There are many great walks on Skye, each varying in difficulty, but all showcasing the island’s beauty and terrain. Stand in front of mighty Old Man of Storr, peer into Fairy Pools of crystal clear blue waters and stroll down to Neist Point Lighthouse.
Wander along Claigan Coral Beach and be in awe of Quiraing’s craggy landscape. The choices of walks are endless, some more difficult to navigate than others. But one thing’s for sure, choose the best walks on Skye and you will be rewarded with iconic landmarks, spectacular landscapes and fantastic photo opportunities.
Here’s some of the most beautiful walks on the Isle of Skye, for you to explore this magical Scottish island.
Each walk ranges in difficulty, distance and length of time. Whilst we have done most of the hikes, there are a few that the weather put a halt to us photographing!
BEST WALKS ON SKYE MAP
OLD MAN OF STORR
Distance: 3.8km ( 2.36 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length of Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Location: Trotternish
This is one of the most popular hikes in Skye. Its proximity to Portree and access with public transport makes it a great option for those planning just one day on the island.
Standing at a height of 160-feet, this tall pinnacle rock formation forms part of the Trotternish ridge.The stunning views all the way up and as you come back down are breathtaking. You feel like you’ve strolled onto the set of Lord of The Rings.
Beginning from the official old man of Storr carpark, the well maintained path winds its way up the hillside through a felled woodland. The top section of the track is in a rougher condition as you approach the Old Man. The foot of the pinnacle is steep and involves a bit of a scramble to get to the top, but the views are incredible.
Parking: The official carpark is situated along the A855, 15 minutes north of Portree. Pay and display charges apply of £3/2hours and there is a toilet block.
LEARN MORE: Old Man Of Storr Walk
NEIST POINT LIGHTHOUSE
Distance: 3km (1.75 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length of Time: 1-2 hours
Location: Glendale
Sitting at the most westerly headland of Skye is Neist Point and its iconic lighthouse. Landscape photographers flock here for the stunning sunset views, impressive cliffs, fine lighthouse and a chance to spot whales and dolphins.
You can only get to it safely by hiking the same route there and back, but what a scenic short walk it is. The concrete path is steep in parts and passes grazing sheep before arriving at the lighthouse and the final viewpoint across the Outer Hebrides. From here, the views are spectacular.
At this point, retrace your steps back to the carpark, or detour to the left from the path before it heads round An t-Aigeach to visit the cliff edge.
Parking: The carpark is at the end of a single track minor road, signposted to Neist Point. Spaces fill up quickly, so visit early morning or late evening during summer. If full, there are more spaces by the road further back.
Tip: As the track takes you near high cliffs, the walk is not suitable in misty, windy or low visibility weather conditions.
THE QUIRAING
Distance: 6.8km (4.22 miles)
Difficulty: Medium/Difficult
Length of Time: 3-4 hours
Location: Staffin
For truly spectacular, other-worldly scenery and landscapes, this well beaten trail ticks up the boxes. The winding road leading to the carpark offers tempting views of what’s to come.
The first section of path is rough under foot with steep grassy slopes to your right hand side, and the views are superb. Continue along the steep slopes of the complete hill circuit though, and you will see sheer rocky outcrops, plateaus and tall pinnacles.
The return descent over the hill is exposed and the ground eroded and boggy, so decent walking shoes are a must. Whichever route you tackle, the views are simply sensational throughout.
Parking: The carpark is located at the summit of the single track road between Uig and Staffin.
Tip: Even if the weather isn’t on your side, it is definitely worth driving up to the carpark and following the trail for about 10 minutes. The views, even in the mist and rain are incredible.
CORAL BEACH, CLAIGAN
Distance: 4.0km (2.5 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Length of Time: 1-2 hours
Location: Claigan
This is a great family walk down to a beach made from crushed white coral and thousands of tiny snail shells. On a sunny day the water appears a tropical blue colour and is a favoured picnic spot.
The walk along a farm track passes through crofting land and grassy pastures, offering lovely views across Loch Dunvegan to Borreraig, and Dunvegan Head. The route is clear, yet eroded in places as you cross a stream over stones and head downhill onto a flat grassy approach.
If you are lucky (we were not) and the sun is shining, you will think the scene before you quite tropical.
Parking: An official gravel carpark is located at the end of a single track road at Claigan, north of Dunvegan Castle. Please be sure not to block farm gates.
