The Skye’s the limit on this large island that just keeps giving in terms of its colossal Caledonian trails. As the largest of the Inner Hebrides archipelago, it can feel like a helluva hike to the Hebrides. But when you follow our tips on how to get to Isle of Skye, as well as some other hiking hints, you enter a world that’s like a microcosm of the mainland’s natural highlights, with its lochs, rugged peninsulas and valleys wrapped around the foothills of its mountainous interior. It’s both perfectly and quirkily formed, with fantasy-like names to match fantastic landscapes, such as the Old Man of Storr rocky pinnacle, or the magical Fairy Pools. Follow our tips on getting there and hiking there, and this extraordinary island will no longer be pie in the sky.
How to get to the Isle of Skye
Getting to Skye by car
There is a bridge connecting mainland Scotland with the Isle of Skye, so you can drive there. It takes around 05h 30mins to drive from Glasgow, which is our recommended airport if you’re flying into the UK. There is no toll over the bridge and, once you cross it, you’ll start to see very soon why it’s so special. Unless it’s very cloudy, because its name does come from ancient Norse, sky-a, meaning cloud island. All of which just adds to its mythical magnificence.
Getting to Skye by public transport
The capital of the Isle of Skye is Portree, but our walking holidays start in Broadford, which is 12.5km from the Isle of Skye Bridge and 40km south of Portree. There are several buses a day from Glasgow city centre to Broadford, with a journey time of around 05h 40mins. There are also some direct ones from Glasgow Airport. For bus or timetable information see Citylink and we highly recommend booking these in advance in peak season. Citylink’s buses are modern, with toilet and washroom facilities, comfortable seating, fold-down tables, reading lights, wireless charging, but no wifi. So get ready for a digital detox.
If you choose to travel by train, there are no stations on the island, but there is one on the mainland in Mallaig. This is the end of the line for one of Scotland’s most exquisite lines, the West Highland Line, starting in Glasgow. Over five hours, it takes you through some pretty wild spots including Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, as far as Fort William, then on to the small west coast fishing village at Mallaig. And from here you catch a ferry over to Armadale on Skye and, finally, a local bus to Broadford. Please note that train doesn’t refer to the Jacobite steam train, which is a tourist train, but to the main public transport service between Glasgow and Maillaig.
Alternatively, many people like to travel to Kyle, also on the mainland, from Inverness, which is another spectacular train journey, running coast to coast from Inverness, and known simply as the Kyle Line. Travel for 02h 30mins from the Highland capital at Inverness through the Torridon Peaks, which boast nine of Scotland’s munros (mountains over 914.4m). Bring your binoculars on this route, keeping an eye out for eagles soaring and deer grazing or just sit back and take in all the greatness. As with all train journeys, the sooner you book, the cheaper the tickets will be. See our blog, How to book cheap train tickets.
Book early for an island that does fill up
It is an island with only so many beds, and as those beds have been picked carefully to link up our daily walking trails, they do get filled up. So do book your holiday early, so that you can guarantee a place. Our adventure specialists are here to answer all your questions, led by our Scottish team member and destination manager, Gregor Stewart, who gives many more of his tips here.
Fill your boots and find a beer
A real Highland fling must involve food, and local produce never fails to fill your boots on our Isle of Skye walking holidays. Scottish salmon and seafood, including the famous Arbroath haddock smokies, Aberdeen Angus Beef, game in season and, for dessert, the creamy cranachan, made with Scottish oats, whisky, cream and seasonal raspberries are just a few delights on offer.
There are fine food hubs everywhere, with two contrasting foodie greats like the Oyster Shed beach shack and the Michelin Star Loch Bay restaurant. As well as the Elgollian, which is Elgol’s signature fresh prawn and lobster roll. There’s also no shortage of local beer (check out Cuillin Brewery and Isle of Skye Brewing Company) and whisky, and we can arrange extra days and transfers for distillery tours, on request. In addition, you’ll be raising a toast to the hospitality that you’ll receive on the island, which always goes above and beyond. It’s worth noting, however, that most accommodations on Skye do not offer packed lunches. Instead, there are supermarkets and convenience stores in Broadford and Portree to stock up on trail snacks and sandwiches.
