Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX follows the accepted Skye Trail line south from the Shulista road end near Rubha Hunish to Broadford. It records 129.4 km and 2,855 m of ascent over seven stages via Flodigarry, the Trotternish Ridge, the Storr, Portree, Sligachan, Elgol and Torrin. The Skye Trail is unofficial and not waymarked; in several places the line crosses pathless or indistinct ground. It is a route for experienced hillwalkers, not a conveniently painted stripe across an island that already has quite enough weather.
The northern coastal stage reaches Flodigarry before the hardest day climbs through the Quiraing and commits to the Trotternish Ridge. This long, exposed traverse has steep grass, cliffs, repeated ascent and limited escape points; cloud can turn an obvious skyline into a serious navigation exercise. After the Storr, a rough coastal line reaches Portree. The southern half crosses the Braes to Sligachan, follows Glen Sligachan beneath the Cuillin and uses the coastal path past Camasunary towards Elgol, including the awkward Bad Step. The final stages pass the cleared settlements of Boreraig and Suisnish before crossing from Torrin to Broadford.
Seven days is the normal framework, but transport and accommodation require deliberate planning because the Storr stage ends at a car park and several stops have few beds. Wild camping can solve some logistics if done responsibly under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, though it does not make a wet ridge less wet. Carry full mapping, a compass, offline navigation, sufficient food and a flexible plan. On the Trotternish Ridge and the Elgol coastal section, the GPX supports judgement; it does not replace it.
"Watchful, heroic, the Cuillin is seen rising on the other side of sorrow."
Sorley MacLean, The Cuillin
Route Waypoints
Begin by the small parking area and red telephone box on the A855 near Kilmaluag. The route heads north towards Rubha Hunish before turning south along rough coastal ground. Public transport exists but is infrequent, so confirm the timetable rather than building a holiday around optimism.
The northern headland is reached by a steep rocky descent that can be omitted in poor conditions. Return to the clifftop and continue south above the coast. The lookout bothy offers shelter, not accommodation that can be reserved or left full of rubbish.
The first stage ends at Flodigarry after cliffs, wet pasture and intermittent paths. The next stage is the longest and hardest, so arrange an early start and know the escape points. Nearby services are limited compared with Portree.
Climb into the Quiraing's broken landscape before joining the Trotternish Ridge. Paths can be narrow or indistinct, with steep drops and complex ground. If wind, cloud or fatigue make the ridge doubtful, this is the sensible place to reconsider rather than conduct an experiment.
The route follows the long escarpment over repeated tops towards the Storr. Expect pathless grass, steep slopes, substantial cumulative ascent and few easy exits. Navigation requires map and compass competence; a phone arrow is less persuasive when cloud removes every useful landmark.
Descend from the ridge to the Storr car park, where this demanding stage ends. There is no village accommodation at the waypoint, so pre-arrange transport or a collection from Portree. The next stage uses the rough coastal route towards the island capital.
Portree is the main resupply and transport hub on the route, with shops, accommodation and buses. Southbound, the trail uses minor roads and paths through the Braes before turning towards Sligachan. Restocking here is easier than asking Glen Sligachan what it has in.
Reach Sligachan beside the old bridge, hotel and campsite. The next stage follows Glen Sligachan between the Red and Black Cuillin, then turns towards Camasunary. River levels, bog and low cloud can all affect progress despite the relatively modest contour height.
Pass Camasunary and follow the exposed coastal path towards Elgol. The Bad Step is a short awkward rock obstacle above the shore and can feel serious when wet or carrying a large pack. Know the alternative inland line before arriving, not while clinging to the discussion.
Elgol has limited food, accommodation and bus connections. The trail continues through the cleared settlements of Boreraig and Suisnish on a mixture of track, rough path and open ground before reaching Torrin. Carry supplies appropriate to the day's isolation.
The final stage leaves Torrin through limestone country and rough moorland towards Broadford. Navigation is less exposed than on Trotternish but still requires attention where paths fade. Seasonal food and accommodation should be confirmed rather than assumed.
Finish in Broadford after the final descent and approach to the village. Broadford has buses, shops and a range of accommodation, making it a far more cooperative finish than the Storr car park. Check onward connections to Kyle of Lochalsh or Portree in advance.
Essential Tips
The Skye Trail is not waymarked and includes pathless ground. Strong navigation skills are essential, particularly on the Trotternish Ridge, around the Storr and where southern paths fade. Do not treat the GPX as permission to continue in unsafe conditions.
Seven stages match the route, but high winds or cloud can make the Trotternish Ridge unsuitable. Keep spare time or a transport plan so one bad day does not force a poor decision simply because an accommodation booking is waiting farther south.
OS Explorer 408, 410, 411 and 412 cover this line; a dedicated Skye Trail map is another compact option. Carry a compass and offline mapping, and know the ridge escape routes and the inland alternative to the Bad Step.
Flodigarry, the Storr, Sligachan, Elgol and Torrin have limited services. Confirm buses and accommodation, carry enough food between Portree and Broadford, and manage water carefully around livestock and during dry spells. Midges will generally locate you without assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Skye Trail take?
Seven days is the normal framework, covering 129.4 km from Rubha Hunish to Broadford. You'll want to build in flexibility though, because high winds or cloud can make sections like the Trotternish Ridge unsafe and force a weather day.
What's the Bad Step on the Skye Trail?
The Bad Step is a short, awkward rock obstacle above the shore on the coastal path between Camasunary and Elgol. It can feel serious when wet or if you're carrying a large pack, so know the alternative inland route before you arrive.
Can you wild camp on the Skye Trail?
Yes, wild camping can solve some logistics if done responsibly under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. It's particularly useful given that several stops have few beds, though it won't make a wet ridge any less wet.