This post is only for hikes in the Isle of Skye at some of the major tourist sites, not back mountain wild hikes! For those you may need to consult more intense hiking websites in terms of packing and preparation. These are relatively short hikes that don’t require a lot of preparation ahead of time, and the toughest challenge may just be unpredictable weather.
Recommended gear:
Keeping this simple (for the layperson who doesn’t want to buy a gazillion items)
- Waterproof jacket / shell
- Waterproof / rainproof pants
- Base layer that wicks away moisture
- Middle layers as needed (fleeces / sweaters / heattech leggings etc)
- Hat (preferably tighter wool hats to stay warm, the wind is so strong a normal cap may fly away, and its usually not too sunny. Or to protect your head when you run into the occasional hail)
- Hiking boots + wool socks
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
Some things to consider depending on forecast: bug repellant (for mosquitos and smidges), extra set of dry clothes to keep in the car to change into.
Useful links:
- Download offline Google maps before you head to Scotland, there may not be signal on some roads. A good guide on how to do that here.
- Smidge forecast
Hikes!
(I personally enjoy using the AllTrails app – iPhone download, Android download)
Travel date: June 2024
Neist Point: Easy / Moderate
- ~ 1 hour hike
- Description: Hike downwards to a lighthouse. It is by steep cliffs so the hike down and up may be challenging in more severe weather. The hiking trail is quite obvious, but again, please watch out for strong winds!
- Parking: Free roadside parking near the start of the trail, will need to parallel park! (Google Maps location is accurate)
- Restrooms or coffee shops: We didn’t see any restrooms nearby, and there was a closed coffee shop that didn’t look renovated
Quiraing: One small section that is difficult, mostly moderate
- ~ 2 hour hike – a loop hike
- Description: A loop hike (as of June 2024, the loop was not fully ready with stairs, but it looked like it was in progress). I personally recommend doing it clockwise – the steep section up to the top of Quiraing first, with a leisurely stroll back down to the parking lot. The winds are crazy, on the top of the hill the trail is not really marked, but rather just dirt trails from previous hikers which can get very muddy. Good, waterproof hiking shoes highly recommended here. The first half is essentially an open grass plain with insane views and very windy, the second half reminded me a lot of Lord of the Rings and the hobbits walking across rocky plains =).
- Parking: Free parking along the road near trail entrance (Google maps location is accurate)
- Restrooms or coffee shops: There was a shop that sells burgers / sandwiches, but it was closed by the time we returned late afternoon. No restrooms!
Old Man of Storr: Moderate
- ~ 1.5-2 hour hike – two loops with minimal overlapping sections
- Description: The hiking trail forms two loops on the way up. We read many recommendations that suggested the left side up, which was a great decision. It’s less of a direct upwards trail, and because it’s slightly longer, there are less people on the trail. It also shows you the area from several different angles, and the trail is very obvious as well.
- Parking: Paid parking lot that gets very busy. We arrived around 10am and there were not many spots left.
- Restrooms or coffee shops: Restrooms near the parking lot. I didn’t see any open coffee stands / shops nearby, but it looks like there are spots for it, so that may have changed!
