Whether you’re an avid hiker or more of a curious ambler, whatever your pace, there’s loads of wonderful walks in and around Skye to suit all abilities
We have some incredible walks closer to home as well as slightly further afield. Grab your walking boots – there's plenty to explore!
Broadford walks
The Broadford Marble Line and Irishman’s Point (Rubh an Eireannaich) are two of Broadford’s top six walks.
Broadford Marble Line
An easy-going walk tracing the line of the railway line for the marble quarries at Kilchrist along which you’ll get to take in all the wonderful views of Blaven and the surrounding hills. This route is suitable for all-terrain prams and wheelchairs, except for one steep section to the second quarry which can be avoided.
Take the road to Elgol from the Broadford Hotel, drive for around two miles and you will come to a gate to a footpath on the left and a parking area on the right. This is a ‘ there and back’ walk along the footpath unless you want to carry on to the abandoned villages of Susinish and Boreraig.
Irishman’s Point
A short, 45-minute walk, Irishman’s Point is a lovely coastal jaunt with lots of opportunity to spot birdlife.
Drive to the old pier in Broadford (take the first right after the Co-Op). Park at the end. Walk along the path, through the gate and across the fields, then head down to the shore and pick your way back along the coast to make this a circular route.
Further afield…
Fairy Glen
40.8 miles, 56-minute drive to Uig
Although Skye has a long history involving fairies, most relating to Dunvegan Castle and their ‘Fairy Flag’, Fairy Glen was given its name due to its unusual location. If you’re a thrill-seeker, it’s possible to climb to the top where there are wonderful views. One of the hills still has its basalt topping intact which, from a distance, looks like a ruin and has been called (inexplicably) Castle Ewan. In the low cliff behind Castle Ewan there is a very small cave where it has been said pressing coins into cracks in the rock will bring good luck.
Parking is very limited in the Glen, it is strongly recommended you park in Uig and walk into the Glen (30 min).
The Quiraing
45.0 miles, 69-minute drive
If you’re an avid photographer this walk is for you! Passing through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland, you’ll be taken aback by the scenery. As part of the Trotternish Ridge, it has been formed by a significant landslide which has created high cliffs, hidden plateaus and pinnacles of rock. The Quiraing walk is a loop, returning you to the same point (the carpark). It covers a distance of 6.8km, with the average time to complete the walk being two hours (with no stops).
Loch Coruisk
14.3 miles, 37-minute drive
Loch Coruisk is one of Scotland's most beautiful freshwater lochs, and is a popular destination for landscape painters and photographers. It can be accessed by foot from Egol or Sligachan, or by taking a boat trip from Elgol. This walk covers a distance of 7km. Including the boat journey, this route can take around three to four hours to complete.
Coral Beach
43.8 miles, 62-minute drive
Situated in Claigan, a 10-minute drive from Dunvegan, Coral Beach is the perfect location for a picturesque family walk or a quick sea-water dip. The beach is made from crushed seaweed and has a lovely 'tropical' feel when the sun is shining.
The Point of Sleat
22 miles, 42-minute drive
This walk takes you to the most southerly point of Skye. Following a single road track, you'll come across The Point of Sleat, a beautiful white sand beach; an ideal location to stop for a bite to eat or a leisurely swim. This walk covers a distance of 8.9km and can take around 2.5 hours to complete (with no stops).
The Old Man of Storr
31.8 miles, 43-minute drive
The Old Man of Storr is one of the best known hills of the Trotterish Ridge. At the top of the hill you'll find magnificent views of Raasay, the neighbouring island to Skye. The 'Old Man' is a large pinnacle of rock that can be seen for miles. You can walk up and down the Storr on a 3.8km route. This will take you approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.
Neist Point Lighthouse
48.5 miles, 71 minute-drive
Neist Point is one of the most famous lighthouses in Scotland, situated in the western point of Skye in the town of Glenade. This walk covers a distance of 2.2km and takes around 45 minutes to complete.