Scotland’s Isle of Skye is truly a paradise for both hikers and landscape lovers. More often than not you’ll find yourself in a beautiful otherworldly location, which is often best viewed from one of the great hiking (or walking, as they say in the UK) trails found on the island. Indeed, and we don’t say this lightly, Skye was without a doubt one of our favorite hiking destinations, ever. Most of the hikes (or walks) we’ve done here offer stunningly beautiful views throughout the trail and don’t leave you waiting for a specific “viewpoint” along the trail. More often than not, the entire trail is the viewpoint! Below we present our guide to the Best hikes and walks on the Isle of Skye to showcase some of our favorite Skye trails, with a focus on those that we believe best maximize the effort-to-reward ratio.
We’ll start by presenting our favorite Skye hike, and then move on to the second, third, fourth and so on. The last few hikes presented shouldn’t be viewed as our “least favourite” hikes, but rather as hikes that we really liked and that were under consideration for our third and fourth favorite hikes.
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You might also be interested in these pages:
Top Things to See and Do on Skye
4-Day Roadtrip Isle of Skye Itinerary
Isle of Skye Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
Best Skye hikes and walks
1. The Quiraing
Located in the northern part of Skye’s Trotternish Peninsula, no area best depicts Skye’s otherworldly landscapes as much as the Quiraing. Shaped by a never-ending landslide lasting millennia, the landscape formations of the Quirang are unlike any other you’ve probably ever seen, so odd-shaped and yet so vividly colorful. What makes the Quirang particularly appealing for some is that you don’t even need to walk very far to get some of the best views the trail has to offer, as many are satisfied with what they see barely a few hundred feet beyond the parking lot. But we highly recommend walking the full trail, as this was our favorite one in Skye.
Another fun fact about this trail is that it doesn’t get as busy as the Old Man of Storr trail or the Fairy Pools trail (both presented below). You’re likely to see many people near the trailhead, but many don’t go much further. This is because many just come to the Quiraing for the two great viewpoints just beyond the parking lot.
The Quiraing got its name from the Old Norse “Kví Rand,” meaning Round Fold, and refers to a collection of grass-topped rock towers and crags that appear to have frozen mid-tumble in a variety of strange angles, as a result of Britain’s largest known landslide. At 2km wide, the Quiraing stretches from the escarpment down to the sea and actually is part of a much bigger series of ancient landslides all along the Trotternish ridge, which includes the Old Man of Storr.
Distance: 6.9 km
Route Type: Loop
Elevation gain: 265 m (cumulative elevation gain: 382 m)
AllTrails rating: (4.7, 1958 ratings (2023))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in 2h30-3h
For more information on exploring the Quiraing, check out our Quiraing Trail Guide.
Not an AllTrails member yet? We highly recommend signing up for either their free or paid membership plans. The free plan allows you to find new trails and plan routes but it can only be used while hiking if you have access to mobile data. The paid membership plan (AllTrails+) allows you to download trail maps for offline use and provides live progress updates and off-route notifications.
If you are still uncertain – you should know that the All Trails mobile application was voted the 2023 iPhone App of the Year by Apple.
2. The Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr, a towering pinnacle and an iconic landmark of the Isle of Skye, is where you can experience one of Scotland’s most spectacular hiking trails. Although you have probably seen many pictures of the area before, there is definitely something special about seeing it with your own two eyes. The trail is located, like the Quiraing trail, in the Trottternish Peninsula, not far from Portree.
The trail leading up to the iconic Old Man of Storr was one of our favorites in Scotland, let alone Skye. Although a moderately challenging uphill trail, the walk up to the main viewpoints isn’t particularly long. The walk and views of the surrounding landscape are particularly beautiful in the early morning around sunrise.
“The Storr”, which refers to the group of looming outcrops that include and surround the Old Man, is a title derived from the Norse word for “Great Man.” Standing at 55 metres high, the ‘old man’ component of the name derives from the fact that when seen from the front, the rocky pinnacle and The Storr behind it create the face of a haggard and craggy old man.
Distance: 5.5 km
Route Type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 310m (cumulative elevation gain: 357m)
AllTrails rating: (4.7, 3444 ratings (2023))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in 2h30-3h
For more information on exploring this iconic trail, check out our Old Man of Storr Guide.
3. Camanusary Bay
Of the many walks and hikes we did on Skye, Camanusary Bay is probably the one that surprised us the most. It starts by meandering through fields filled with grazing sheep and then slowly goes up and down through rolling hills with beautiful views of the nearby Cuillin mountains, until a final ascent takes to a plateau where a stunning coastal and beach vista awaits. It’s a moderately long trail, but not particularly difficult in terms of elevation gain.
