About This Route
The Skye Trail is an advanced 7-day, 80-mile backpacking odyssey across the Isle of Skye from Broadford to Rubha Hunish, showcasing the Trotternish Ridge, Quiraing, and Old Man of Storr. Traverse Cuillin foothills and coastal cliffs in this rugged extension of the Hebrides. Wild camping thrives under right-to-roam laws, but fragile ecosystems demand low-impact sites away from paths, per Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) protocols.
Safety Considerations
Exposed ridges like Trotternish invite high winds over 50mph; hypothermia strikes quickly. Loose scree on Quiraing slips cause falls; use trekking poles. Midges are ferocious near Talisker; full coverage essential. Ticks and deer ticks carry Lyme; inspect after bushwhacking. Sea cliffs at Neist Point risk tidal surges; check tides via BBC Weather. Navigation fogs frequently; memorize bearings with OS Explorer 411. Follow REI advice: group travel for rockfall zones.
Essential Gear
Pack Arc'teryx Beta AR shell, Petzl headlamp for short nights, microspikes for icy ridges, and MSR Hubba tent pitched against gales. Water filter like Sawyer Squeeze for lochans.