Gorgeous Walks to Take on the Isle of Skye

Named for the Old Norse for tidal island, Oronsay offers plenty to see and discover. This little uninhabited island is just a gentle walk from the end of the public road down to Ullinish Point on the Isle of Skye; when the tide is out, you can walk straight across to Oronsay. For such a small island, it has plenty to explore, with archaeological finds, sea caves and lots of beautiful views on offer. As you’re walking around the island, keep an eye on the tide so you don’t get trapped for the evening – unless that’s part of the adventure, in which case, bring plenty of supplies.

This walk begins at Orbost Farm and follows a well-defined path to the three sea stacks known as Macleod’s Maidens. One of the longer walks on the list, the path itself is not overly difficult but filled with the features that make Skye so interesting to visit. The stacks themselves, known locally as the mother and her two daughters, are best viewed from the side, rather than above from the cliffs. The clifftop path itself requires care, especially if you’re walking with younger ones or animals. It returns in a loop, and the switch in direction means plenty more interesting views, with picturesque scenes of the nearby cliffs, the sea and newly planted woodland.

On a clear day, the trail down to Dunvegan Head offers unparalleled views out to Uist. However, the route is not best suited for adverse weather conditions, as it takes you along cliffs that are unfenced and lacking warnings – a dangerous proposition on a misty day. Outside of the breath-taking views from the impressive cliff faces, the area offers a rare chance to see native sea eagles gliding on thermals created by the outcrop of rock. If you head to the northernmost point of this peninsula, you can see the strange rock formation known as the Giant (Am Famhair), a bold rock arch that lies a little way off into the sea edge.