Home > Scotland > Isle of Skye > Skye Highs: Short Walking Break on Scotland’s Iconic Isle

Skye Highs: Short Walking Break on Scotland’s Iconic Isle

5 Days
20 miles | 32 Km
Fort William - Portree
From
5 Days
20 miles | 32 Km
Fort William - Portree
From
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Skye Highs: Short Walking Break on Scotland’s Iconic Isle

5 Days
20 miles | 32 Km
Fort William - Portree
Personalised Quotation
Luggage Transfers
24/7 Travel Assistance
Selected Accommodations
You will discover dramatic landscapes, from wild beaches to rugged mountains to trails that seem straight out of a Celtic fairy tale. The island exudes a mysterious and romantic air, perfect for memorable walks. You will visit iconic places such as the Old Man of Storr, the Cuillin mountains and secluded beaches, always accompanied by silence and the sea breeze. On this journey, you will connect with the essence of Skye, travelling along the iconic West Highland railway line and passing through the Glenfinnan viaduct.
  • Discover one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
  • Enjoy local Scottish cuisine and its legendary cups of tea.
  • Explore an island full of romance and be amazed by its natural charm.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Mallaig by train from Fort William 4 miles | 6 km
Your adventure on the Isle of Skye begins in Fort William. From there, you will embark on a memorable train journey along the famous West Highland Line, considered one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world. In just over two hours, you will cross the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, with its 21 majestic arches, as you travel through a landscape of rugged mountains, tranquil lakes and golden beaches. Upon arrival in Mallaig, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the coast, taking in the views of the islands of Eigg and Rum at sunset.

Be sure to buy your regular train tickets from Scotrail or, if you prefer, you can try to buy tickets for the iconic Jacobite train, famous for appearing in the Harry Potter films and rated by many as one of the best train journeys.

Don't forget to take your luggage with you on the train.

Overnight in Mallaig

The Moorings

Enjoy a cosy, homely atmosphere where comfort, quality and relaxation are paramount. It offers fully equipped rooms with television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

In its restaurant, you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood, as well as other local culinary specialities.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Mallaig to Portree 3 miles | 5 km
You will start the day by boarding an included ferry transfer that will take you from Mallaig to Armadale, on the quiet and remote Sleat Peninsula on the Isle of Skye. After a half-hour crossing between seascapes and mountains, you will take a bus north, crossing the heart of the island until you reach the charming village of Portree.

You can spend the afternoon taking a leisurely stroll around the village. Portree is a lively corner of the Highlands, especially in summer, with streets full of life and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. As evening falls, you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner at one of its many restaurants and try traditional dishes such as fish & chips.

Ascent: 672m (2,204ft) / Descent: 670m (2,198ft)

Overnight in Portree

The Rosedale Hotel and Restaurant

Cosy accommodation located opposite Portree harbour, where you can enjoy spacious rooms with magnificent views of the coast. Take the opportunity to sample local produce in its outstanding restaurant.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Route around Portree 4 miles | 7 km
You will start with a gentle walk on undulating but easy terrain as you pass coastal viewpoints, crops, herds, moors and lots of nature.

This path is a little lonely, so you will have a lot of ground exclusively to yourself. Let yourself be carried away by the leafy trees that will guide you to the picturesque village of Portree.

Ascent: 79m (259ft) / Descent: 80m (262ft)

Overnight in Portree

The Rosedale Hotel and Restaurant

Cosy accommodation located opposite Portree harbour, where you can enjoy spacious rooms with magnificent views of the coast. Take the opportunity to sample local produce in its outstanding restaurant.

This family-friendly accommodation offers spacious and comfortable rooms with splendid panoramic views, where you can relax after your long walks. Enjoy a wonderful homemade whiskey in its excellent restaurant with sea views.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Enjoy your day at The Old Man of Storr 3 miles | 5 km
To start today's walk, you will need to take a bus from Portree to The Storr, one of the most iconic landscapes on the Trotternish Peninsula. This area, shaped by the largest geological landslide in Great Britain, offers a unique environment: imposing rock formations, steep cliffs and views stretching out to the sea.

As you ascend the trail, the volcanic terrain reveals an almost otherworldly landscape. If conditions permit, you can extend the route by following a section that runs along the wild and lonely coastline, ideal for enjoying the silence and immensity of the natural environment.

At the end of the route, you will need to take a bus back to Portree, where you can relax and recharge your batteries in one of the cafés or restaurants facing the harbour.

Ascent: 752m (2,467ft) / Descent: 892m (2,926ft)

Overnight in Portree

The Rosedale Hotel and Restaurant

Cosy accommodation located opposite Portree harbour, where you can enjoy spacious rooms with magnificent views of the coast. Take the opportunity to sample local produce in its outstanding restaurant.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Portree
After a delicious breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye to the Isle of Skye. To return to your city of origin, you can travel to Inverness, Glasgow or Edinburgh airports.

End of our services.

Itinerary Map

Request a Quotation

Request a Quotation

    Services

    Included

    • Accommodation in en suite rooms
    • Daily Breakfasts
    • Luggage transfers between accommodations
    • Ferry transfer from Mallaig to Armadale
    • Transfers as specified in the itinerary
    • Information dossier with maps and routes
    • 24-hour telephone support
    • Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
    • Taxes

    Extras

    • Travel insurance
    • Cancellation insurance
    • Additional nights

    Accomodation

    General information


    The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.

    Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.

    The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.

    We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.

    The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.

    Room types


    It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.

    All rooms have private bathrooms.

    Travel & Transfers

    To get to Fort William, you can fly to Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness airports.

    From Glasgow, you can take a bus (approximately 3 hours) or a train from Queen Street Station (approximately 4 hours), both of which go directly to Fort William. From Edinburgh, you will first need to travel to Glasgow by train or bus (approximately 1 hour) and then continue your journey to Fort William. From Inverness, there are direct buses that take around 1 hour and 50 minutes.

    At the end of your trip, you can fly from Inverness, Glasgow or Edinburgh airports.

    To get to Inverness Airport, take a bus from Portree to Inverness with Citylink (approximately 3 hours). From Inverness bus station, you can take a local bus or taxi to the airport, which is about 20 minutes away.

    If you prefer to fly from Glasgow or Edinburgh, first take a bus from Portree to Glasgow (about 6 hours and 20 minutes). From there, you can continue to the relevant airport by bus, train or tram, depending on the city.

    Remember that you can check the updated timetables on the Traveline Scotland website, especially if you are travelling outside the high season, when services may be more limited.

    FAQs

    Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
    Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
    • Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
    • Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
    • Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
    • Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
    The approximate luggage delivery time will be at 4:00 PM.
    What is the best time of year to do this trip?
    You can explore this region between spring and autumn. At any time, you will have an unforgettable experience. However, if you go in summer, keep in mind that you may encounter midges (mosquitoes), that while you're on the move, they won't bother you.
    What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
    You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you. If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
    What should my physical preparation be?
    This walking holiday in the south of the Isle of Skye requires that you are in very good physical condition to be able to travel long distances, as you will encounter undulating terrain. If you're not used to an active lifestyle, you'll need to start physically preparing at least 6 months before your trip.
    How far in advance should I book my trip?
    We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
    What equipment do I need to bring?
    Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack. 

    Thousands of travelers trust us

    Why Choose Orbis Ways?

    Find Your Ideal Trip

    Explore over 200 carefully designed routes tailored just for you.

    Tailor-Made Budget

    We adapt to your needs to provide you with the best possible experience.

    Get the Most Out of Your Trip

    Join the Orbis Ways community and embark on an unforgettable adventure.