The Best Short Walks in Skye

Scotland is a country known for stunning scenery and outdoor activities – the Isle of Skye is no exception. But what if you’re planning a visit to Skye but not quite ready to go full Bear Grylls? Don’t worry, there are plenty of short walks in Skye and I’m going to share some of my favourites!

These walks are all at the easier end of the scale and can be completed in a day or less. You can pretty much walk anywhere in Skye but with so many options it can be overwhelming trying to decide which you will take – especially if you’re short on time but below are my suggestions to help make your decision easier.

The Best Short Isle of Skye Walks

Quiraing

Distance: 6.5km / 4 miles

Time: 3 – 4 hours 

Let’s start with one of the most well-known walks in Skye, the Quiraing. When it comes to Isle of Skye hiking, the Quiraing is what will come to mind for most people. But despite this scenic viewpoint being very popular with tourists, many don’t actually take the time to hike the full track with most not making it much further than the carpark.

The circuit takes around 3-4 hours and you will see stunning views along the way, so be prepared to stop every now and again to take in the beautiful scenery.

While this isn’t an overly difficult walk there are a few steep hills to climb and you’ll certainly come across plenty of Scottish bog – don’t forget your hiking boots!

Research the route in advance and ensure you have a map – unprepared walkers have found themselves lost while exploring the Quiraing too many times. During the winter, be sure to check in with your hotel or Visit Scotland staff before setting off.  At times the trail can become very snowy and covered with ice – this kind of weather requires winter hiking experience and equipment.

Talisker Bay

Distance: 3.5km / 2.25 miles

Time: 1 hour

This walk is relatively unknown to most tourists, who only visit Talisker for the well-known distillery. It is a lovely short walk which will take you on a leisurely stroll down to a small bay – and if you’re lucky you will have it all to yourself!

I highly recommend you don’t miss this one if you visiting in the Talisker area.

Scorrybreac

Distance: 3km / 2 miles

Time: 1 – 2 hours

This beautiful circuit walk starts and finishes in Portree, making it convenient for many travellers visiting Skye. Particularly those travelling without a car. You will be treated to stunning views of the lovely village of Portree and the surrounding bay. It’s a fairly flat walk, with only one short, steep section and the total walk can be completed in about 1 – 2 hours depending on your fitness levels. There aren’t many Portree walks you can take directly from the village, so this is perfect if you are staying in Portree.

Loch Coruisk

Distance: 7km / 4.5 miles (to walk around the entire loch)

Time: 3 – 4 hours (as above)

Visiting Loch Coruisk was one of my favourite adventures on the Isle of Skye! While you can take a much longer hike to reach the loch if you just want to take a shorter walk I recommend jumping on one of the boats* departing from Elgol which will take you on a shortcut over to the loch. The boat ride will allow you to see incredible scenery and hopefully some marine life along the way! You will then have time to walk around the beautiful loch until your boat returns to collect you at the determined time.

I took this trip in September 2016, which is heading into low-season on the Isle of Skye. This meant we were the only two people on our boat AND because we took the first boat over there was actually nobody else around when we reached the loch.

* I used Misty Isle for the boat trip and can say they are fantastic – not sponsored, I paid for the trip in full 🙂 

Isle of Raasay

Distance: 6.5km / 4 miles

Time: 2 – 2.5 hours

You got me. This walk isn’t exactly on Skye – but the Isle of Raasay is very close and easy to reach from Skye which is why I’ve included it on this list! To visit Raasay you can catch a ferry from Sconser it only takes 25 minutes to cross over to the small isle, with ferries leaving often.

Raasay is a beautiful place to spend a day wandering, there are plenty of routes you can take and as it’s a small island your chances of getting lost are slim. I wrote an entire post about my day exploring Raasay, which you can read here.

Bonus – The Fairy Glen

Distance: 2km / 1.25 miles

Time: 1+ hours

Another spot popular with visitors to Skye, the Fairy Glen is more of an easy wander than a hike but it’s one that can be completed by most people. There is no specific track, so you are free to explore at your leisure. The landscape here is very unique – the natural rock formations that give the area it’s enchanted and whimsical feeling are actually the result of an ancient landslide. You can decide for yourself if fairies really do inhabit the area, personally I’ve seen plenty of white fluffy sheep but no sign of fairies yet.

Please do keep in mind that this is working land used by local crofters. Therefore be mindful of what is happening around you and ensure you are being respectful – most importantly don’t leave rubbish or trinkets in the glen (for some unknown reason it has become a sad trend at the Fairy Glen to leave an ‘offering’). Sadly these can be very harmful to the farm animals that graze here, and the fairies don’t appear to want this rubbish either.

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For exact routes and further details I highly recommend you check out Walk Highlands. This wonderful website is full of practical information on walks and hikes all around the country and a must-read for anyone travelling to Scotland.

Another important note – wherever you are hiking in Scotland please make sure you have the appropriate gear. This includes hiking boots/shoes, layered clothing and ensure you don’t forget a rain jacket – the weather is unpredictable in Scotland. It’s also important to pack some snacks, water and the correct map (you can take a look at Walk Highlands for information on what maps you will need). If you are visiting in the winter months you will need to check the weather before setting off and if you’re unsure ask the local tourism office or your accomodation staff.

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Now you just have to decide which walk in Skye to do first!

Where is your favourite country for outdoor adventures?

Let me know in the comments! 

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Here are some other posts about the Isle of Skye and Scotland that you might enjoy

How to Travel the Isle of Skye Without a Car

Where to stay on the Isle of Skye

The Best Places to Eat on the Isle of Skye

Exploring the Isle of Raasay

August | Hiking, Isle Hopping & Pies

July | Big Changes… Again

Cafe Guide to Edinburgh

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