Skye Explorer Hiking Tour from Inverness

Leaving behind the bustle of Inverness, we head west through the Great Glen, tracing the legendary shores of Loch Ness. As the morning mist rises over the water, keep your eyes peeled — you never know when Nessie might make an appearance! Along the way, your guide will share the origins of this world-famous monster myth and explain why Loch Ness has captivated imaginations for centuries.

Our route continues through the peaceful village of Invermoriston before the landscape begins to shift — glens widen, mountains rise, and ancient ruins dot the hillsides. Once thriving crofting communities, these valleys were shaped by a turbulent history of clan struggles, clearances, and resilience. Your guide will bring this rich heritage to life, helping you see beyond the scenery into the stories that shaped it.

As we approach the west coast, prepare to be wowed by the dramatic peaks of the Five Sisters of Kintail, one of Scotland’s most celebrated mountain ranges. With every turn, the scenery becomes more rugged and remote — a powerful prelude to what lies ahead.

Finally, we cross the graceful arc of the Skye Bridge and arrive on the Isle of Skye, ready to begin the day’s adventures at our highly anticipated first stop.

Set against the commanding backdrop of the Cuillin mountains, Sligachan offers a visual feast in every direction. To the west, the razor-sharp summits of the Black Cuillins — including Sgùrr nan Gillean and Bruach na Frithe — rise steeply like natural fortresses. To the east, the smoother, rounded Red Cuillins add a softer contrast, with Marsco and Glamaig stealing the show. Between them lies the wild expanse of Glen Sligachan, funnelling down toward the waters of Loch Sligachan.

Closer to hand, you’ll find a picturesque stone bridge that has graced countless postcards. Built in the early 1800s, it spans the River Sligachan, whose crystal-clear waters tumble toward the sea. We’ll take a short stroll here, stopping to admire the tranquil river and the bronze memorial to pioneering mountaineers Norman Collie and John Mackenzie — the first to conquer many of the surrounding peaks.

But most visitors stop here and go no further. Not us.

You’ll have the opportunity to join your guide on a short and scenic walk along lesser-known trails — around a mile in total — through meadows dotted with twisted rowan trees and along bubbling streams that wind their way over ancient volcanic rock. These quieter paths give you the space and perspective to appreciate the setting in peace.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, your guide can point you toward nearby pools and waterfalls — perfect for photographers or even for a quick, refreshing dip on a sunny day!

As we depart Sligachan, you’ll feel energised and inspired by this wild corner of Skye — and ready for all the spectacular scenery still to come.

Portree may be small, but it’s packed with character. As the cultural and commercial heart of the island, it’s a hub for artists, fishermen, and Highland hospitality. From the drop-off point, everything is just a short walk away, making this a perfect place to stretch your legs and soak up the atmosphere.

If you’re in the mood for a wander, follow the path downhill to the harbour, where working boats still land their daily catch. Don’t miss the iconic row of pastel-painted buildings that line the waterfront — your guide can point you to the best photo spot for capturing this classic view.

Prefer a more elevated perspective? A short walk uphill through the woods takes you to the Apothecary Tower, an octagonal lookout with sweeping views over the town and bay — well worth the gentle climb if time allows.

Portree is also a great place to pick up a unique memento. Local galleries, independent boutiques, and craft shops offer everything from handmade jewellery and traditional knitwear to locally produced art and gifts.

And if you pre-ordered lunch at the start of the tour, this is where your guide will collect it for you. You can enjoy it back on board as we continue our journey through Skye’s incredible landscapes.

Known in Gaelic as Bail’ nan Cnoc – the village in the hills – the Fairy Glen has captivated visitors for generations. With its perfectly conical hills, twisted stone ridges, and miniature lochans, this natural formation feels as though it was plucked straight from folklore. Some say it was shaped by ancient landslips and glacial erosion… others are certain it’s the work of the fairies. Either way, the effect is truly magical.

