Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot.
Learn moreWalks around the Isle of Sky eare among the most spectacular in the British Isles. This incredible Scottish island is blessed with such a vast array of fascinating landscapes that you could spend your whole life exploring here and not get bored. The island’s dark beauty is legendary.
Arguably Britain’s greatest mountain range, the Black Cuillin, dominate the island’s heart, their jagged peaks quickening the pulse even from a distance. Stretching north into the blue waters of the Minch is the Trotternish Peninsula, a region characterised by its awesome rock formations. Skye’s magnificent coast, peppered with breathtaking sights, will have your soul soaring too.
Hikes around the Isle of Skye are also rich in wildlife. Dolphins, whales and basking sharks can be spotted offshore, eagles claim dominion of the sky and the heather moors are patrolled by red deer. Skye’s human inhabitants, many who have gravitated to this uniquely inspiring island from far flung places, are hugely welcoming and will take great pleasure in assisting your search for adventure, perhaps over a dram of whisky in one of the island’s traditional pubs.
Expert | 02:39 6.55 km | |
Expert | 02:16 5.69 km | |
Intermediate | 02:08 7.23 km | |
Expert | 04:28 10.7 km | |
Expert | 01:24 4.08 km | |
Intermediate | 02:10 5.09 km | |
Expert | 04:35 8.73 km | |
Intermediate | 04:59 9.26 km | |
Expert | 04:07 9.61 km | |
Expert | 05:00 13.9 km | |
Expert | 02:48 7.04 km | |
Intermediate | 02:56 7.28 km | |
Intermediate | 02:18 5.35 km | |
Easy | 01:24 5.01 km | |
Intermediate | 00:27 1.57 km | |
Easy | 00:53 3.08 km | |
Intermediate | 03:50 14.2 km | |
Easy | 01:18 4.58 km | |
Intermediate | 02:12 5.07 km | |
Expert | 06:59 23.7 km |
4.9
(457)
2638
4.9
(440)
2861
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
4.7
(243)
1251
4.9
(209)
1344
4.9
(70)
559
4.8
(438)
3743
4.8
(31)
392
4.7
(36)
365
4.9
(36)
291
4.9
(59)
201
4.8
(358)
2239
4.9
(31)
202
4.7
(54)
2108
4.8
(26)
175
4.8
(10)
82
5.0
(22)
171
4.9
(21)
131
5.0
(15)
102
4.4
(13)
52
4.6
(9)
118
The Black Cuillin
For mountain lovers, the best hiking routes around the Isle of Skyeare those found amongst the Black Cuillin. Forged from the remains of an ancient volcano’s magma chamber, the Cuillin are Britain’s youngest and most intimidating mountain range. Hewn of basalt and gabbro rock, their serrated forms and devilish spires set them apart from the mountains of the British mainland, both in terms of character and challenge.
While most of the summits involve a fair amount of scrambling to attain, there are plenty of superb objectives for hikers, both around and among the Cuillin. The neighbouring Red Cuillin are easier to ascend and reward with magnificent panoramas, while there are plenty of places to seek out unique views of the range.
Staggering peninsulas, ancient landslides and a majestic coast
As impressive as they are, the Cuillin are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to hikes around the Isle of Skye. The Trotternish Peninsula is another uniquely mesmerising place to hike. It is characterised by an immense landslide that runs for around 20 miles (32 km) along its hilly spine. This landslip has created some of Skye’s most iconic sights, such as the gothic pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and the otherworldly formations of the Quiraing. Away from these two much-visited sights, the entire Trotternish range is a delight to explore.
Nowhere else in Britain fuses staggering mountain landscapes and majestic coast quite like Skye. Its storm-battered cliffs, dramatic headlands and white sand beaches are wonderful, backed by the islands of the Hebrides. Under the summer sun, the waters of its bays appear almost tropical blue and wildlife is a constant along the shore.
Skye practicalities
Motorists can access Skye from the Scottish mainland via Skye Bridge, while there are also ferries from Harris, North Uist and from the mainland at Mallaig, which can be accessed by train from Glasgow. Portree is the main town on the island and is a good base, while Sligachan and Glen Brittle are the best base camps for Cuillin adventure.
Hiking Collection by komoot
Hiking Collection by komoot
Hiking Collection by komoot
Hiking Collection by komoot
Hiking Collection by komoot
Hiking Collection by komoot
Hiking Collection by komoot
Hiking Collection by komoot
Hiking Collection by komoot
Hiking Collection by komoot
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out more Hikes throughout Isle of Skye below and find the perfect Tour in your destination.
Explore more of Highlands: Browse the best Hikes in other regions.