Five of the best short walks on the Isle of Skye

Skye is a theatre in which to walk throughout the year. Walkers and climbers head for the heights of the Cuillin, but the island offers outdoor adventures for all abilities. As well as walks to iconic landscapes like the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools, our guidebook will help you discover sea lochs, amazing geological features, hidden beaches, Neolithic graves, ruined churches and castles, abandoned villages and stunning island views. Here are five of the best short walks to get you started.

15 Short Walks on the Isle of Skye

£9.95

Discover 15 of the best short walks on the Isle of Skye. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route descriptions and images, and information on beauty spots and refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means that everyone can enjoy the walks.

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The best walk for visiting Skye's famous Fairy Pools...

What: Fairy Pools and Coire na Creiche
Summary: An enchanting walk to crystal pools and waterfalls at the foot of the Cuillin
Start/finish: Fairy Pools car park
Time: 2½hr
Distance: 7.6km (4.7 miles)
Climb: 335m

This walk first visits the popular Fairy Pools, which can get inordinately busy. During summer months, an early or late start is advised. The complete circuit is not obligatory; you can turn around when you have had enough of the pools and waterfalls. But with the Cuillin an ever-present backdrop, a continuation across the foot of Bruach na Frithe is inviting and leads into a less well-trodden area with the Cuillin forever breathing down your neck.

Portree — Sgeir Mhòr and a distant view of Ben Tianavaig

The best walk for exploring the coast...

What: Scorrybreac and Am Bile raised beach
Summary: An easy coastal walk exploring ancient clan lands, with stunning views of the Sound of Raasay
Start/finish: Parking area just past turning to Cuillin Hills Hotel
Time: 1hr
Distance: 3.1km (1.9 miles)
Climb: 120m

The significance of Scorrybreac is not immediately obvious. Although not named on maps, Scorrybreac, reached early in the walk, was the historic homeland of the highland Clan Nicolson (Macneacail) for more than 800 years. The rugged knuckle of land, the highest point of which is Ben Chracaig, projects into Loch Portree, with views eastwards to Am Bile raised beach and Raasay.

The best walk for crazy rock pinnacles...

What: The Quiraing
Summary: An iconic Skye landmark, crazy rock pinnacles and wide-reaching views along the Trotternish ridge
Start/finish: The Quiraing car park
Time: 1½hr
Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)
Climb: 100m

One of the most popular outings on Skye to an iconic and distinctive sanctuary framed by towering rock pinnacles. There is a clear path throughout (which does not accord with the route as depicted on maps). The path continues beyond the pinnacles into an enclosed valley but is not part of this out-and-back route, which is uphill all the way.

The best walk for experiencing more of Skye's natural rock formations...

What: The Old Man of Storr
Summary: Among the best short walks on Skye, to one of the island’s iconic natural landmarks
Start/finish: The Storr car park
Time: 1½hr
Distance: 3.6km (2.2 miles)
Climb: 270m

A spectacular outing, with outstanding coastal views, beginning through an area of clear plantation and on a good path throughout, steep in places. The walk takes the opportunity, aided by the forest clearance, to make a looping return. The upper section, directly below the sheer cliffs of Storr mountain, is prone to rockfall.

The best walk for panoramic views...

What: Brothers' Point
Summary: A short walk with sea views, an Iron Age hill fort and abundant bird and sea life
Start/finish: Car park in Culnacnoc (Cul nan Cnoc)
Time: 1hr
Distance: 3.2km (2 miles)
Climb: 130m

Despite its brevity, this out-and-back walk offers solitude and tranquillity. It heads for a spectacular headland, crossing the site of an Iron Age fort on the way. This sea-girt spot offers a view northwards to the waterfall at Kilt Rock, and is a perfect place for seawatching for grey seal, dolphin, porpoise and Minke whale. Gannet, cormorant, black guillemot and black-backed gulls are present most of the year. Great skua are seen from time to time.

All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks on the Isle of Skye. Other highlights include the Rubha Hunish, Armadale woodland, Coire-chat-achan and Ben Tianavaig. Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed; each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.