Isle of Skye Hiking Guide: 3 Scenic Trails to Know

The Isle of Skye is one of those landscapes that just feels unreal. Stark, cinematic, elemental. Think sweeping green hills, jagged cliffs, moody sheep, and skies that seem to shift by the minute. It’s wild and cinematic—but also remarkably accessible, especially if you have a car. I visited in mid-May, when the weather was that ideal Scottish in-between: cool enough for a fleece in the morning, warm enough to strip down to a t-shirt by afternoon.

What surprised me most? I went in with high expectations—and it still managed to blow me away. Each hike left me quietly stunned. This Isle of Skye hiking guide covers the three hikes I did—the Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr, and the Quiraing—with honest notes, trail tips, and exactly what to expect.

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Fairy Pools: A Scenic Walk Ending in an Icy Swim

Is the Fairy Pools hike worth it?

Yes—but not for the reasons I expected.

The walk itself is easy and pretty: gently undulating gravel trails with mountain views, crossing a few small streams on stepping stones. It’s well-marked and popular. Wear decent shoes, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker.

We took a bit over two hours, but we weren’t rushing. Partly because we stopped for photos. Mostly because—on the way back—we swam.

Rocky trail leading toward the dramatic Cuillin Mountains on the Fairy Pools hike, under a mix of sunshine and clouds on the Isle of Skye

Swimming in the Fairy Pools

Here’s what happened: we were walking back down the trail, sun shining, energy high. We dipped our hands in one of the pools out of curiosity. It wasn’t warm, obviously. But it wasn’t unbearable, either. And suddenly, it just felt like the right thing to do.

So we stripped down to our underwear and got in.

Was it freezing? Yes. Did it hurt? Weirdly, no. It was bracing and wildly cold but also kind of magical. There I was, in glacial water, surrounded by Scottish hills, vaguely shivering but also smiling like an idiot. Highly recommend.

Woman swimming in a crystal-clear pool surrounded by rocks on the Fairy Pools trail, under a blue sky in the Scottish Highlands

Fairy Pools Hike Details

Distance & Duration: ~3.2 km return, about 1.5–2.5 hours with photo/swim breaks
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Glenbrittle car park (paid; fills quickly)
Best time: Early morning or late afternoon for lighter crowds
Bring: Waterproof shoes, swimsuit (or a brave attitude), towel, windbreaker

Old Man of Storr: Surreal Spires & Dramatic Weather

What makes Old Man of Storr so iconic?

This hike stands out immediately—dramatic and distinctive, with jagged rock formations you won’t forget. Towering spires rise from the hillside like the remains of an ancient fortress. When we arrived around 6:30 PM, thick clouds were rolling in, the wind was picking up, and there was an eerie kind of beauty to it all.

We hesitated—partly because of the weather, partly because the sheep near the trailhead looked like they might have beef. But we went anyway. And I’m so glad we did.

Sheep resting in long grass on the Old Man of Storr trail, with moody mist rolling over the green hills in the Isle of Skye

Sheep lounging on a rocky outcrop overlooking Loch Leathan from the Old Man of Storr hike on the Isle of Skye

The Hike Itself

Let’s be honest: I wasn’t exactly in peak fitness at the time (read: hadn’t seen a gym in a while), and this trail starts off steep. It’s mostly rocky stairs that just keep going… but then, so do the views.

We stopped multiple times—partly for photos, partly because I was out of breath—but also just to sit and take it all in. Loch Leathan below, the dramatic rocks above, and no one else around. Because it was so late in the day, we barely saw another soul. It felt like we had the place to ourselves.

Hiker in black jacket standing at a viewpoint facing the Old Man of Storr rock pinnacles on the Isle of Skye during the evening, with mist rolling in

Old Man of Storr Hike Details

Distance & Duration: ~3.8 km return, 1.5–2.5 hours depending on loop
Difficulty: Moderate (steep ascent)
Trailhead: Car park off the A855 (paid)
Best time: Late afternoon or early morning for quieter trails and moodier light
Bring: Layers, sturdy shoes, water, snacks

The Quiraing: Vast Silence & Unforgettable Scale

What is the Quiraing like?

Of the three hikes, this was the one that really made me stop in my tracks. You walk into a landscape of massive green slopes and wide-open valleys. It was sunny, busy, and still somehow deeply calming. If Storr feels sculpted and surreal, the Quiraing is expansive—open and powerful in a different way.

The trail loops around a series of ridges and rock formations, with just enough ups and downs to feel like a proper hike without being overly difficult. It took us about three hours, with plenty of stops to take it all in.

Quiraing Hike Details

Distance & Duration: ~6.5 km loop, allow 2.5–3.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (some uneven terrain and elevation)
Trailhead: Quiraing car park near Staffin
Best time: Morning for clearer skies, or late day for golden light
Bring: Proper hiking shoes, windproof layers, camera, and a light jacket or fleece

How to Plan Your Isle of Skye Hiking Trip

When to Go

I went in mid-May, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. No midges, thinner crowds, long daylight hours, and cool-but-hikeable temperatures. Bring a fleece, a light jacket, and a t-shirt layer—you’ll probably wear all three at different points.

Getting Around

You’ll need a car. Technically it’s possible to use public transport, but realistically, you’ll miss out on flexibility and risk wasting time on logistics. A car lets you chase light, avoid crowds, and detour spontaneously—all essential to a place like Skye.

Final Tips

Fuel up: If you’re driving, fill up in Portree or Broadford — gas stations are less frequent once you’re out in the hills.
Pack food: Cafés and restaurants are sparse near trailheads. Bring snacks.
Dress smart: Layers, waterproofs, and comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.

Which Hike Should You Choose?

If you’re short on time, each trail offers something distinct.

Fairy Pools

Best for: families, casual hikers, wild swimming
Duration: ~2 hrs
Difficulty: Easy

Old Man of Storr

Best for: dramatic views, iconic rock formations
Duration: ~2–2.5 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate (steep)

Quiraing

Best for: sweeping landscapes, wide-open terrain
Duration: ~3 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate

Each one offers something memorable—it just depends on what kind of experience you’re after.

What to Pack for Hiking on Skye

Skye’s weather is famously unpredictable. Even in summer, you’ll want to layer and prepare for wind, rain, or bright sun—all in the same day.

Essentials:

Waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes
Breathable base layers and fleece
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Reusable water bottle and snacks
Offline map (or download trail on AllTrails)
Swimsuit and towel (if visiting the Fairy Pools)
Lightweight gloves and a hat for early mornings

Final Thoughts: Is Hiking on the Isle of Skye Worth It?

Absolutely. I’ve hiked all over the world—and still, these trails on Skye stand out as some of the most spectacular I’ve experienced. They were immersive, raw, grounding. I left Skye wanting to come back immediately. Not because I missed anything (though there’s more to explore), but because the landscapes stayed with me.

So yes—go. Hike slow. Swim if you dare. Let the wind slap you in the face a little. And somewhere along the trail, you might find yourself pausing, just to take it all in—and realizing, quietly, that this place will stay with you.