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If you want more than just mountainous landscape, a guided hiking tour in the Cuillin Hills fuses a serene sail on the loch, a leisurely stroll along Britain’s shortest river and a steady trek across remote landscape—all while taking in sights of the iconic Cuillin Ridge. A geologist’s field day and hiker’s dreamworld, the Black Cuillin are remnants of a once great volcano that now forms a chain of some 36 rocky peaks and dark gray Munros, mountains over 3,000 ft (914.4m). Starting at the ridge’s base, walk through conifer plantations, coastal woodlands and areas of heather moorland. As you ascend the mountain trail to Sgurr na Stri, you’ll reach the summit where you’ll fill your photo gallery with panoramic views of the Black Cuillin, and you also might sight seals, whales, or even sharks on Loch Coruisk! Here are some tips or getting the most out of your mythical Isle of Skye hiking adventure!

Adventure highlights

  • Marvel at the 60-million-year-old ridge formed from magma chambers

  • Meet the island’s wildlife: seals, sharks or whales

  • Embark on a journey combining a boat trip, river stroll, and a hike in the mountains

Itinerary

Start your journey in the picturesque fishing village of Elgol from which you’ll take a boat across Loch Scavaig to the landing jetty at Loch Coruisk. Walk the entire length of Britain’s shortest river and start your ascension to Sgurr na Stri, from which you’ll get a great view of the Black Cuillin, UK’s most challenging mountain range. Spend your day in the Scottish Highlands, get brilliant photos, and get a good workout with your guide!

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Meet your guide

Skye Wilderness Safaris
5.00
Skye Wilderness Safaris
Let the Skye Wilderness Safaris expert guides walk you through the hiker’s dreamworld that is the Isle of Skye. Although often packed with tourists, their guided Isle of Skye hiking tours will take you off the beaten tracks to the island’s hidden locations, best viewpoints and dramatic landscapes.
5.00 (4 reviews)
Anthony L (source: TripAdvisor)

The Cuillins must be world famous and when one sees them up close and personal, one realises why. They are simply spectacular.

Barbara R (source: TripAdvisor)

The Cuillin range is quite spectacular to view, the amazing formations of the range due to thousands of years of changes to the earth have provided us with a beautiful mountain range.

Anne Chester (source: TripAdvisor)

A boat trip from Elgol to the loch really is a must if you have the time to spare while visiting Skye. It’s a full day out by the time you get to Elgol from your accommodation, take the boat, spend time at Loch Coruisk, and then get back again. It’s a beautiful drive to Elgol which has a lovely location. The loch is gorgeous and the mountain scenery is majestic.

Manelle (source: TripAdvisor)

You hop off the boat and feel like you’re a million miles away from any civilization. It’s so picturesque. So photogenic. Really gorgeous location. Easy to navigate as difficult or as easy as you want the walk to be.

Things to know

  • 57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

    We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Cullin Hills, Scotland, please refer to the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 updates.

    Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • A full day of hiking
      • Transportation from the meeting point to the hiking trail and from the trail to the drop off point
      • Boat ticket to Loch Coruisk

    What’s not included:

      • Food
      • Accommodation
      • Transportation to and from Portree
      • Personal equipment
  • The Cuillin Hills hiking tours are moderately difficult, but it all depends on your hiking experience and fitness level. You need to be able to hike for a full day and walk through different terrains. There’s no need to be an Olympic athlete since you’ll move along the hiking trail at a comfortable pace, but keep in mind that you’ll be walking for around 10 miles (16 kilometers) over varied terrain and inclines. Please note that the Cuillin Hills hiking routes are not suitable for sufferers of vertigo or motion sickness.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
      • Hiking poles — optional
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Well-worn waterproof walking boots
      • Thick natural fibre hiking socks
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For these private tours, the maximum client to guide ratio is 6:1.
      • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!

    The Cuillin Hills hiking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 16, you’re good to go.
      • Children over the age of 12 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but only in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 16, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to the Cuillin Hills, most people fly into Glasgow Airport five hours away from the Isle of Skye on which the Cuillin Hills are located.

    The meeting and the drop-off point is the center of Portree, the largest town on the island. Transportation from the meeting and drop-off point to the Cuillin Hills hiking trail is included in the hiking tour.

  • Day Trips Cancellations
    Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
    Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
    Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.

Have more questions? Read our FAQ,
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