Isle of Skye - Adventure & Explore
Join us for a guided walking holiday on the magical and truly epic Isle of Skye, enjoying the dramatic scenery on less demanding hikes and staying in a lovely 18th century cottage.
Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 7 nights
Accommodation: Cottage/Lodge
Group Size: Maximum 10
Level: Leisurely Plus
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs
In a Nutshell:
Be captivated by the magnificent landscape on guided walks to iconic landscapes like The Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, and MacLeod’s Maidens.
Soak up the spirit of Skye, from the famous local distilleries through to local arts and crafts, and excellent restaurants.
Stay in a fabulous 18th century lodge.
Meet a great bunch of fellow walkers on this fully hosted week, and leave the route planning and navigation to us.
Looking for more strenuous walks? Take a look at our Isle of Isle of Skye - Walking the Mountains experience.
How do we grade our walks?
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Today you’ll travel to our lovely accommodation for the week, the stunning Uiginish Lodge. You’re welcome to make your own way to Skye, or we offer a pickup from Glasgow city centre at 8:30am or Glasgow International Airport at 8:45am. If you are making your own way to the accommodation, you can arrive anytime from 5pm onwards.
Once you arrive, your only task is to settle in and relax. Kick back in the lounge with a cup of tea and a slice of cake with your fellow guests, or head down to the loch for superb views across to Dunvegan Castle. Keep your eyes peeled for otters and sea eagles too, as they both frequent the area.
Your Large Outdoors host will cook tonight. Once we’re all congregated around the table we’ll outline our plans for the week ahead. As with all walking trips, especially those on the western side of Scotland, our activities over the week will depend on the weather!
Days 2 - 7
After breakfast each day, we’ll head out for our daily expedition. Our aim is to experience something different each day and given the diverse landscape on offer, that shouldn’t be hard. There will be plenty of walking, but we also may time to just soak up the scenery and explore local attractions, shops and eateries. At the end of each day we either eat back at the lodge (we include three home-cooked evening meals during the trip), or eat out in one of the many lovely restaurants (at participants’ own expense).
A walking group from Large Outdoors exploring the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye.
Here’s a little flavour of some of things we might do or see:
The Quiraing - One of our most memorable days out, the Quiraing is a set of spectacular rock formations that resulted from a giant landslip hundreds of millions of years ago. Looking out across the weirdness of it all, it’s perfectly understandable to think that dinosaurs might easily still be roaming these parts.
We take you on a walk through the most famous of these features, including The Prison and The Needle, and then head out onto a headland for fantastic views across to the Outer Hebrides.
The Old Man of Storr - An iconic rock formation resulting from an ancient landslip in the north of Skye, the Old Man of Storr is immediately recognisable, and also visible from most of the island! A photograph with the ‘Old Man’, showing the Isle of Raasay behind is a must-do experience while we’re on Skye. Though the walk is steep in parts, you’ll find the sight of the cliffs ahead a reward enough for the effort.
MacLeod's Maidens - This is our favourite coastal walk. It might sound like a biggie at 12-miles but you’ll soon forget mileage-clocking during this ‘there and back’ adventure. Following a quiet path, the views are fantastic all the way along until your reach the Maidens – three sea stacks, the highest of which is 70 metres high, with cliffs towering up behind them.
Glen Brittle - A great destination to head out on a few shorter walks, Glen Brittle lies next to the Cuillin Mountains, a vast array of dark pointed peaks famous among climbers and mountaineers. We can gaze up at them from the comfort of the valley while visiting Brittle Bay, walking up to one of the mountain lakes, or perhaps taking a trail that winds up the bottom of the valley.
Glen Sligachan - The other side of the Cuillin Mountains from Glen Brittle, this mighty valley gives unparalleled views to dramatic mountains, while staying very low on a well-made path. We’ll be able to look out for eagles, see the difference between Skye’s famous Black and Red Hills, and finish the walk at the pub with the largest whisky collection in Scotland.
Taking in the view towards Dunvegan from Coral Beach
Neist Point - The short walk out to Skye’s most westerly point gives sweeping views out to the Hebrides and the cliffs of Skye. You can admire the old lighthouse, watch gannets plunge into the water from the old slipway, and keep a keen eye out for whales. This is also a favourite must do sunset spot.
Coral Beach - You might have become a bit blasé about the beautiful landscape surrounding you, so for this short walk we shake it up a bit with a visit to the Caribbean (well almost) as you first glimpse the Coral Beach. On a sunny day, the sands created from crushed white coral contrast dramatically with the tropical blue of the water that just invites you to head out for a swim – so why not!
