The Isle of Skye
a week of guided walking and touring in this dramatic, historic location that has inspired poets, artists, and us!
£1950
6 nights, 5 walking days
Grade: 2 - Easy to Moderate
- Visit dramatic, jaw-dropping locations including The Fairy Pools, the cliffs at Neist Lighthouse, and the remote, secluded valley of Loch Coruisk.
- Inspiring walking with stunning views of sea, islands and Skye's awe-inspiring mountains, The Black Cuillins.
- The island is home to Minke whales, sea otters, Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles, so with luck we might spot some of these.
- A comfortable hotel base with superior sea view double rooms for single (or double) occupancy.
- It's a fascinating journey just to get to Skye! (consider it all part of your adventure). We will advise on travel options to Portree.
- Take the unforgettable boat trip into Loch Coruisk, a wild valley ringed by the awe-inspiring Black Cuillins.
- Enjoy the peace and calm of island life and a contrasting, colourful highland town.
- Great dining choices, especially seafood!
The holiday cost on a B&B & packed lunch basis with single en-suite accommodation is £1950 in a superior sea view room. If you are travelling with a friend or partner and would like to share a room, please contact us for cost and availability.
The higher cost of this holiday reflects the cost of accommodation in this much sought-after area.
SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO BOOK
Itinerary
Day 1 - Stroll to Portree Harbour
Arrival in time for welcome drinks and dinner before a brief stroll down into the harbour.
Day 2 - The Trotternish Peninsula
We'll explore this remarkable landscape north of Portree, where the strange natural monoliths of Storr and the Quiraing are to be found. En-route we'll take in a beautiful coastal walk with views to the Isle of Raasay and the distant Torridon Hills.
We'll be out and about all day, but our walking will total around 8-10 km.
Day 3 - Neist Point and the Coral Beaches
The west coast of Skye is steeped in history, mostly centred round the impressive castle at Dunvegan, seat of Clan Macleod. Our tour of this area will include walks out to the light house at Neist Point and the white coral beaches at Claigan.
Although our day will be a full one, our walking total will be around 7 km.
Day 4 - Talisker Bay and The Fairy Pools
Harder walking today!! But it's all worthwhile as it brings us to the justifiably renowned Fairy Pools, filled by the streams of the Black Cuillins, blue and inviting, if often chilly to paddle in! We'll have time to call in a Talisker Bay, too, where a shorter walk leads to a wild and beautiful beach, backed by a ring of cliffs with a 400 ft waterfall at its centre.
Our walking for the day will total around 14 km
Day 5 - Loch Coruisk
If conditions allow, the local charter boat will take us into the remote Loch Coruisk, where we will be abandoned (!!!) for several hours as we walk a circuit of the Loch. Being a quieter part of the island, there is a great chance to see seals, minke whales, and even an eagle or two.
(If the boat service is not operational because of tides, the weather, or any reason, a refund of £40 will be made)
Day 6 - Raasay Island
A short ferry ride from Sconser takes us to the quieter world of Raasay, where rush hour is US! This is a great chance to experience the quieter side of island life, with a coastal walk that gives impressive views back to the Skye hills. Raasay is well known for its castles, its distillery, and its mines, once worked by German prisoners of war.
Please note that the above itinerary is subject to weather conditions being favourable. Walking times and distances shown are approximations and may vary. Our aim, above all, is to make the right choice each day so that we enjoy the most appropriate route for the conditions.
Day 7 - Departure day
If you have time before your onward journey, join us for a farewell coffee down at the harbourside.
Accommodation
We have chosen as a base the Royal Hotel in Portree. Accommodation is in single occupancy, en-suite superior rooms with a sea view. The hotel has a welcoming, spacious lounge bar in which to sit and soak up the views and/or a G&T.
Hotel postcode: IV51 9BU
To reach Portree by public transport, you have some exciting options!
By train, you have some iconic rail experiences from which to choose. Travel via Fort William and the famous Mallaig line (crossing the 'Harry Potter' viaduct at Glenfinnan). From Mallaig, take the boat to Armadale on Skye and then a bus ride to Portree.
Alternatively, take a train all the way to Kyle of Lochalsh, which is just before the crossing onto Skye, and from there a bus to Portree.
It is also possible to travel to Portree form Glasgow or Fort William by bus. Please visit the Citylink website to explore this option. (Note - tickets are not sold until nearer the time of your journey)