The trailhead is located in southern Skye, near the town of Elgol, 60km south of Portree. We were very surprised by how few other people we saw on this trail given how beautiful the scenery is.
Distance: 9.7 km (full trail), only 6km if you stop near the top of the pass.
Route Type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 160m (cumulative elevation gain: 392m)
Start point: Camasunary Car Park
AllTrails rating: (4.6, 73 ratings (2023))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in 2h30-3h
For more information on exploring this Skye hidden gem, check out our Camanusary Bay Guide.
4. Talisker Bay
If you want a quiet and easy walk where you get lost in your thoughts, this is the place for you. The odds are that you will find yourself alone amongst numerous sheep and cows along this beautiful trail that first traverses a small forest, then mountainside pastures, followed by a beautiful beach nudged in between stunning sea stacks and a towering coastal waterfall. Yes, this short trail is definitely a Skye hidden gem that will provide you with beautiful scenery with very little effort required on your end.
The trailhead is located in western Skye, not too far from the Talisker Distillery. It’s also relatively close to the Fairy Pools trail (see below). It’s a very peaceful walk – we encountered very few other people on the trail.
Distance: 3.5 km
Route Type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 0m (cumulative elevation gain: 41m)
AllTrails rating: (4.4, 66 ratings (2023))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in 1h
For more information on exploring this beautiful beach trail, check out our Talisker Bay Guide.
5. Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools definitely have a magical allure to them. This trail starts by going briefly downhill along the River Brittle, before the trail follows a gentle uphill slope toward the towering Black Cuillin mountains. As you get closer to the mountains, you start to come across a beautiful series of enchanting waterfalls and crystal-clear water pools.
The trail to the Fairy Pools is wide and well-groomed, and there isn’t much elevation gain, making it easily accessible and one of the most popular walking trails on Skye. It’s simply a beautiful location to go for a walk in nature. This was the busiest trail we saw aside from the Old Man of Storr.
Distance: 4.2 km
Route Type: Out & Back
Elevation gain: 70 m (cumulative elevation gain: 158 m)
AllTrails rating: (4.5, 1340 ratings (2023))
Duration: 1h-1h30
For more information on exploring this enchanting area, check out our Fairy Pools Guide.
6. Sligachan Falls
This is the shortest walk you’ll find on this list and, despite the popularity of the nearby Sligachan bridge, it’s easy to find yourself alone here. The falls, though not particularly imposing, are perfectly backdropped by the stunning Cuillin Mountains (when they are not hidden behind the clouds). The scenery is beautiful all along the trail making this a very worthy walk to take in our view.
The one negative is that the trail doesn’t drain very well, meaning that it can become quite boggy in places, but nothing that isn’t manageable.
Distance: 0.8 km
Route Type: Out & Back
Elevation gain: 19 m
AllTrails rating: (4.3, 68 ratings (2023))
Duration: 15 min
For more information on exploring this scenic waterfall trail, check out our Sligachan Falls Guide.
7. Neist Point Lighthouse
What do you get when you combine a photogenic lighthouse with dramatic coastal cliffs? This is what you get: the stunning vistas of Neist Point. Here you have the option of either walking along the rugged coastline to get aerial shots like the ones shown below, or walking down a short trail towards the lighthouse. The walk to Neist Point from the car park isn’t too strenuous but does involve some uphill and downhill walking. Early on in the walk, there is a steep downhill section, but the path is quite well paved and there are also some steps and a handrail to make it easier.
The trail is located in somewhat of a remote spot in western Skye. Surprisingly though, it can get quite busy, in part perhaps because there are few other attractions in the area. It can get particularly busy close to sunset.
Distance: 2.7 km
Route Type: Out & Back
Elevation gain: 135 m
AllTrails rating: (4.5, 410 ratings (2023))
Duration: 45 min – 1h
For more information on exploring the Neist Point Lighthouse, check out our Neist Point Guide.
8. Fairy Glen
The landscapes of the Fairy Glen are as unusual as they are popular, making it one of the more crowded trails along with the Fairy Pools. Aside from that caveat, it’s a beautiful, accessible, and easy area to explore. While you can climb up on some of the mounds, you can also stay on the lower-level trails that are flat.
The Fairy Glen is located in the Trotternish Peninsula, not far from the Quiraing trail.
Distance: 1.9 km
Route Type: Loop
Elevation gain: 34m (cumulative elevation gain: 65m)
AllTrails rating: (4.4, 667 ratings (2023))
Duration: 45 min – 1h
For more information on exploring the Fairy Glen, check out our Fairy Glen Guide.
