The best walks on the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is home to some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Scotland, and the best way to explore them is on foot. From gentle strolls to challenging hikes, there’s a walk for every level of fitness and experience. Here are some of the best walks on the Isle of Skye.

The Quiraing is one of the most popular walks on Skye. The trail takes you through a surreal landscape of towering rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and rolling hills. The views from the top are simply breathtaking, and on a clear day, you can see for miles around. The walk is about 6.8km long and takes around 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level. It’s a moderately challenging hike with some steep sections, but the effort is well worth it.

The Old Man of Storr is another iconic landmark on the Isle of Skye. The walk to the Old Man is short but steep, with some challenging sections, but the views from the top are simply stunning. The trail is about 3.8km long and takes around 1-2 hours to complete. The Old Man of Storr is a towering pinnacle of rock that dominates the surrounding landscape, and it’s well worth the climb to see it up close.

The Fairy Pools, located near the village of Carbost, are a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls that are famous for their bright blue and turquoise hues. The walk from Torgorm Cottage to the Fairy Pools is a moderate four-mile hike, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls along the way. It’s a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping, but visitors should be aware that the water can be very cold, even in the summer months.

The Cuillin, the famous mountain peaks on the Isle of Skye, are a mecca for experienced walkers and climbers and offer some of the most challenging hikes in Scotland. The Black Cuillin, which are composed of jagged peaks and sheer ridges including 12 Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet), are particularly popular with mountaineers. For those who are less experienced, there are plenty of easier walks in the area, such as the Red Cuillin accessible from Sconser and Sligachan, the Fairy Pools or the Quiraing.

Neist Point Lighthouse, located on the most westerly point of Skye, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in coastal walks and stunning views. The walk to the lighthouse is short and easy, but the views along the way are breathtaking. From the lighthouse, visitors can see the Outer Hebrides on a clear day, and there are often sightings of whales and dolphins in the waters below.

Finally, Loch Coruisk is a remote freshwater loch that is surrounded by the towering peaks of the Cuillin. Accessible only by boat (from Elgol) or on foot, the loch is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The walk to Loch Coruisk takes around four hours from Sligachan and passes through some of the most beautiful scenery on the island, including Glen Sligachan. Once at the loch, visitors can take a boat tour or enjoy a picnic on the shore.