The Skye Trail: A challenging backpacking route from Rubha Hunish to Broadford

The Skye Trail is an 80-mile (128km) trek across the Isle of Skye, ideal for backpacking, camping wild, and walking between overnight accommodation. It includes seven daily stages, an optional 6-mile (11km) route via Bla Bheinn, and highlights such as the Trotternish Ridge, Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Cuillin, and Boreraig. The guidebook provides clear route descriptions, full 1:50,000 OS mapping, elevation profiles, refreshments, public transport, accommodation, notes on geology, history, plants, and wildlife, and a glossary of Gaelic place names.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2023
Publisher: Cicerone Press

The Skye Trail is an exhilarating 80-mile (128km) trek that traverses the Isle of Skye from north to south. This unofficial, week-long route is perfect for backpackers, campers who enjoy sleeping in the wild each night, and those who prefer to walk between accommodations. However, it is important to note that this unmarked route on sometimes pathless terrain requires a high level of navigational skill, fitness, and self-reliance, making it suitable for experienced mountain walkers only.

The trail is divided into seven daily stages, each ranging from 7 to 18 miles (11 to 29km) in length. An optional 6-mile (11km) alternative route via the summit of Bla Bheinn, one of Skye's most spectacular Munros, is also available. The trail begins at Rubha Hunish, located at the northern tip of Skye, and proceeds to visit the capital city of Portree. From there, it follows Glen Sligachan, nestled between the Black Cuillin and Red Hills, before culminating in the south at Broadford.

Some of the highlights along the way include the Trotternish Ridge, the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, the mighty Cuillin, and the abandoned village of Boreraig. Clear route descriptions with full 1:50,000 OS mapping and elevation profiles for the hillier stages are provided, along with details of refreshments, public transport, and accommodation options. Additionally, notes on geology, history, plants, and wildlife are included, along with a glossary of Gaelic place names to enhance your understanding of the region.

The Skye Trail offers a unique and challenging adventure for those who seek to explore the beauty of the Isle of Skye on foot. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, this trail is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who undertake it.

Weight: 126g
Dimension: 172 x 119 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786311863
Edition number: 3 Revised edition