Map of Trail Locations
Hiking Packing List
All Trails subscription – This comes in really handy for areas with little or no cell reception, as the annual subscription allows you to download trail maps for offline use.
External Battery – If you are using your phone to track your progress along the trail or to help with navigation, you certainly don’t want your phone to die on you. That’s especially true in the unlikely event that you might get hurt or need assistance.
Hiking poles – These can be particularly useful in steep trails or muddy/boggy trail conditions.
Additional Walks and Hikes
The following are trails we, unfortunately, didn’t get to try due to either lack of time or bad weather, but they were on the short list of trails we really wanted to do during our time in Skye.
Scorrybreac
A shorter but beautiful walk along the northern shore of Portree Bay. The trail is easily accessible from Portree on foot. It’s a great option for either an early morning walk or an after-dinner walk on a long summer’s evening. It’s a good trail to catch a glimpse of the Sea Eagles that nest on the high cliffs nearby. The trail does have some elevation as it cuts through the forest to loop back towards the trailhead.
Distance: 3.4 km
Route Type: Loop
Elevation gain: 109m
Start point: Scorrybreac Trailhead
AllTrails rating: (4.6, 378 ratings (2023))
Duration: 45 min – 1h
Coire Lagan
This challenging hike brings you up close to the Cuillin – Skye’s alpine-like mountain range of jagged peaks. Although not particularly long, this route climbs to a high to Coire Lagan is a scenic lochan, or corrie, set in an ice-carved bowl of jagged peaks in the foothills of the Black Cuillins
The trailhead is close to the Fairy Pools trailhead.
Distance: 7.7 km
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation gain: 577m (cumulative elevation gain: 65m)
Start point: Glenbrittle Campsite & Cafe
AllTrails rating: (4.7, 62 ratings (2023))
Duration: 3h – 3h30
Bla Bheinn
This is the most challenging hike on this page. Blà Bheinn is one of the most magnificent mountains in Britain; a great isolated citadel of rock with fabulous views of the main Cuillin Ridge. The first part of the hike follows a gentle hill along a river that features beautiful views and a couple of small waterfalls. Eventually, as you climb, the trail breaks off and splits into multiple paths that you can follow to the top
The trailhead is close to the Camasunary Bay trailhead.
Distance: 8.7 km
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation gain: 896 m
Start point: Blà Bheinn Car Park
AllTrails rating: (4.7, 183ratings (2023))
Duration: 3h30 – 4h
Coral Beach
Skye is home to some beautiful natural views, but it’s not well known for its white sandy beaches. The coral beach at Claigan, just north of Dunvegan, is a notable exception. The walk to Coral Beach is very pleasant (and flat) if unremarkable, at least until you reach the beach. A small hill at the other end of the beach provides some great views of Loch Dunvegan and out to sea. At low tide, it’s possible to walk over to the small island of Lampay.
The Coral Beach trailhead is a short distance from Dunvegan Castle.
Distance: 4.3 km
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation gain: 38m
Start point: Claigan Coral Beach Car Park
AllTrails rating: (4.6, 165 ratings (2023))
Duration: 1h-1h15
Brothers Point
This is a beautiful coastal trail leading to an an oddly-shaped headland known as Brother’s Point (Brother’s Point) Though not a particularly difficult trail in terms of distance of elevation gain, it does present some challenges in terms of the terrain and footing. Care and steady footing are required as the path in spots is very rough, narrow, and boggy beside steep drops and cliffs. We’ve also read that after rain, this trail can become inaccessible as there is a river crossing that is impassable at times of high water levels.
The Brothers Point trailhead is along the eastern Trotternish Peninsula shore, roughly halfway between the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing trailheads.
Distance: 3.4 km
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation gain: 92 m
Start point: Brothers Point Parking
AllTrails rating: (4.6, 165 ratings (2023))
Duration: 1h-1h15
When is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Glen Coe?
We generally recommend travelling during shoulder season, the weather is generally pleasant and attractions & trails are less busy. But in the Scottish Highlands, there’s another significant reason to avoid July & August: the midges.
What are midges? They are tiny flies that like mosquitoes, like to bite. Though they are smaller and their individual bites are less bothersome than those mosquitoes, they can more than make up for it by the size of their swarms. You will typically find midges all over the Scottish Highlands, mostly between late May and early September, with July and August being the worst months. They tend to be most active early in the morning and during the early evening, but can be a nuisance at all times of day.
