Walking in Scotland: Walks on Skye

Skye is a perfect location for walkers/hillwalkers and mountaineers. It is a compact island with a wide variety of walks and climbs to suit all abilities, from mountains and hills like the Red Hills, the Storr and Quiraing to more gentle walks such as the walk to Talisker Bay, the Portree Forest walk and the walk to Eas Mor waterfall. There are also some walks in the Cuillin suitable for walkers and hillwalkers, but most of the Cuillin are really for experienced mountaineers only.

Hillwalking, walking and mountaineering apart, there is plenty to see and do on Skye. My personal favourites are the Serpentarium at Broadford, Dunvegan Castle and the Otter Haven at Kylerhea.

Here is a map of Skye.

Walks

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.

The Cuillin from Sligachan.

Maps

The Landranger maps are suitable for most walks on Skye, but the Outdoor Leisure Map of the Cuillin is more detailed and more suitable for walks in that area

Further Information

Books:

• West Highland Walks Volume Two: Skye to Cape Wrath by Hamish MacInnes, published by Hodder & Stoughton.
• The Munros by the Scottish Mountaineering Club.
• The Corbetts and Lesser Hills by Scottish Mountaineering Club.
• The Scottish Peaks by W. A. Poucher, published by Constable.
• 100 Best Routes on Scottish Mountains by Ralph Storer, published by Sphere.
• Selected Walks: Northern Skye by Charles Rhodes, available from Skye Tourist Information at Portree (01478 612137). There are other books available in this series, covering Southern Skye, the Cuillins and Glen Brittle.
• Skye: Walking, Scrambling and Exploring by Ralph Storer, published by David and Charles.
• Getting Around the Highlands and Islands, published annually by Farm Holiday Guides Ltd in association with the Highlands and Islands Development Board. Can be purchased from Farm Holiday Guides Ltd., Abbey Mill Centre, Seedhill, Paisley PA1 1JN.

Professional Guides: “Cuillin Guides” Stac Lee, Glen Brittle (01478) 640289

Mountain Rescue: (01478) 612888

Weather Forecast: Mountain Call – (0891) 500441

Public Transport

Public Transport to Skye:

• Railways: Highland Railway from Inverness to Kyle.
• Railways: West Highland Line from Glasgow to Mallaig.
• Coach: from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.

Public Transport on Skye:

• Bus Services: timetables at Tourist Offices. Services operate to most parts of the island. Daily services from Uig – Portree – Glasgow and from Uig – Portree – Inverness. Sutherlands operate a summer service calling at Glen Brittle. Post buses are Broadford – Elgol and Dunvegan – Glendale. There are no services on a Sunday, some bus services only run from Monday – Friday, and some only run during the summer. Check Tourist Information Centres for timetables.
• Car Ferries: timetables at Tourist Offices.
• Mallaig – Armadale: 5 crossings daily Mon – Sat, summer service for cars only.
• Glenelg – Kylerhea: 9am – 5pm, Mon – Sat, summer only.
• Sconser – Raasay: 5 crossings daily Mon – Sat (fewer in winter).

Accommodation

• Bay View Guest House, Talisker, Isle of Skye, IV47 8SF. Telephone 01478 640244 (located at start of walk to Talisker Bay). Open all year and serve food all day, including evening meals. STB **.
• Cairngorm B&B, Broadford, Isle of Skye
• Crepigill Cottage, near Portree, Isle of Skye

There are camping and caravan sites (with facilities) at Broadford, Dunvegan, Edinbane, Glen Brittle, Portre, Sigachan, Staffin and Uig.

There are also Youth Hostels at Armadale, Broadford, Glen Brittle, Kyleakin, Raasay and Uig.