The Isle of Skye, often simply referred to as 'Skye', is the second largest Scottish island and contains some of the most rugged and dramatic mountains anywhere in the country. Whether that be the towering ridge of the Black Cuillin, the rounded granites of the Red Cuillin or the spire like formations of the Trotternish Peninsula, the island is a mountain lovers paradise!
Skye is dominated by its geology, with the northern half of the island predominantly made up of huge volcanic rock formations dating back around 60 million years. And it is the weathering patterns of these tough volcanic rocks which give rise to the dramatic mountains of Skye. The southern half of the island is much older and comprised mostly of sedimentary rocks dating back almost 3 billion years in some locations. The hills of southern Skye tend to be lower and more rolling in nature as they are a little softer than the volcanic rocks and weather more easily.
Skye also has a vibrant Gaelic culture and history, and still has a relatively high percentage of the population able to speak Gaelic. There are also a number of castles open to the public, Gaelic and Norse historical sites to visit and not forgetting the distillery to try and wee dram! The Isle of Skye can easily be a holiday destination in its own right.
Skye is dominated by its geology, with the northern half of the island predominantly made up of huge volcanic rock formations dating back around 60 million years. And it is the weathering patterns of these tough volcanic rocks which give rise to the dramatic mountains of Skye. The southern half of the island is much older and comprised mostly of sedimentary rocks dating back almost 3 billion years in some locations. The hills of southern Skye tend to be lower and more rolling in nature as they are a little softer than the volcanic rocks and weather more easily.
Skye also has a vibrant Gaelic culture and history, and still has a relatively high percentage of the population able to speak Gaelic. There are also a number of castles open to the public, Gaelic and Norse historical sites to visit and not forgetting the distillery to try and wee dram! The Isle of Skye can easily be a holiday destination in its own right.
There more walks on the Isle of Skye than we could possibly list here, ranging from short strolls to the incredible Skye Trail however, we have chosen three which we feel showcases some of the best of the Skye mountains, however, we are always open to suggestions; maybe there is a particular peak you wish to conquer?, or a particular view you wish to see? Simply get in touch through our Contact Us page and we will do our upmost to fulfil your requirements.
Trotternish
The Trotternish peninsula lies at the very northern end of the island and is approximately 30km/19 miles long. The landscape of Trotternish was formed by a huge landslip, creating a North-South ridgeline of low craggy hills and rock formations, some of which have become iconic symbols of Skye, particularly those of the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr. There are several walk options on Trotternish, ranging from short strolls to the full 27km/17mile traverse of the peninsula (A truly amazing walk and certainly worth the effort!). If you would like to walk on Trotternish, please Contact Us and we will build a walk to suit your needs.
Sgurr na Stri (16km/10miles, 850m ascent)
Another mountain which arguably holds claim to having the best summit view anywhere in the country, Sgurr Na Stri is not that high a mountain, standing at less than 500m above sea level, however, its summit panorama of the Cuillin mountains and the small Isles truly breathtaking. Starting from Kilmarie we initially head West, climbing a few hundred metres to the Am Mam pass where we get the first sight of Sgurr na Stri. Descending the far side of the pass we cross the beautifully tranquil Camasunary Bay before beginning our true climb of the day. Sgurr na Stri is fairly steep and rugged, but
Sgurr na Banachdich (8km/5miles, 950m ascent)
Sgurr na Banachdich is the most westerly Munro in the whole of Scotland and stands almost at the apex of the horseshoe of peaks which make up the seemingly impenetrable Cuillin ridge. Many of the summits along the Cuillin ridge require an element of scrambling or climbing skills, however, Sgurr na Banachdich goes a little easier on its visitors, allowing you to stay hands free almost the entire way to the summit. Starting in Glen Brittle our walks ascends the western slopes of the mountain through Coir' an Eich, initially following the tumbling Allt a'Ghreadaich burn before picking our way through rocky scree fields up to the summit and its
Trotternish
The Trotternish peninsula lies at the very northern end of the island and is approximately 30km/19 miles long. The landscape of Trotternish was formed by a huge landslip, creating a North-South ridgeline of low craggy hills and rock formations, some of which have become iconic symbols of Skye, particularly those of the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr. There are several walk options on Trotternish, ranging from short strolls to the full 27km/17mile traverse of the peninsula (A truly amazing walk and certainly worth the effort!). If you would like to walk on Trotternish, please Contact Us and we will build a walk to suit your needs.
Sgurr na Stri (16km/10miles, 850m ascent)
Another mountain which arguably holds claim to having the best summit view anywhere in the country, Sgurr Na Stri is not that high a mountain, standing at less than 500m above sea level, however, its summit panorama of the Cuillin mountains and the small Isles truly breathtaking. Starting from Kilmarie we initially head West, climbing a few hundred metres to the Am Mam pass where we get the first sight of Sgurr na Stri. Descending the far side of the pass we cross the beautifully tranquil Camasunary Bay before beginning our true climb of the day. Sgurr na Stri is fairly steep and rugged, but
Sgurr na Banachdich (8km/5miles, 950m ascent)
Sgurr na Banachdich is the most westerly Munro in the whole of Scotland and stands almost at the apex of the horseshoe of peaks which make up the seemingly impenetrable Cuillin ridge. Many of the summits along the Cuillin ridge require an element of scrambling or climbing skills, however, Sgurr na Banachdich goes a little easier on its visitors, allowing you to stay hands free almost the entire way to the summit. Starting in Glen Brittle our walks ascends the western slopes of the mountain through Coir' an Eich, initially following the tumbling Allt a'Ghreadaich burn before picking our way through rocky scree fields up to the summit and its
Key Information: Group Size: Up to 8 Distance: various. Ascent: Various Time: Various |
Price:
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
Included in the Cost:
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
- 1 Person = £130
- 2 People = £150
- 3 People = £170, etc...
Included in the Cost:
- Full days guidance by a qualified Mountain Leader,
- Waterproof map of the area for each attendee,
- Group access to any photos taken during the day.
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
If there are any other walks you are interested in, please don't hesitate to Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
Payments are to be ideally made via Direct Brank Transfer or Paypal.
* There is 10% non-refundable deposit included within the stated prices to cover costs incurred upon unforced cancellation.
For full details please see Terms & Conditions.