Superlative Skye

Guided walking trip exploring Trotternish Peninsula, north of Portree on Skye

During this trip we head for the northern-most peninsular of Skye, the Trotternish. This area is rich in scenery and culture with the highest number of Gaelic speakers in Skye. The landscape is unique containing 2 of Skye’s most famous landmarks – the Old Man of Skye, an isolated rocky pinnacle, and the Quirang – dramatic and unusual rock formations. By the end of the week, we’ll have traversed the length of the ridge running the length of the peninsula and we’ll also take in a couple of the Red Cuillin hills as an introduction to the Cullin Ridge – perhaps a target for a return visit to Skye.

HIGHLIGHTS

• fully inclusive
• spectacular views of the Trotternish ridge
• a visit to the Sligachan Inn
• dinner at the Harbour Restaurant (or similar) in Portree on our night off
• all meals including from evening of arrival to morning of departure
• 7 nights accommodation in Portree
• transport to Skye
• pick up from Aviemore station or Inverness airport

ROUTES INCLUDE

• the Trotternish ridge
• The Quirang
• The Old Man of Storr
• Glamaig

PRICE FROM

Please enquire for tailor-made price for  groups of up to 8 people.

PROPOSED ITINERARY

Arrive: Fraoch Lodge (or as designated) on day before activities begin, preferably between 5 & 7pm if possible so that you have time to settle in and meet the others before dinner.

Day 1: We fully explore the extraordinary landscape of The Quirang at the northern end of the Trotternish ridge. As the glaciers retreated colossal landslips have created a bizarre series of spires and pinnacles to give us a route of unending interest on a complex mountain.

Day 2: We head south along the Trotternish ridge over Beinn Edra. We follow the backbone of Skye’s largest and northern most peninsula: on one side of the escarpment steep descending slopes; on the other, a continuous 15km long twisting line of cliffs providing continuing interest, all with seaward views.

Day 3: Bold Glamaig and its neighbours Beinn Dearg Mor and Beinn Dearg Mheadhonach provide an obvious horseshoe circuit above the famous Sligachan Inn. Though not a particularly long day, it provides the opportunity to take the challenging ascents at your own pace, before we descend down a more gentle ridge for a well-earned drink.

Day 4: From breakfast onwards we all take a day off. There is the chance to explore Skye’s many delights; or take a spectacular coastal walk; or a chance to rest the weary limbs and chill out. In the evening, we’ll head out to a top class local restaurant for a fantastic meal out.

Day 5: We climb to the pinnacles surrounding the much-photographed Old Man of Storr, before continuing up to the high point of the Trotternish ridge, The Storr. From here we head north to complete our traverse of the main Trotternish Ridge before heading down to the coast.

Day 6: Belig and Garbh-bheinn again provide another very worthwhile horseshoe circuit high above the head of Loch Ainort. Looking directly into the heart of the renowned Black Cuillin range, the peaks provide outstanding views across the most rugged of mountain scenery.

Depart: the morning after the walking is complete