Walking the Isle of Skye

Walking the Isle of Skye

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7 Days From

$3373

$3075

Walking the Isle of Skye

7 Days Starting in Inverness and ending in Inverness

Visiting: Inverness, Mallaig, Armadale, Fairy Pools, Portree, Trotternish, Sconser, Raasay, Suisnish, Boreraig, Kilt Rock, Eilean Donan

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

TEC

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Leisurely / Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Activities:

Hiking, Walking

From:
$3373
$3075 (USD) Operator discount: -$298

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Off the west coast of mainland Scotland, the Isle of Skye offers wild walking trails across wind-whipped landscapes and through time-stood-still fishing villages. It’s the star attraction in the Inner Hebrides and for good reason with wonderfully rugged scenery providing a sensational setting for an adventure on foot. For this hiking trip, we are based in the hill-cradled fishing town of Portree, heading out each day to explore a different part of the island led by our expert local guide.

Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here

Highlights

  • Visit the magical Fairy Pools, where hardy souls swim in the frigid waters

  • Stay in the pretty fishing village of Portree

  • Discover the dramatic Quiraing landslip on foot

  • Tour a Scotch whisky distillery with a tasting on the Isle of Raasay

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Inverness

Location: Inverness

Accommodation Name: Ardross & Glencairn Guesthouse (or similar)

Meals Included: dinner

Our adventure begins in Inverness, the most northerly city in the UK. Perched on the northeast coast of Scotland, it is the cultural hub of the Scottish Highlands and an ideal place for us to begin. If you have free time after checking into the hotel, you may want to explore the old town, home to the 19th-century Inverness Cathedral and an indoor Victorian market. This evening, there is a welcome meeting and dinner with your tour leader and the rest of the group.



Accommodation: Ardross & Glencairn Guesthouse (or similar)

Day 2 : Transfer To Isle Of Skye; Hike At Fairy Pools; To Portree

Location: Mallaig, Armadale, Fairy Pools, Portree

Accommodation Name: The Rosedale Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast

We travel to the port town of Mallaig, where we board the ferry for Armadale on Skye (a 45-minute journey). On arrival, we transfer to the Fairy Pools, a magical collection of waterfalls and swimming spots where hardy souls brave the chilly waters – bring your swimwear if you want to test yourself with an icy dip. After exploring the pools, we continue to Portree where we check into our hotel.



Accommodation: The Rosedale Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 : Quiraing Landslip Region Hike; Fairy Glen Exploration

Location: Trotternish

Accommodation Name: The Rosedale Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast

This morning, we travel to Trotternish, the northernmost peninsula on the island, for a circular walk (4mi-5mi/7km-8km) of the Quiraing, an enormous landslip created over millions of years. It is wild, rugged and atmospheric.



Our route passes spectacular rock formations, including two of the most famous in the region, the Prison and the Needle. After, we head to the Fairy Glen (a smaller yet still spectacular version of the Quiraing) to explore this geologically fascinating area at your leisure. We then return to Portree.



Accommodation: The Rosedale Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 : Explore Isle Of Raasay; Distillery Tour And Tasting

Location: Sconser, Raasay

Accommodation Name: The Rosedale Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfastlunch

We catch the ferry from Sconser to the Isle of Raasay, arriving at 10.50am. We take a hike of 5mi-10mi (8km-16km), the length depending on the ability and interest of the group.



Though compact, the island is home to an extraordinary collection of wildlife; you may see white-tailed sea eagles, golden eagles, oystercatchers, guillemots, red deer, dolphins and seals, depending on the weather and time of year.



We end with a tour and tasting at the Raasay Distillery, where they produce single-malt Scotch whisky and gin inspired by the island. After a full day on Raasay, we return by ferry and bus to Portree.



Accommodation: The Rosedale Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 : Highland Clearance Villages

Location: Suisnish, Boreraig, Portree

Accommodation Name: The Rosedale Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfastlunch

We head south for a circular walk around Suisnish and Boreraig, two villages emptied during the Highland Clearances. In this dark chapter of Scottish history, thousands of families were forcibly driven from their ancestral homes to make way for sheep. The remains of long-abandoned villages can be seen all over the Isle of Skye, but Boreraig is perhaps the most hauntingly beautiful.



Accommodation: The Rosedale Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 : Kilt Rock; Circular Walk Visiting Rubha Hunish

Location: Kilt Rock, Portree

Accommodation Name: The Rosedale Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner

This morning, we head to the magnificent Kilt Rock, a towering sea cliff formed of basalt columns, which resembles a pleated kilt. From here, we head to Duntulm where we begin a circular walk taking in Rubha Hunish, the northernmost point on Skye. On our return journey, we stop for a coffee and cake at an arty café. This afternoon, we have free time in Portree.



Accommodation: The Rosedale Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 : Transfer To Inverness Via Eilean Donan Castle

Location: Eilean Donan, Inverness

Meals Included: breakfast

After breakfast, we travel back to Inverness stopping at Eilean Donan Castle en route. This ancient island fort has become a symbol of the region and marks the meeting point of three lochs. After stopping for photos, we continue and the tour ends at Inverness railway station.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, three picnic lunches and two dinners

  • Bus transfers to the walking areas

  • Tour leader throughout

What's Not Included

  • Flights and rail journeys

  • Visas

  • Insurance

  • Single supplement

Food

All breakfasts, three picnic lunches and two dinners are included.



At Ardross & Glencairn provide a hot and cold buffet-style breakfast, guests can help themselves to a continental selection and a full cooked breakfast. The Rosedale Hotel provides a continental breakfast with a changing selection of fruit, cereals, pastries, cheese, cold meats etc.



The picnic lunches consist of a sandwich, a piece of cake and fruit.



Dinners are 2 course from a small menu choice.



Accommodation

Occupying a trio of old fisherman houses on the working harbour of Portree, the Rosedale Hotel provides an idyllic retreat for our time in Skye. Outside the front door, the waters are navigated by local fishing boats, while the town itself has cafes and restaurants to explore.



Our 17-room traditional hotel has an intimate sea-view restaurant, serving a selection of dishes based on fresh, seasonal, local produce. The rooms are unfussy and homely and all come with complimentary toiletries and tea/coffee-making facilities.



In Inverness, we stay at the Ardross Glencairn Guesthouse, close to the River Ness and only a few minutes’ walk to the city centre.

Check out our Q&As

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 02, 2024 - Jun 08, 2024
$3373 $3075 (USD)

Operator discount: -$298 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024
$3375 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Saturday

Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$3300 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Saturday

May 11, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$3450 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$3600 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$3600 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$3600 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$3600 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.