Walks in Skye and Kintail

Skye is famous for its natural beauty and is highly popular with people travelling there from all over the world. Skye is often portrayed as very busy, but when you have a closer look, you’ll find that it is only busy in certain spots, and the mountains are very quiet and give you a completely different view of the island. To get away from the tourist buzz and enjoy Skye away from the crowds, join our local team member Janni Diez on her island and she will make sure that you experience Skye in a more meaningful way. Janni is a Gaelic speaker and loves Gaelic folklore and place name studies, which she can incorporate beautifully into her walks to keep you entertained.

These are her favourite walks she would love to share with you:

Marsco

736m, Skye Red Hills 5-6 hrs

Marsco is the iconic hill seen from Sligachan on thousands of photographs. Although not a munro, this granite mountain offers superb views onto all of the Skye mountains and surrounding islands. It lies between the Cuillin and the Red Hills in Glen Sligachan.

There is only a faint path, some steep loose terrain and a narrow summit ridge, so its thrill should not be underestimated.

The Quirang

543m, Trotternish 3-5 hrs

The Quirang is one of the island’s 5 honeypot areas and thousands of tourists flock here every year. However, few make it into the depth of the Quirang and even fewer onto the top. This circular route takes us through the Quirang, which is a giant land slip, with its famous rock formations, pinnacles and rock fortresses up onto the plateau to the summit and back high above the pinacles. Spectacular views of the Troternish peninsula as well as Raasay, Rona, Torridon and the whole of Skye await you.

Beinn Tianavaig

413m, near Portree 4-5 hrs

Beinn Tianavaig is one of Skye’s hidden gems. Although not a high mountain, the views from the top are spectacular and the scenery similar to that of the Quirang, minus the tourists. On this walk you will see stunning views of Torridon, Raasay and the whole of Skye as well as otherworldly rock formations against a spectacular backdrop of islands and the sea. There are some stepper sections and very faint paths.

The Red Hills

Skye 730m 5-6 hrs

The Red Hills are the rounded granite neighbours of the Cuillin, glowing red in the setting sun. Because of their lower height, they are less visited than the Cuillin, but nevertheless reward the walker with spectacular views, versatile terrain and a beautiful ridge walk. Their 4 tops, one of which is a Corbett can be climbed all together or individually.

Kylerea Hills

3-6 hrs

The Kylerea hills Ben Aslak, Beinn na Caillich and Sgùrr Chòinnich are often forgotten because of their low height, but the views from their tops surpass all expectation. In Kylerea the sea rushes through the narrowest channel between Skye and the mainland causing fast tide races in which you can see seals and otters playing. The hills tower above and offer superb views of the Sound of Sleat, Lochalsh and the Inner Sound along with all of the mountains of Skye, Knoydart and Kintail. There is no path up these hills and you hardly ever meet a soul up there. A great place to get away from it all. The hills can be climbed individually or all together in a long day.

Blà Bheinn (Blaven)

928m 4-6 hrs

Blà Bheinn is one of the more challenging munros in Scotland, but you are rewarded with breath-taking views over the Cuillin and Red Hills of Skye as well as the islands around. The day starts with a gentle ascent on a well-built path and then ventures up into the steeper terrain of Blaven’s flank before topping out onto its summit plateau.

Five Sisters of Kintail

7-9 hrs

A classic and a must for every munro bagger, this long ridge walk tops 3 munros and various other tops before descending into the side of Loch Duich. Due to its height and length a good level of fitness is required, but you will be rewarded with stunning views, and sightings of golden eagles and mountain goats are common here. The five sisters were allegedly the 5 daughters of a local chief who turned into stone while waiting for 5 Irish princes who had promised to marry them.

The Saddle

Kintail 1012m 5-6 hrs

At 1012m, the Saddle is one of Kintail’s highest mountains. Keen scramblers can reach it via its rugged steep Forcan Ridge, however, we will take the easier route that doesn’t require ropes and a head for heights. Views into the vast remoteness of Knoydart give you a real feeling of adventure. This mountain can also be combined with Sgùrr na Sgìne, another munro next to it.

Beinn Fhada

Kintail 1032m 6-8 hrs

Beinn Fhada means long mountain and the walk can be as long or as short as you make it. The munro top is on one end of it and the walk can be extended along the wide plateau and ridge which run parallel almost the same length as the Five Sisters of Kintail. Views into Glen Affric give you a real sense of remoteness and a walk back via its morth west ridge provides an exhilarating mountain experience.

The Brothers’ Ridge

Kintail 5-7 hrs

The Brothers’ Ridge is the continuation of the Five Sisters of Kintail and although much shorter it’s not any inferior to its neighbours. It tops 3 munros and provides an invigorating ridge walk with breath-taking views of Kintail, Glen Affric and Knoydart.

South Shiel Munros

This ridge encompasses 7 munros which can all be climbed in one very long day. However breaking it down into 2 or 3 sections gives you more time to enjoy the scenery along this stunning ridge. Its position offers stunning views into the remoteness of Knoydart and all around Kintail. Please get in touch to discuss which option you would like to go for.

Other walks

We can also offer other walks in Skye and Kintail, low level or high level, so please get in touch if you haven’t found what you’re looking for, including the famous Cuillin ridge and the inaccessible pinnacle!

Why not try something new and experience Skye from the sea looking back at the mountains? Janni and her partner Kevin run South Skye Sea Kayak (southskyeseakayak.co.uk) offering guided tours and taster sessions as well as bespoke coaching for complete beginners to expert kayakers. You will also find a range of accommodation options on their website.

Book your trip now

Guided Walks on Skye and Kintail