Other walk options - Skye has a huge array of walks we can go on, whether we want to go out for a full day or just an hour or two. Other options include the most northerly point of Skye at Rubha Huinish, Kilt Rock, Talisker Bay, the Waternish Peninsula and lots more.
Looking gorgeous as we board the Aqua Explorer for a wildlife tour and chance to explore the small Isles of Rum and Canna in the Inner Hebrides.
Our Adventure & Explore experiences are all about discovering the best each area has to offer. They are designed to be great fun for all, with leisurely to moderate-level walks interspersed with visits to historical and cultural sites, off-the-beaten-track cafés, wildlife-watching, and much more.
Local craft shops - we’ve come to know and love many of these on Skye over the years. So whether you’re looking for jewellery, a sheep skin rug or artwork, you can browse the unique products and souvenirs Skye offers. Options include Skye Silver, Skye Weavers (who hand-make everything on looms), Edinbane Pottery, Skye Skins, plus plenty of photography and art studios.
Aqua Explore boat trip - without doubt, this experience is one of the highlights of a week on Skye. If available, we’ll book places on the boat, which departs from Elgol, one of the most spectacular hamlets on Skye. Here we board the Aqua Explorer fast RIB for a morning’s wildlife spotting and exploring the small isles.
Our first port of call is the Northern Cliffs of Canna, a bird spotter’s paradise and one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the area. As we cruise along the base of cliffs we will be surrounded by Puffins, Shags, Guillemots and Gannets to name just a few. From here we head around the coast and into the secluded harbour of Canna, with time to step ashore so you can either wander and explore this isle or pop to the local community café for a cuppa.
We then head back out to sea, past the local seal colony and over towards the Isle of Rum. The channel between the isles is a hot spot for Dolphins and Minke Whales. The Isle of Rum is a jewel of the Inner Hebrides with beautiful beaches, an eccentric castle and plenty more wildlife. From Rum it’s a short hop back to Elgol.
Please note: that this boat trip is very weather-dependent and, if available to book, we try to fit it in on the best day. As such, participants wishing to take part do so at their own additional expense.
The Isle of Skye looking stunning in the background as some playful dolphins swim with our boat.
Day 8
After breakfast, it’s sadly time to pack up and leave Skye. We aim to be back in Glasgow between 3-5pm on the last day and can drop you back in the city centre or at the airport. Please book onward travel accordingly, to allow for flexibility with the return time to the city centre or airport - we do allow for some stops on the journey, but we (sadly!) can’t control the traffic.
Good to Know
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Meeting Time: This will depend on whether you’re taking advantage of our Pickup service (see below), or making your own way to Skye. If you’re travelling independently to Skye, you can arrive at the accommodation any time from 5pm - when the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you. Dinner will be served around 8pm so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.
Accommodation Address:
Uiginish Lodge
Dunvegan
Isle of Skye
IV55 8ZRwhat3words: ///deleting.shelters.stutter
Pickups (Day 1): when booking you can let us know which of the two Pickup locations below you’d like to be collected from.
Glasgow City Centre (Hotel) 8:30am at the ibis Styles Glasgow Central, 116 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 7DN. Please note: a discount code for this hotel is available if you plan to stay in Glasgow the night before/after the trip - details will be shown on your booking confirmation email.
Glasgow International Airport 8:45am at the Pick-up & Drop-off area located outside the main terminal building in Car Park 2.Returning to Glasgow (Day 8): If you are taking advantage of our Pickup service, we will also return you to Glasgow on the final day. We aim to be back in Glasgow between 3-5pm and can drop you back in the city centre or at the airport. Please book onward travel accordingly, to allow for flexibility with the return time to the city centre or airport - we do allow for some stops on the journey, but we (sadly!) can’t control the traffic.
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Our venue for this event can only be described as spectacular. Uiginish Lodge is a beautiful 18th century former dower house of Dunvegan Castle. The Lodge has been sympathetically and stylishly refurbished to create a wonderfully spacious but homely residence over three floors. Featuring an open-plan living and dining space heated by an Aga at one end and a wood-burning stove at the other, lounges, and a top-floor library, you’ll not be short of cosy spaces to relax and spend time with your lovely fellow walkers. Wi-Fi is available. Bedding and a towel is provided.
