We were talking in the studio recently about where would go for a short spring hike in the UK, and the Skye Trail was mentioned. It's an 80-mile (128km) trail that runs the length of Skye, the iconic and magical island off the west coast of Scotland.
It's an unofficial trail, meaning that there is limited signposting and plenty of wilderness. The trail meanders along coastlines and mountain ridges making it very varied for a short trail. There are ample resupply opportunities as the trail passes through a few towns, including Portree, making it very doable with a light pack in about a week.
Atom Packs ambassadors Ramona and Becky have both hiked the Skye Trail recently so we asked them a few questions about it. If you want a more immersive deep dive, they both made films for YouTube: Ramona, Becky.
@girloutdoors.becky
What makes Skye so special?
Ramona: The landscapes feel completely otherworldly, unlike anywhere else in the UK. One moment you’re walking along rugged coastline, the next you’re crossing vast, empty moorland or standing beneath dramatic rock formations that look like they belong on another planet. It constantly shifts, and that’s what makes it so special.
Becky: Scotland has always been a really special place for me. It's where I took on my first thru hike, where I found my passion for hill walking, long hiking trails and wild swimming. After completing the Cape Wrath Trail back in 2021, I've always had my sights set on doing the Skye Trail for its mystical and wild landscape, the remote sections, the ability to wild camp and for being unmarked and not entirely accessible. I've driven around the island a couple of times, but there's nothing better than hiking the length of an island, to discover hidden gems and see the finer details by foot and camping amongst it.
@ramonaroams
Which direction did you hike in and would you choose the same in hindsight?
R: I hiked south to north, and I would absolutely choose the same direction again. Before going, I knew the most famous landmarks, the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing, come towards the northern end of the trail. I really liked building up to those highlights rather than seeing them right at the start. It made the journey feel like it was leading towards something.
B: I hiked the Skye Trail North to South, which was a lovely experience and puts you in the deep end, as you hike the Trotternish ridge early on. It also means you get a head wind the WHOLE trail, so it's head down most of the time and pushing into the wind. In hindsight, I think I would have hiked South to North, as I personally think the trail gets more scenic and wild the further north you go. You'd also be finishing at the lookout bothy, which looks out to the Atlantic Ocean, the Minch and the Outer Hebrides. Lastly, you'd have a tail wind, which is a huge bonus when hiking across such a windy island! Either way, it's a magical experience and depends if you want the ease of finishing in a town, where transport is easily accessible.
I've heard that navigation is tricky because there is no waymarking. Did you find that to be the case?
R: Navigation can be tricky at times, especially on the Trotternish Ridge. The path underfoot isn’t always obvious and often disappears completely. That said, being on a ridge helps. As long as you have a general sense of direction, you’re usually fine. It’s less about following a clear path and more about reading the landscape and trusting your judgement.
B: You definitely need to be checking some sort of map, whether it's a downloaded route on your phone or a paper map ( I took both ) but I wouldn't say navigation is hard, as the path is well trodden the majority of the trail and there are easy identifiable landmarks to head to. You can handrail the sea for parts which is good fun. Overall, I think it makes it exciting and more involved not following waymarks.
Did you have any trouble with midges?
R: Thankfully, no. I did the trail in early April, and it was still quite cold, so midges weren’t an issue at all.
B: I went in late September, so I didn't get any midges ( thank goodness!! ) September was a really lovely time of year to hike the trail, as the temperature was great, the deer were rutting and the leaves were changing colour... It was also really quiet - I think I saw 4 people hiking the trail.
Is the Skye trail a beginner friendly thru-hike or more suited to people with experience?
R: I wouldn’t recommend it as a first long-distance trail. Not because the terrain is highly technical, but because of the remoteness. There are long stretches without phone signal or easy access to help, so you need to be comfortable with wild camping and being self-sufficient if things don’t go to plan. That said, it was my second solo multi-day hike, and I found it manageable.
B: I think the trail itself is pretty simple walking, as there's no real technique sections, nor ascents. However, I think it's a must to know your equipment and be organised, as there's no reliable food resupply, apart from the major towns, as Skye in general is pretty isolated. Also, I would suggest being rigid with your camping setup, as the wind on Skye could easily destroy a cheap tent or ruin your night's sleep if set up wrong/not having a decent pitch.
What was your most rewarding moment?
R: This might be a very specific answer as a filmmaker, but my most rewarding moments were when everything came together for a shot. Around Sligachan in particular, sunrise and sunset were incredible. Watching the light move across the landscape, capturing drone shots of the river winding into Loch Sligachan, even spotting seals in the distance, those moments felt really special.
B: This is a tricky question, as I thoroughly enjoyed most of the trail. I would say the Trotternish ridge was a real highlight for me, as I was up there pretty much alone all day, the views were immaculate over the rest of the island and it felt somewhat spiritual with the landscape and solitude. Another rewarding moment was getting to Camasunary bothy, which is situated at this gorgeous bay, surrounded by hills.. I got there for sunset and the sun was slowing melting into the sea, creating a display of oranges and yellows across the sky, with this little silhouette of a bothy - I met some really cool people doing the trail who were from all around the world, in traditional bothy fashion, we shared stories over freeze dried meals and candle light - it was a pretty wholesome night, just as the bad weather was rolling in...
Is there any specific advice you'd give someone who is planning the Skye Trail?
R: If you’re thinking about it, stop overthinking and just go.
And if you’re already planning it, try to enjoy the process. It’s easy to get caught up in logistics, but the experience itself is what matters.
I’d also recommend leaving some extra time at the end, or after the trail, to explore places like Portree or Broadford, or even do a bit of a road trip around the island. I had to rush back to work, and I’m already dying to go back and see more.
B: I personally think it's really enjoyable learning some facts and history about a landscape I'm travelling through, as I feel much more connected. I took a Cicerone book with me on this trail and really enjoyed having a read on an evening in my tent about the area I'd be walking through the following day, it also gives you a good insight to the terrain, resupply spots ( as they are few and far between, as well as unreliable) and interesting detours you can take, which come in abundance on the Skye Trail.