A winter visit can be equally beautiful with the peaks covered in snow, but the weather is even less predictable than usual, driving conditions could potentially be hazardous, and the days are much shorter. Hiking should only be undertaken with the proper gear and/or by experienced winter hikers.
As a result of these considerations, we would suggest that the end of May, early June, September, and early October are the best times of the year to visit Glen Coe.
When is the Best Time to Hike in Skye?
We generally recommend travelling during shoulder season, the weather is generally pleasant and attractions & trails are less busy. But in the Scottish Highlands, there’s another significant reason to avoid July & August: the midges (see below).
A winter visit can be equally beautiful with the peaks covered in snow, but the weather is even less predictable than usual, driving conditions could potentially be hazardous, and the days are much shorter. Hiking should only be undertaken with the proper gear and/or by experienced winter hikers.
As a result of these considerations, we would suggest that the end of May, early June, September, and early October are the best times of the year to do some hiking on Skye.
How to Avoid the Highland Midges
What are midges? They are tiny flies that like mosquitoes, like to bite. Though they are smaller and their individual bites are typically less bothersome than those of mosquitoes, they can more than make up for it by the size of their swarms.
You will typically find midges all over the Scottish highlands, mostly between late May and early September, with July and August being the worst months. They tend to be most active early in the morning and during the early evening, but can be a nuisance at all times of day.
What can you do?
- Buy some smidge. Insect repellant specifically designed for midges.
- Look at the midge forecast and plan your outdoor activities accordingly.
- Pray for some sun. Midges don’t like sunny dry weather.
- Pray for some wind. Because they are so tiny, midges can’t fly in moderate-to-strong winds.
General Ilse of Skye Hiking Tips
- Best time to visit: we highly recommend shoulder season (May, June, September and early October). The weather will be pleasant, it won’t be as crowded as during the peak summer months, and you will be outside the peak midge period (more on this below). You can check the midge forecast beforehand.
- Come early in the morning if possible, as the trail parking lots can fill up during the day.
- Check the weather before heading out. Our favourite weather app for the area is the Met Office app.
- As this is Scotland, the trails can get boggy and slippery after rain, so do wear appropriate footwear.
- Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
- Stick to the designated path to protect the surrounding environment.
Preparing a trip to the Highlands?
You might be interested in these pages:
Top Things to See and Do on Skye
4-Day Roadtrip Isle of Skye Itinerary
Isle of Skye Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
Skye Road Trip Driving Tips
Preparing a trip to Scotland?
You might be interested in these Scotland pages:
10-Day Scotland Roadtrip Itinerary (Edinburgh and Highlands)
Scotland Driving Guide and Tips
7 of the Best Castles to Visit in Scotland
Best Things to See in the Scottish Highlands
Best Hikes to do in the Scottish Highlands
We also highly recommend these guidebooks:
Rick Steves Scotland
Lonely Planet Scotland’s Highlands
Photography Gear
If you like our photography, you might be interested in some of the gear we use to shoot our travel and hiking destinations.
Camera Body – Nikon Z 6ii Fx-series Mirrorless Body
Main Lens – NIKON 24-120mm F/4G ED VR AF-S
Zoom Lens – Sigma 745-306 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Polarizing filters – Urth Circular Polarizing (CPL)
Camera Tripod – K&F Concept 64-inch Camera Tripod
Mini-tripod – Lammcou Flexible Camera Tripod
Camera/hiking backpack – Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Backpack
Universal Travel Adapter – VYLEE Universal International Power Travel Plug
Other Travel Essentials
Travel Insurance
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e-Sim cards
Airalo is the world’s first and largest eSIM store with eSIM plans for 200+ countries and regions worldwide. With Airalo eSIMs, travellers can get connected the moment they land at their destination and avoid nasty data roaming charges
eSIMS are a sustainable alternative to single-use SIM cards – they are 100% digital, require less energy to produce and be re-used rather than disposed of.
Car Rentals
Discover Cars is our go-to website for car rentals. We almost always find our preferred rate there.
Transfer from Airport
Welcome Pickups is our favourite private transfer service, which you can pre-book at a fixed price. Currently available in 220 cities all over the world (mostly in Europe, but with several major cities in Asia, the Middle East and the US).
Kiwitaxi is another private transfer service – we haven’t tried it yet, but it’s currently available in a few more countries (102 as of 2024).
Hotels and Accommodations (coming soon)
Photography Prints
If you found this blog useful, you can help support our blog by purchasing low-cost digital prints. Printed physical prints are also available for purchase.
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Well, that wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed our Best hikes and walks on the Isle of Skye guide and that it will prove useful for planning your trip to Scotland’s beautiful Isle of Skye.
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