Skye Explorer Hiking Day Tour

Leaving Inverness behind, we follow the mysterious shores of Loch Ness — so keep your eyes peeled, you never know when Nessie might make an appearance! As the road winds between rugged hills, past shadowy lochans and across wild, windswept glens, your guide will bring the landscape to life with tales of tragedy, resilience, and rebellion. You’ll discover how centuries of turbulent history shaped not just the people of the Highlands, but also the hauntingly beautiful, empty landscapes spread out before you today. After passing the 5 Sisters of Kintail we will soon see Loch Duich which welcomes us, after 2 hours driving, to Scotland’s wonderful west coast.

We’ll stop at one of the world’s most photographed castles — the iconic Eilean Donan. You’ll recognise it from films like Highlander and even James Bond, yet nothing compares to seeing its fairytale silhouette in person. We’ll pause for around 10 minutes at the classic viewpoint to soak up the romance (and, of course, snap that all-important photo!). From here, it’s just a short drive to the Skye Bridge. Please note that we don’t have time to go inside the castle.

From Eilean Donan Castle we will wind our way along the coast to the iconic Skye Bridge. Once fiercely debated, this sweeping crossing now carries us gracefully over Loch Alsh, offering shimmering views of the water below and the rugged silhouettes of Skye’s mountains rising ahead. After hearing all about the bridge’s fascinating history, we arrive on the island itself, where the road leads us through dramatic scenery towards the majestic Cuillin Mountains (approx. 40 minutes from the bridge).

This is your first chance to step out into the world-class scenery you’ve journeyed so far to see! Right away, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the dramatic Black Cuillin Mountains. Just a short stroll away lies a picture-perfect stone bridge, dating back to 1810, alongside a striking bronze memorial to two pioneering climbers who made many of the first ascents in these peaks. While many visitors pause here and go no further, we like to do things differently. To truly appreciate the wild beauty of this island, join your guide on a one-mile walk into the heart of the scenery — a chance to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the splendid isolation that makes Skye unforgettable. For those who’d prefer, there’s also an alternative walk to discover crystal-clear pools and waterfalls — a magical spot your guide will be happy to share. We’ll spend about one hour here, giving you time to explore and whetting your appetite for the breathtaking scenery ahead.

Skye’s main town, Portree, boasts an enviable setting, its colourful harbour framed by picturesque cliffs and hills. For those looking for a Skye souvenir, the town offers craft shops, independent boutiques and galleries, all clustered in its compact centre and easy to explore during your 45 minutes here. Alternatively, a stroll to the harbour reveals the striking row of pastel-coloured houses overlooking the bay (your guide will be happy to point out the best photo spot!). At the start of the tour, you’ll have had the chance to pre-order lunch from a superb Skye bakery, which prepares its delicious goods exclusively for our guests. If you did, your guide will collect it in Portree.

Step into Skye’s fairytale world at the enchanting Fairy Glen, near Uig. For 30 magical minutes, wander among grassy mounds, cone-shaped hills, and tiny lochans in a landscape that feels lifted from folklore. At its heart stands Castle Ewen, a natural rock tower resembling a ruined keep. A short, steep climb takes you to the top, where sweeping views reveal this whimsical and otherworldly terrain — said to be shaped by glaciers… or by fairies. It’s the perfect place to let your imagination run wild.

The Quiraing is a dramatic series of ancient landslips, combining to create some of Skye’s most awe-inspiring scenery. Instantly recognisable from films such as Stardust, Prometheus and The BFG, it stands as one of the island’s true natural icons. Jagged pinnacles, towering cliffs and sweeping plateaus give the landscape an otherworldly quality that is unlike anywhere else in Scotland. We’ll spend around 40–60 minutes here, and you won’t need to stray far from the mini-coach to discover your own slice of Skye wilderness. You can explore at your own pace, or join your guide on a short hike that leads closer to the Quiraing’s towering ridge, where sweeping views stretch across the Trotternish Peninsula. From here, we begin our journey south down the Trotternish Peninsula towards the island’s most famous landmark — the Old Man of Storr — where the best hike of the day awaits.

Our next stop is one of Skye’s true icons: the mighty Old Man of Storr. This jagged basalt pinnacle is said in legend to be the thumb of a giant buried beneath the hillside – and whether you believe the story or not, its striking silhouette is unforgettable. We’ll hike from the car park up to the base of the Old Man, a round trip of around 3 miles (5km). The trail is well-maintained, well-marked, and easy to follow, with a fairly steep ascent of 1,105ft (340m). It usually takes 45–60 minutes up and 30–40 minutes down. There is a good path all the way, with well-laid stone steps towards the top. Along the way you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the other dramatic pinnacles, and on a clear day you may even glimpse the jagged Black Cuillins, the softer Red Cuillins, and the islands of Raasay and Rona across the Sound. This is without doubt one of the most rewarding walks on the island – for many guests, it’s worth joining the tour for this hike alone!

After an incredible day on the Isle of Skye, we’ll head back to Inverness, arriving around 8.45-9pm. While the sightseeing is behind us, the tour isn’t quite finished. Your guide will keep the journey entertaining with stories, music and a good dose of Scottish humour, making sure the return leg is every bit as enjoyable as the rest of the day. Some guests like to share highlights with new friends, while others sit back and listen to the tales unfolding on board. However you spend the time, the drive back is designed to round off your adventure in the best possible way. By the time we return to the city, we’re confident you’ll step off the coach with not only photographs, but also the spirit of Skye — memories you’ll carry with you long after the day is done.