Distance

12.25 km

Duration

3 h

Elevation gain

↥ 177 m

Elevation loss

↧ 86 m

The trail begins at Rubha Hunish Skye's northernmost point, with the trailhead at 57.683995-6.3256451 Rubha Hunish car park, following a rugged coastline with cliffs and sea stacks. Hikers pass Duntulm Castle ruins and the abandoned village of Erisco. The route includes views of the Outer Hebrides, seabird sightings, boggy sections, and a short rocky scramble on the optional Hunish headland detour. A burn crossing near Kilmaluag can be challenging after heavy rain. The stage ends at 57.66265-6.258522 Flodigarry , near a hostel and the Flodigarry Hotel, with views of the Trotternish Ridge and the Quiraing.

Distance

27.5 km

Duration

8½ h

Elevation gain

↥ 736 m

Elevation loss

↧ 836 m

The trail climbs from Flodigarry onto the Trotternish Ridge, a 30 km escarpment running along the peninsula. This is the toughest stage of the Skye Trail, with steep climbs, rough terrain, and no clear path in places. It crosses the Quiraing, known for formations like the Needle and Prison, and continues along the ridge over several summits to The Storr, which rises to 719 m (2,359 ft). There are no facilities along the way, so carry enough water and supplies. Navigation is difficult in poor weather. The stage ends at the 57.499293-6.1584333 Storr car park, near the Old Man of Storr pinnacles.

Distance

14 km

Duration

4 h

Elevation gain

↥ 341 m

Elevation loss

↧ 271 m

The trail begins at Storr car park, offering an easier stage after the challenging ridge. A short road walk leads to rough moorland, then joins the coastal cliffs. Hikers follow a route along the cliff tops with views over the Sound of Raasay. On clear days, the isle of Raasay and the mainland are visible. A side trip descends to Bearreraig Bay, known for fossils, while those who skipped The Storr may opt for a late ascent. The terrain begins pathless and boggy, but improves along the cliffs, where caution is needed near steep drops. The stage ends in 57.413056-6.1936114 Portree, Skye's main town, with full services including accommodation, shops, and transport links.

Distance

19 km

Duration

5 h

Elevation gain

↥ 27 m

Elevation loss

↧ 138 m

From Portree, the trail follows a minor road through The Braes, a quiet crofting area with views of the Sound of Raasay. This section contrasts with previous rugged stages, passing peaceful coastal scenery. Historical note: The Braes was the site of the Battle of the Braes (1882), a crofters' land rights uprising near Camastianavaig, though no markers remain.

The road ends at Peinachorran, where a rough but mostly flat footpath continues along Loch Sligachan. The route can be boggy, with Glamaig (Red Cuillin) dominating the view as the trail rounds the loch.

The stage ends at Sligachan 57.2893-6.175555 Sligachan, home to a hotel, bunkhouse, and campsite. The old stone bridge with the Black Cuillin backdrop is a classic photo stop.

Distance

18 km

Duration

5 h

Elevation gain

↥ 89 m

Elevation loss

↧ 28 m

From Sligachan, the trail follows Glen Sligachan, a wild valley flanked by the Black Cuillin and Red Cuillin. This remote stretch gradually descends toward the sea.

Reaching Camasunary Bay, hikers can see the Cuillin mountains across Loch Scavaig. A bothy at the bay offers a place to rest or spend the night. From there, the trail follows a narrow coastal path toward Elgol, traversing steep slopes high above the shoreline. This stretch is exposed and challenging, with uneven terrain that demands careful footing. In wet or windy weather, the path can be hazardous.

Seals and occasionally dolphins can be spotted below.

The stage ends in 57.14892-6.100726 Elgol, a small fishing village with a community-run shop and boat trips to Loch Coruisk, a side adventure into the Cuillin.

Distance

16.5 km

Duration

4½ h

Elevation gain

↥ 141 m

Elevation loss

↧ 224 m

From Elgol, the trail follows a short road north through the crofting hamlets of Kirkibost and Keppoch before crossing boggy moorland toward Blà Bheinn (Blaven), one of Skye's most striking mountains.

Looking back, hikers enjoy views of Elgol and the Small Isles, including Rùm and Eigg. To the south, the Sleat Peninsula stretches toward the horizon. As the route nears 57.219798-6.0427487 Blà Bheinn car park on Loch Slapin, the peak of Blà Bheinn dominates the landscape. From here, the trail follows a minor road around the head of Loch Slapin, a sea loch with turquoise waters on clear days, nestled between the mountain and the Strathaird Peninsula.

The terrain varies, with a mix of road walking and a marshy footpath in the mid-section. Livestock graze in these areas, so dogs must be kept under control. Compared to previous stages, this is a more relaxed day of walking. The stage ends at 57.211-6.0168 Torrin , a small village on the loch shore. Torrin has a seasonal café and a bunkhouse.

Distance

20 km

Duration

5½ h

Elevation gain

↥ 229 m

Elevation loss

↧ 209 m

From Torrin, the final stage follows an off-road route rich in history. The path winds northeast along the coast of Loch Eishort and Broadford Bay, passing the ruins of former villages.

This quiet coastal section offers clear views of the mainland mountains and the Isle of Scalpay. Near Boreraig and Suisnish, the trail passes the remains of two settlements abandoned during the Highland Clearances. Stone ruins and grassy outlines of former blackhouses are all that remain after the 1853 evictions ordered by Lord MacDonald. A sign along the way explains the history.

The terrain consists mainly of grassy tracks and footpaths, with occasional boggy sections but minimal difficulty. Some parts lack a defined path, though navigation remains straightforward along the coastline. As Broadford approaches, the route transitions to a farm track and then a quiet road.

The trail ends in 57.241-5.9079 Broadford, Skye's second-largest village, set against the backdrop of the Red Cuillin. Broadford offers full services, including shops, accommodations, and transport links. The finish line on the village green by the bay marks the end of a roughly 128 km trek from Rubha Hunish.