THE POINT OF SLEAT
Distance: 8.9km (5.5 miles) Out And Back Trail
Difficulty: Medium
Length of Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
Location: Sleat
With a path that raises and drops repeatedly, this longer walk can seem hard work. Don’t be put off though, because the secluded beach and stunning far-reaching views make it so worth the effort.
The straightforward walk takes you over heather moorland with great views back to Aird township and across to Mallaig on the mainland. Make a stop at the beautiful secluded white sand beach as you continue to the most southern most point of Skye.
Though the lighthouse may not look quaint, it affords fantastic views over to the Isles of Rum, Canna and Eigg.
Parking: The carpark is actually an extended farmyard so it is imperative that you don’t block access to regularly used farm gates. Located at the very end of a single track, 4.3 miles from Armadale, past Aird Old Church Gallery.
TIP: The beach is called ‘Camas Daraich’ and the further the tide is out, the more white sand is exposed. Take a packed lunch and find a quiet spot to sit.
LEARN MORE: The Point Of Sleat Walk
FAIRY POOLS
Distance: 2.4km (1.5 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Length of Time: 40 minutes return to first waterfall
Location: Glenbrittle
Sitting at the base of the Black Cuillin Mountains are the crystal clear blue waters of the Fairy Pools. An extremely popular and easy walk, the trail can get very busy, even after heavy rain, when it can be slippy and boggy underfoot.
The gravel trail incorporates river crossings over large stepping stones, until meeting up with the River Brittle. The first and highest waterfall marks the start of these wonderful pools. Continue beside the river to the next pool, a crystal clear blue lagoon. If you are feeling hardy, jump in for some wild swimming, but be forewarned – the water is cold!
Parking: A designated carpark is owned by the Minginish Community Hall Association, and maintained by OATS. Pay and Display £5 for vehicles.
TALISKER BEACH / BAY
Distance: 2.9km (1.8 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Length of Time: 40 minutes
Location: Carbost
This is an easy and quick walk maybe followed up with the lure of a wee dram of whisky calling you from Talisker Distillery in Carbost.
After passing the farm at the end of the road, keep left past a sign saying “To The Bay”. Through a gate, the flat track passes a private house then farmland with grazing livestock. Talisker House dates back to the 1720s, and still maintains a rather stately persona.
The track leads to gorgeous Talisker Bay and its beautiful beach. Large grey boulders cover a mix of both black and white sand, seen at low tide. To your left sitting prominently out at sea is an impressive sea stack. Over to the right, vertical cliffs and a large waterfall hem in the north side of the bay.
Whether the sun is shining or the mist and rain are enveloping you, this is a stunning spot. Return the same way making sure to look up at the prominent dome-shaped hill of Preshal Mor, ringed by cliffs.
Parking: Follow the single track road from Carbost village to Talisker. The make-shift layby is small, but it is possible to park further back up the road on the verge, or at an old quarry on the left hand side.
WHEN TO GO WALKING IN SKYE
The best time to go walking in Skye and avoid the dreaded midges are May and September. Rain tends to be at its lowest level and temperatures are ideal for hiking. However be warned that weather in the Highlands can vary from day to day, even during the summer months.
It is possible to do these walks from April through to October, but keep an eye on the weather. Trails can be slippery in wet conditions and some such as The Quiraing, unsuitable in misty or windy conditions as you are near high cliffs.
Keep ahead of insect levels by checking the Midge Forecast.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are looking for an easy and short walk, put the Fairy Pools trail at the top of your list.
For some of Skye’s most sensational views and spectacular rock formations, go for The Old Man Of Storr and/or The Quiraing.
If you are looking for a beautiful sunset, we suggest a picnic at Neist Point Lighthouse.
To reach the very southern most point of Skye, we loved the varied terrain and fantastic views on The Point Of Sleat walk.
For families, we recommend the short easy walk to Talisker Beach.
HOW TO GET TO SKYE
We recommend visiting Skye by car or motorhome due to its rural location.
Travelling From The North: Join the A9 across Kessock Bridge, and join the A835 until it meets the A87. Join this for the final part of your journey.
Travelling From The South: From Glasgow take the A82, then join the A87 to Skye.
MORE POSTS TO READ ON SKYE
- The Old Man Of Storr Walk, An Isle Of Skye Scottish Gem
- Point Of Sleat Walk To The Southernmost Point Of Skye
PIN TO YOUR SCOTLAND BOARD:
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through this link. This income goes towards the sites running costs and enables us to provide our readers with free content. Read our Disclosure.