Accommodation Address:
Uiginish Lodge
Dunvegan
Isle of Skye
IV55 8ZRwhat3words///deleting.shelters.stutter
Room Types:
You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
Bed in a Shared Female Room
Bed in a Shared Male Room
Twin Room
Double Room
Single Room (Sole Occupancy Double)There are Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a room - with two single beds - with just one other participant (bathrooms are shared with other rooms). Twin Rooms sleep up to two participants booking together, with two single beds (bathrooms are shared with other rooms). Double Rooms sleep up to two participants booking together, with a double bed (bathrooms are shared with other rooms). Single Rooms sleep one participant with a double bed (bathrooms are shared with other rooms).
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Included:
Pickup service (optional) from Glasgow - see the Meeting Location & Time section above.
7 nights’ accommodation at Uiginish Lodge - we have taken over exclusive use of the lodge, so it will just be Large Outdoors participants staying.
A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.
Guided walks on 6 days of the trip.
Home-cooked set 2-course dinners at the accommodation on 3 evenings.
A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided).
A DIY packed lunch (sandwich and snacks) for 6 days of the trip.
Tea (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and squash at the accommodation.
Bedding and towels - but don’t forget your own toiletries.
The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.
Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.
Not included:
Travel to and from the meeting location.
Travel from the accommodation to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the door - this is a Car Free Experience, if you take advantage of the Pickup service.
Dinner on 4 evenings - we’ll book a table at a local restaurant to enjoy dinner as a group and you can purchase whatever you fancy from the menu available.
Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost, e.g. the Aqua Explorer boat trip, if available.
Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.
Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring something with you to enjoy at the accommodation and there’ll be opportunities to pick up some local tipples during the trip.
Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.
Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.
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Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.
The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.
Please note: although the walks on our Adventure & Explore experiences are generally classed as more leisurely options, you will need walking boots. There will be short steep sections and rocky/boggy/slippery ground to navigate, so it’s important you have suitable footwear.
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• What level of fitness is needed?
This trip is rated as Leisurely Plus, with various walks on offer. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels. Our Adventure & Explore experiences are all about discovering the best each area has to offer. They are designed to be great fun for all, with leisurely to moderate-level walks interspersed with visits to historical and cultural sites, off-the-beaten-track cafés, wildlife-watching, and much more.• Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.• I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian, vegan, and/or provide meals with gluten free ingredients - these options can be selected when booking. Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options. This particular experience offers a little more flexibility catering wise, as evening meals are taken at local restaurants on some days, so please contact us if you’d like to check whether it is suitable for your dietary needs.• What transport is provided during this trip?
We offer a Pickup service (see Meeting Location & Time section above) and transfers from the accommodation to the activity start points.• Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on this trip, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog on an experience, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary. -
Lying close to the Scottish mainland, the Isle of Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides and contains a huge variety of landscapes. The winding coastline is rightly famous for towering cliffs, sandy beaches, and the chance to spot plenty of wildlife from seals to whales. Inland, there are plenty of small hills and ancient broadleaved woodlands, surrounding quiet valleys stacked with myths and traditional crafts.
Alongside this peace are colossal peaks, including the Cuillin, the most imposing and technical mountains in the UK, and the Red hills, which rise up abruptly from the sea.
From the many viewpoints on Skye, you’ll be able to see everything from mountains to water, and wild flowers to remote farms. Whatever your walking ability and inspiration, you’ll find something that suits you on Skye.
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“A thoroughly enjoyable trip - thanks to you all. Our guides were all so kind, welcoming, knowledgeable, inclusive, and creative.” - Pam, 2022
“A fabulous week exploring Skye with a friendly and sociable group. Our excellent host really looked after us all. Great activity, really good accomodation. My first time away with a group for a week-long trip but was made to feel really welcome. Will definitely look to do other events with Large Outdoors!” - Dave, May 2022
“Our host was a wonderful leader and a real asset to the company. We were able to see Skye at its best. It was a lot bigger than I thought!” - Verified Participant, May 2022
“Our host was brilliant! So cheerful, patient, and helpful. I really enjoyed walking in all of the beautiful scenery.” - Alayne, June 2022
“By the end of the trip we had really bonded as a group and I’ve made some lasting friendships. Our host was great - a considerate walk leader and a great cook! I really enjoyed exploring the island and spotting amazing wildlife on the boat trip.” - Verified Participant, July 2022
What have you most enjoyed about your trip? “The ambience created by Gareth (host). The welcoming atmosphere. The opportunities to relax but also achieve in the outdoors. A good balance between group activities and the opportunity to be on your own if you wished. Total value for money.” Angela, June 2023
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