Keep your eyes on the Skye forecasts
There’s a great auld word in Scotland, which sums up a grey, wet day, and that’s dreich. So, for example, you may hear someone say, “It’s a really dreich day today, isn’t it?” And with so many wild places comes wild weather, and the Isle of Skye is no exception. So it’s worth keeping that in mind when choosing your walking boots or rain jacket, but also don’t count out a sun hat or sunscreen when packing for your Scottish adventures. Those rays do come out and, even when hiding, they can have a harmful effect on your skin, so you need sunscreen too. On this holiday, there is a river crossing, with stepping stones, but when the rains have been heavy, it can be fast flowing, and so care must be taken. If you’re opting for our more strenuous and higher Isle of Skye Trail, please read up on our safety tips for hiking in mountainous areas.
Where to go swimming on the Isle of Skye
The Skye Trail covers most of Skye’s length and passes through the best hiking areas of the island, including the Black and Red Cuillin and Trotternish Ridge. Along this route you have some swimming havens too, such as the Torrin Pools, just outside the small town of Torrin. Sligachan River is another lively spot for a dip, and one of our hotel options is located right on the river at Sligachan Bridge. If you follow the water up from the bridge, there’s a multitude of swimming holes just waiting to be dipped into. If there has been a lot of rain and the river is fast flowing, it’s best to pass on this one ‘though. Another swimming option is at Elgol on the shores of Loch Scavaig, where you also spend a night.
On our Walking on the Isle of Skye holiday, you also get to dip in and out of the island’s most famous swimming spot, the Fairy Pools. An icy blue collection of pools at the foot of the Black Cuillins, they have been formed over the centuries by the River Brittle. Be warned though, they lose their fairy vibe when the Instagrammers immerse themselves, as they have become very well-known over the last few years through social media. So get in early in the day if possible.
Avoiding overtourism on the Isle of Skye
Although the Fairy Pools get busy, our walk that takes you there and back, starting and ending in Sligachan rather than to the busy Fairy Pools car park, is not busy. This is how we create all our itineraries on the Isle of Skye, and all our tours when possible. For example, The Old Man of Storr also attracts crowds, and when you see its magnificence you’ll see why. Other areas are crowded too, but we do what we can to provide unique routes that avoid honeypots as much as possible.
There are also cruise ships that come into Portree, but these are mainly from mid-June until the end of July, and you can see their timetables here to get a good idea in advance of their comings and goings. Cruise ship passengers won’t be trekking up to Trotternish Ridge or across the Cuillin Mountains though.
Read up on and spot Scottish wildlife
One of the best resources is Scottish Wildlife Trust which not only lists its species, but also manages 120 wildlife reserves around the country. They strive to protect the precious habitats that you might take for granted on a walking holiday, and so please do support their vital work by donating to the cause. For example, if you’re lucky, you may want to extend your holiday to go dolphin or whale watching, with local companies offering trips to see their cetacean friends. The summer is also prime time to spot golden eagles or ptarmigans in and around the Cuillin Mountains. Or grey seals along the coast. You can also extend your trip to see puffins, by taking a boat trip from Skye to the Isle of Canna, with April and May being the best months to see their colonies. Scotland boasts the largest red deer population and they are fond of their Skye habitats. This walking holiday is on higher ground where deer are more likely to roam throughout this time.
Bring plenty of water
Some of the Isle of Skye hikes can be pretty remote, so make sure you bring plenty of water. Tap water is definitely drinkable so bring a reusable water bottle or a hydration backpack with you. Even better, invest in a filtered water bottle to ensure water is free of any toxins.
Don’t miss Skye’s artistic side
The crafts and arts industry thrives on the Isle of Skye, and so don’t miss a chance to visit the array of craft shops and galleries around the island. From photography to beauty products, watercolours to wool, you will definitely want to leave room in your bags for a gift or two. Don’t miss the shops and stalls in Skye Market Square in Broadford, a favourite with visitors and local people.
Gauge your fitness
Although our trips do have a range of difficulty levels, the Skye Trail is one of our most challenging Caledonian adventures over nine days and one that requires plenty of wild walking experience. Hiking poles are highly recommended to assist when crossing the streams through Glen Sligachan, for example, and for keeping your balance on the tricky terrain around the Storr and Quiraing. And so do get yourself in training to make the most of all of these landscapes, and read our blog on preparing for a hiking trip.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed our tips on travelling to the Isle of Skye. The island does really seep into your veins when you get here, and so it’s worth building in some rest days, or extra time at the beginning or end of your trip, to imbibe all of its special qualities. That’s why we’re proud of the customisability and flexibility of our tours. So, if you have any ideas of your own, let us know, and we’ll do what we can to make your holiday special for you. For any more information, contact our adventure specialists.
