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Hello everyone!
My dog, Moss, and I have taken to backpacking long distance routes in Scotland and we would love to share our journeys with you! After walking the West Highland Way (video series of that on here too) we decided it was time to step up the challenge so we picked The Skye Trail!
This Skye Trail video series takes you along the trail stage by stage as listed/described on walkhighlands. I try and give useful information such as mention of campsite prices, bus times, bus numbers, bus times, notable water sources, good wild camping spots, show inside bothys, point out key way markers, highlight dodgy parts etc and have a map review of the route at the end of each stage/video. I show the route the route from a first person point of view plus have vlog style sections where I share my thoughts as I go too.
I love watching videos and reading accounts of other people’s journeys, advice, thoughts, experiences, equipment reviews and tips & tricks. I thought it was high time to try my hand at giving back and hopefully contribute in a similar manner to the great walking community we have:
So lets get to it!
Stage 1: Red Phonebox to Flodigarry
Day 1 on The Isle of Skye Trail. We get dropped off at the red phone box and make our way to the headland before heading over to the lookout bothy. We then progress along the coast passing the WW2 bunker before arriving at Flodigarry Hostel where we camped for the night.
Stage 2: Flodigarry to The Storr (Trotternish Ridge Day)
Leaving the Hostel we follow the Skye Trail up onto the Trotternish Ridge. The views over the island and ridge itself are spectacular. Eventually as the miles tick past priorities have to change and we camp on the ridge itself.
Stage 3: The Storr to Portree
Stage 3 carries on the Skye Trail from the car park at the Storr, along the coast, to Portree. Knackered after the ridge days!
Stage 4: Portree to Sligachan
Heading from Portree we follow mostly along a road that is very busy at times. Passing The Braes we finally arrive upon the waters edge again where we follow along a path that takes us to the campsite at Sligachan. Midge hotel.
Stage 5: Sligachan to Elgol
Leaving Sligachan campsite behind we head up a scenic path amidst mountains before cresting a rise and once again finding the ocean. Descending to a bothy we then rise up again onto the expose cliff walk to Elgol. Not the easiest walk with a large rucksack and dog!
Stage 6: Elgol to Torrin
Near disaster!
You never know what is going to happen on a thru-hike and we were in for a surprise during this stage that was almost a show stopper...and to happen at this late stage!
Stage 7: Torrin to Broadford
We wake up at our amazing wild campsite to head off down the coast along the cliffs to Suishnish before rising up from to coast to head inland towards Broadford and the end of the Skye Trail. What an amazing adventure! You can see where I left my car while walking the trail at the end too, which could be handy for you.
And that was us! We had finished The Skye Trail and it was off back to normal life and work etc. Very soon I had made plans for my next trip and it is to be a big one that I'll be undertaking in August, starting on my birthday: I'll make that into a video series and post it on here, so look out for that one too!
I plan to make videos on the kit I carried, suitable footwear for this type of route at any time of year, kit reviews etc. I'll either see if I can add it here once I have made them or leave the video as a comment or something. By all means drop us a message if there is anything in particular that you would like to see or ask me.
Thanks for reading and watching!
All the best on your adventures,
John & Moss
