Cicerone Guide Book: Walking The Isle of Skye

Cicerone Guide Book: The Isle of Skye, by Terry Marsh 

Published January 2015

Guidebook with 87 walks and scrambles on the Isle of Skye. 

Walks visit the most awe-inspiring scenery on Skye, including Sleat and South-East Skye, Strath, Minginish, Duirinish, Waternish, Trotternish and the Cuillin. Walks range from coastal walks to Munros with exposure for experienced scramblers. Includes history, geology and local information.

This guidebook describes 87 of the best walks and scrambles on the Isle of Skye. To many, the Isle of Skye needs no introduction. This guide aims to enhance any visit to arguable the most famous of Scotland's Hebridean islands, by collecting together 87 of the best walks and scrambles. Not only limited to the popular routes on the Black Cuillin or Skye's 12 Munros, the guide offers a comprehensive selection of routes in all areas of the island; in Sleat and South-East Skye, Strath, Minginish, Duirinish, Waternish and Trotternish.

Skye can delight walkers and scramblers at every turn, from sea stacks to fell tops; corries to rugged cliffs and plenty in between. Walkers on Skye should be prepared for strenuous trails and wilderness, as well as changeable weather, navigation, and - depending on the route - scrambling skills. However, the routes in this guide range in length from 2 to 23km, so while there are opportunities for novice walkers, routes can also be combined for longer trails and difficult scrambles.

Alongside detailed descriptions and OS maps for every route, the guidebook also includes practical information essential to making the most out of a visit to Skye. From travel to and around the island, to advice on accommodation, where to stock up on supplies and who to call in emergencies. The result is an excellent companion to exploring the best of Skye.

Seasons
the weather is variable but tends to be fairest in May/June and September/October, also the times that midges are less abundant; recently, there has been excellent weather in February and November, too. Go prepared for cold, wind and rain

Centres
Portree, Broadford, Dunvegan, Kyleakin, Uig

Difficulty
almost all of the walking routes covered demand a good level of fitness and ability to travel safely in wild countryside in changeable weather and use map and compass; some of the walks are arduous and demanding; some scrambles (clearly identified) involve exposure and require technical ability

Must See
for scramblers, the famous Cuillin ridge; the outstanding coastal scenery and the wacky pinnacles of Storr and the Quiraing; wilderness in abundance