The most striking feature in the glen is Castle Ewen — not a manmade ruin, but a naturally formed rock tower that looks uncannily like a crumbling castle keep. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a short, steep walk up a rough trail to the top for a wonderful panoramic view across this strange and beautiful terrain.

You’ll find winding footpaths and endless photo opportunities throughout the glen. Just remember, while the stone circles and spirals on the ground may look mystical, they’re the work of visitors, not fairies. To help preserve the landscape for future generations, we kindly ask that you admire but don’t rearrange the natural features — and follow the age-old advice: take only memories, leave only footprints.

The Quiraing is not only one of the Isle of Skye’s most iconic landscapes, but also one of its most photographed — and with good reason. This epic terrain was shaped by a series of massive landslips, creating towering rock formations and deep grassy valleys that appear frozen in time. It’s no wonder that major films like Prometheus, Stardust, 47 Ronin, and The BFG have all used it as a dramatic backdrop.

When the mist rolls in around the cliffs, the atmosphere becomes eerie and mystical. On clearer days, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views across the Trotternish Ridge and out to the sea. Whether bathed in sunlight or shrouded in cloud, the Quiraing never fails to impress.

We’ll spend around an hour here, giving you time to wander at your own pace or join your guide for a short walk. The route takes you up a gentle incline toward the base of the ridge, where the views become even more impressive. This walk is accessible and rewarding — you don’t need to venture far to feel completely immersed in Skye’s wild, ancient landscape.

At the Quiraing, you’ll truly feel like you’ve stepped into another world — a must-see highlight that captures the raw and rugged spirit of the island

Legend has it that the Old Man of Storr is a giant’s thumb rising out of the ground. When you see this jagged basalt rock, which is the highest point on the Trotternish Ridge, you may well be inclined to believe the legend, for what other explanation could there be for this mysterious rock?!

We will hike from the carpark up to the base of the Old Man of Storr. This hike is approximately 3 miles (5km) in total, with a fairly steep ascent of 1105ft (340m). It should take around 45 minutes to one hour to reach the top, and 30 – 40 minutes to get down. There is a good path all of the way, with stone steps at the top, and it is well-marked and easy-to-follow. From the base of the Old Man of Storr there are fantastic views of the surrounding rock pinnacles. On a clear day you will also be rewarded with the striking outlines of the Red and Black Cuillins, and views out over the Sound of Raasay to the isles of Raasay and Rona.

Please note that you will require a reasonable level of fitness and decent hiking shoes (please see our FAQs for further details)  to reach the top of this walk.

We will spend around two hours at The Old Man of Storr, which should be plenty of time for most people to complete this walk. Here at WOW Scotland, this is definitely one of our favourite things to do on Skye – it’s truly worth coming on this tour just for this hike alone!

Set at the meeting point of three sea lochs and backed by steep, rugged hills, Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most recognisable sights in the Highlands. With its medieval stone walls, arched bridge, and island perch, it’s little wonder this romantic ruin has become Scotland’s most photographed castle — and recently earned a place among the world’s top 20 most Instagrammable castles.

Though we won’t be entering the castle on this tour, the stop offers a postcard-perfect view from across the loch. Whether you’ve seen it in movies like Highlander and The World Is Not Enough, or simply admired it on biscuit tins and calendars, now’s your chance to snap your own version of this timeless scene.

This short but scenic break is a fitting final photo opportunity before we journey back through the Highlands.

Although the day’s sightseeing is behind us, the journey isn’t quite over. Your guide will continue to share stories, music, and Highland humour as we wind through some of Scotland’s most scenic glens. It’s the perfect way to digest everything you’ve experienced — from ancient castles and volcanic pinnacles to fairy-tale glens and hidden lochans.

This final stretch offers one last chance to appreciate the raw beauty of the Highlands, all from the comfort of your luxury mini-coach. Whether you’re reflecting in quiet awe or still chatting with fellow travellers, the drive back is a fitting end to a truly special day.

By the time we return to the city, we’re confident you’ll carry the magic of Skye with you — and memories that will last a lifetime.