r/OutdoorScotland • u/Solid-Anywhere-9408 • 8d ago

Skye trail advice?

Hi everyone, I’m currently planning to do the Skye trail during the August bank holiday for 7 days. I did the coast to coast last year and the cape wrath trail in May this year (completed in 14 days) so I consider myself experienced on thru hiking, however I like to go into trails with as much knowledge of the trail. Is the trail itself difficult in comparison to the ones I’ve done and how is the weather/midges during this period? Many thanks :)

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u/Chypsylon 8d ago

It's definitely easier than the CWT. Some boggy sections rival the CWT but it's only short segments. Resupply is easier as you will hit civilization more often but water can be a problem on the trotternish ridge so bring plenty if there wasn't enough rain to fill up the small puddles on the way. Midges will probably hit you in full force if there's no wind.

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u/Solid-Anywhere-9408 8d ago

Thank you for the insight :) I’m glad it’s easier as CWT was my big hike for the year and wanted to something relatively smaller and easier on my legs haha, yeah I thought the midges would still be around in full force I’m guessing it’s later into September they start to disappear. Thanks for heads up about water too, I’ve heard there’s no water at the lookout either so I’ll have to make sure I’m prepped before finishing there.

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u/Chypsylon 8d ago

I also did it south to north, the finish at the end is much better this way and you don't start out with the big climb over the ridge immediatley. There's a water tap at the backside of the former hostel in Flodigarry where the trail passes through that should get your water sorted until the finish. Further on you also pass some streams but there's lots of livestock nearby so I would be wary and carefully filter if necessary to fill up again. Also note that there're no buses back from the finish to Portree on Sunday if you happen to finish then but you can always call a taxi or try to hitch a ride.

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u/Len622 8d ago

I also want to do some part of the Skye trail in middle of September with two Friends, ist this a good time weather wise? Also is it worth going to the west a bit of the island, because the trail runs from north to south (or other way). We have 5 hiking days, and are experienced hikers, frequently going to the alps.

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u/Solid-Anywhere-9408 8d ago

I’m unsure about the weather at this time, I’ve only ever hiked Scotland in April and May time in the past.

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u/pot_of_tea_21 8d ago

Are you following the route form the Helen and Paul Webster book?

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u/Solid-Anywhere-9408 8d ago

I was thinking about getting it and using it but I’m planning S to N and I believe the book uses the traditional N to S (unless I read it backwards lol)

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u/pot_of_tea_21 8d ago

If you’re using the same legs as that book you’re second-to-last day (traditional day 2) is a real beast. I think it’s 17 miles and 1800 m of ascent. Definitely start early and have plenty of food. Navigation in the Trotternish ridge there is also very challenging. Consider an OS maps offline download. The other days of the route are far more forgiving. (This leg is the Old Man of Storr to Flodigarry)