Skye Explorer Hiking Day Tour
109 Reviews
4.98 out of 5 stars Based on 109 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
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Recommended by 100% of reviewers
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Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Inverness, Scotland
13 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
Overview
Our Skye Explorer Tour is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the island’s breathtaking landscapes. You’ll enjoy four unforgettable hikes: the dramatic Cuillin Mountains, the enchanting Fairy Glen, the iconic Old Man of Storr, and the awe-inspiring Quiraing. Along the way, we’ll pause for lunch in the charming village of Portree and stop for photos at the legendary Eilean Donan Castle.
Our experienced local tour guide, who is also an experienced hiking guide, will keep you entertained and offer expert advice throughout the day.
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Local tour guide
- Lunch There will be an opportunity to pre-order a takeaway lunch at the start of the tour (Mon to Fri tours only, on weekend tours you can pick something up to-go in Portree)
- No hotel pick-up/drop-off
Meeting Location
Meeting point
15 Union Street
Inverness IV1 1JT, UK
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free
Loch Ness (pass by)
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.
Eilean Donan Castle
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.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Skye Bridge (pass by)
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).
Sligachan Old 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.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Portree
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.
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Fairy Glen
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.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Quiraing
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.
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Old Man of Storr
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!
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Dornie (pass by)
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.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- This tour is not suitable for guests with mobility aids
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 10
- Tour duration includes the travel time
- Tour check in closes at 7.40am and the tour departs promptly at 7.45am. We are unable to wait for latecomers.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers
- Operated by a business
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Skye Explorer Hiking Day Tour?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-21959P13
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.98
109 reviews
Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 109 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
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Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Skye Explorer Hiking Day Tour?
A:Apr 2025
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local tour guide.
The following is NOT included:
- Lunch. There will be an opportunity to pre-order a takeaway lunch at the start of the tour (Mon to Fri tours only, on weekend tours you can pick something up to-go in Portree).
- No hotel pick-up/drop-off.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
The minimum age to participate is 10..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Skye Explorer Hiking Day Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- This tour is not suitable for guests with mobility aids
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Skye Explorer Hiking Day Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Local tour guide
- LunchThere will be an opportunity to pre-order a takeaway lunch at the start of the tour (Mon to Fri tours only, on weekend tours you can pick something up to-go in Portree)
- No hotel pick-up/drop-off
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- This tour is not suitable for guests with mobility aids
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 10
- Tour duration includes the travel time
- Tour check in closes at 7.40am and the tour departs promptly at 7.45am. We are unable to wait for latecomers.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers
- Operated by a business
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