle of rock that towers over the Isle of Skye. The hike to the Old Man of Storr takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery on Skye, including stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The walk is relatively easy, but can be steep in places, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and coastline.
The Old Man of Storr is a moderate hike that takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete. The walk is approximately 3.8 km in length and takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery on Skye, including stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Quiraing
The Quiraing is a unique and otherworldly landscape of towering cliffs, pinnacles, and plateaus. The hike takes you through some of the most stunning scenery on Skye, including breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The walk is relatively easy, but can be steep in places, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and coastline.
The Quiraing is a challenging hike that takes around 2-3 hours to complete. The walk is approximately 6.8 km in length and takes you through some of the most stunning scenery on Skye, including breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Loch Sheanta
Loch Sheanta is a beautiful lake located on the Trotternish Peninsula, on the east coast of Skye. The loch is accessible via a short walk from the car park, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The walk takes you through a grassy field and down to the loch, where you can enjoy the sound of the water lapping against the shore. It’s a great spot for a picnic or just to relax and take in the scenery.
Loch Sheanta is a short and easy walk that takes around 30 minutes to complete. The walk is approximately 1.5 km in length and takes you through a grassy field to the beautiful loch.
Loch Coruisk
Loch Coruisk is a beautiful and remote lake located in the heart of the Cuillin Mountains. The hike to Loch Coruisk takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery on Skye, including stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ridge line. The walk is relatively difficult, with some steep climbs and descents, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Loch Coruisk is a challenging hike that takes around 6-7 hours to complete. The walk is approximately 17 km in length and takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery on Skye, including stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ridge line.
Coral Beach
Coral Beach is a beautiful beach located on the west coast of Skye. The beach is accessible via a short walk from the car park, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The beach is named for the small pieces of coral that can be found on the shore. The walk takes you through a grassy field and down to the beach, where you can enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. It’s a great spot for a picnic or just to relax and take in the scenery.
Coral Beach is a short and easy walk that takes around 30 minutes to complete. The walk is approximately 1.5 km in length and takes you through a grassy field to the beautiful beach.
Camasunary Bay
Camasunary Bay is a beautiful bay located on the west coast of Skye. The bay is accessible via a relatively easy walk from the car park, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The walk takes you through a grassy field and down to the bay, where you can enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. It’s a great spot for a picnic or just to relax and take in the scenery.
Camasunary Bay is a short and easy walk that takes around 1-2 hours to complete. The walk is approximately 5 km in length and takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery on Skye, including stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Neist Point
Neist Point is the most westerly headland on Skye, and is home to an iconic lighthouse. The hike to Neist Point takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery on Skye, including stunning views of the coastline and surrounding landscape. The walk is relatively easy, but can be steep in places, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. When you reach the lighthouse, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the surrounding coastline.
Neist Point is a moderate hike that takes around 1-2 hours to complete. The walk is approximately 3.5 km in length and takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery on Skye, including stunning views of the coastline and surrounding landscape.
Eas Mor
Eas Mor is a beautiful waterfall located in the Trotternish Peninsula, on the east coast of Skye. The waterfall is accessible via a short walk from the car park, and the surrounding landscape is stunning. The walk takes you through a forest of tall trees, and you can hear the sound of the waterfall as you get closer. When you reach the falls, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the water cascading down the rocks.
Eas Mor is a short and easy walk that takes around 30 minutes to complete. The walk is approximately 0.5 km in length and takes you through a forest of tall trees to the beautiful waterfall.
Talisker Bay
Talisker Bay is a beautiful beach located on the west coast of Skye. The beach is accessible via a short walk from the car park, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The walk takes you through a grassy field and down to the beach, where you can enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. It’s a great spot for a picnic or just to relax and take in the scenery.
Talisker Bay is a short and easy walk that takes around 1-2 hours to complete. The walk is approximately 3.5 km in length and takes you through a grassy field to the beautiful beach.
Rubha Hunish
Rubha Hunish is the most northerly point of Skye, and offers panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding landscape. The hike to Rubha Hunish takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery on Skye, including stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. The walk is relatively easy, but can be muddy in places, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. When you reach the point, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape.
Rubha Hunish is a moderate hike that takes around 2-3 hours to complete. The walk is approximately 6.5 km in length and takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery on Skye, including stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.
Before You Leave on Your Trip to the Isle of Skye
Before you leave on your trip to the Isle of Skye there are a few things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. These include how to get there and around the island, what to pack and where to stay, all of which are discussed below.
How to Get to the Isle of Skye
Drive
The Isle of Skye is connected to mainland Scotland by the Skye Bridge, a free road bridge, from Kyle of Lochalsh to the village of Kyleakin on the island. In high winds, the bridge will close to high vehicles and on days of particularly extreme weather, the bridge may close to all vehicles.
Ferry
Another option is to get the ferry over to Skye which typically takes around 30 minutes, leaving from Mallaig on the mainland to Armadale. You can check the timetables online as there is typically only a morning and afternoon ferry running.
Bus
If you are travelling to Skye without a vehicle, buses run from Scotland’s major cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh direct to Isle of Skye’s capital, Portree. Buses to the Isle of Skye run from other areas in Scotland and you can plan your bus journey to Skye here.
Once you are on the island, you can book onto a tour that departs from Portree and takes you around the best sights that there are to see on the island. Read more about this tour and book your place right here.
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
These recommendations may vary depending on what activities you are wanting to do whilst on the island. We have based these accommodations close to the centre of the island and near Portree. In the summer Portree is extremely busy and we would recommend that you look to stay elsewhere if you want to avoid the crowds and traffic.
In the winter months, however, Portree is a pleasant and central location from which it is easy to get to many of the sights around the island.
Luxury – If you are looking for a comfortable apartment stay to come home to after a day exploring, Quayside Apartment is the perfect place for you. With spectacular views and a good central location, this accommodation is comfort plus for your next trip to Skye.
Book your stay at the Quayside Apartments right here.
Mid-range – The Portree Hotel is a great central location for your stay in Skye. This hotel overlooks the main square in Portree and during the winter months, there are wood-burning stoves to keep you warm after a day of exploring.
Book your stay at the Portree Hotel right here.
Budget – If you are looking for a budget place to rest your head but still have a great view, The Pink House is the place to stay just for that. A continental breakfast is included in your stay and you can book a room with a great view out to sea.
Book your stay at the Pink House right here.
If hostels are more your scene, you can check out the hostels available in Isle of Skye here.
What to Pack for the Isle of Skye
When it comes to packing for a trip to Scotland there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your trip to the Isle of Skye in winter, you can expect rain at some point. Due to this, the number one item on your packing list is a good waterproof jacket.
Second to that, another item to not leave home without is a good pair of warm and, if possible, waterproof boots. A lot of the best sights on Skye require a bit of walking to reach them and the conditions underfoot can become very muddy. You do not want to ruin a good pair of white trainers so pack some sturdy boots.
You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the winter months as the wind chill can be bitter.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around the Isle of Skye, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for The Isle of Skye
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your guide to Hiking Isle of Skye. If you are visiting this incredible place and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was! Did you get a clear day to see the sights? Did you manage the trip without getting caught in the rain? Let us know in the comments below!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning walk.
If you are planning a Scotland trip soon then check out our other Scotland content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
Read Now:
- Visiting the Isle of Skye in Winter – All You Need to Know
- Isle of Skye – The Best Things to Do in Skye
- Isle of Skye Itinerary – One Day on the Isle of Skye
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