Trek the Skye Trail Europe | 900m www.360-expeditions.com Trek the Skye Trail Europe | 900m Join us on this 9-day expedition trekking the clearances and visit remote island Skye Trail, an established but less trodden communities and also have superb and, for the most part, deserted route opportunities for watching wildlife and if covering 27km (79 miles) from the North to the we’re lucky we may catch sight of seals, South of the island of Skye. There are no otters, golden eagles and sea eagles! waymarks on the route and many sections do not even have a path, however, we know this This route is perfect for those who want to get route well and the rewards as you walk south well away from the beaten track and is a trek from the most northerly point on the island never to be forgotten! are spectacular. Whilst on our trek we will be treated to some of the finest mountain views in the UK, passing under the shadows of the jagged Red and Black Cuillins (possibly the finest mountain range in Britain). We’ll also be taking in the breath-taking coastal scenery from beaches to cliff-tops in areas that are remarkable but almost unvisited. We’ll encounter haunting ruins of villages deserted during the highland [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Trek the Skye Trail Europe | 900m Physical - P2 Technical - T1 Prolonged walking over varied terrain. There No technical skills are needed. A good steady may be uphills and downhills, so a good solid walking ability only is required. fitness is required. Expect to be able to do a 6 to 8 hour walk over undulating terrain with a few punchy uphill climbs carrying a pack up to 6kg in weight. Please note that the grading system used is a rough guide only. [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Trek the Skye Trail Europe | 900m [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Trek the Skye Trail Europe | 900m ITINERARY DAY 1 : Arrive Isle of Skye DAY 4 : Cliff-top trek to Portree This morning you will be met by your guide at Glasgow After a hearty breakfast at camp, we will start the third Airport/train station and transferred to the Isle of Skye, stage of the Skye Trail. This stage takes a short section where you’ll then have some time to settle into the of road which leads to a fabulous parade along the top of B&B/hostel. dramatic coastal cliffs with superb views. In the evening we will have a full trip briefing covering all We will restock supplies in Portree and spend the night in the essential information for the following days before a local bunkhouse, connected to arguably the best pub on enjoying a relaxing dinner. the island. (BL) DAY 2 : Coastal trek to Flodigarry (18km) After an early breakfast, we will start our trek from Skye’s most northerly tip, Rubha Hunish. DAY 5 : Rest Day The trail follows a spectacular but rough section of the coastline, continuing above dramatic cliffs to reach Today you have the option of either trekking stage 4 of Flodigarry for a night of wild camping. the Skye Trail or seeing the trail in the comfort of the minibus. (BLD) We will also visit some other local attractions that are not (17km) on the trail (e.g. Fairy Pools, Talisker distillery, Black Cuillins). DAY 3 : Trek inland to the Storr-Trotternish We will follow a rough track along Loch Sligachan to the Ridge Hotel, where we will stop for lunch before heading through the remote Glen Sligachan (a valley separating the mighty Black Cuillin with the Red Cuillin) to the Today sees us taking on a slightly more challenging beautiful bay at Camasunary. stage than the first day. Arriving at the coast on the south-west of the island, we We will climb from Flodigarry beneath the amazing rock will camp on the shores of the Atlantic ocean. formations of The Quiraing then continue south on the Trotternish Ridge towards the Storr before a final descent (B) to the road. The rewards are tremendous – this must be one of the most dramatic ridge traverses in Britain! (15km) The day will end with a wild camp amongst the dramatic scenery of our surroundings. (BLD) (25km) [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Trek the Skye Trail Europe | 900m ITINERARY DAY 6 : Cuillins mountains to Elgo DAY 9 : Return home Transfer back to Glasgow airport or train station. Today sees us traversing a vertiginous cliff path with fantastic views across the water to the Cuillin that reaches Elgol. This little fishing village has a shop, cafe, B&B and seafood restaurant. Today will be a shorter hiking day, where we can spend the afternoon relaxing in Elgol for the afternoon. (BLD) (15km) DAY 7 : Trek on good trails to Torrin Today will be a lovely day with great views to Sleat and the small isles, ending at Torrin where there is a summer cafe and a B&B. Depending on the weather, we may be spending our final night on the trail on a summit with views over the bay, the ocean and the mountains! (BLD) (17km) DAY 8 : Coastal trek to Broadford Today sees us trekking along the final stage of the Skye Trail. This stage follows the coast from Torrin to the cleared villages of Suisnish and Boreraig before heading inland to pick up the Marble Line, the old railroad route into Broadford. Once at the end of the Trail, we check in to our accommodation and celebrate the completion of the Skye Trail with a hearty meal and drinks. (BL) (20km) [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Trek the Skye Trail Europe | 900m [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Trek the Skye Trail Europe | 900m KIT LIST Bags & Packs Headwear Rucksack Warm headgear A large rucksack – minimum 65L. That is well This can be a warm hat, beanie, balaclava, worn in and with a good waist belt. A anything to reduce the heat loss from your head waterproof cover is advisable (remember that these covers are not 100% waterproof but act as Wide brimmed hat a barrier). Whilst on the trek you will need to carry all of the kit that you are not wearing Keeps the sun off exposed areas like ears and the nape of the neck Waterproof/Dry bags (optional) Sunblock Sleeping Gear Essential for protection from the sun 4 Season sleeping bag Lip salve You should get a sleeping bag rated to -5C and choose a sleeping bag that functions within the Sun cream will not work on your lips and they comfort rating of this temperature. A silk are very susceptible to burn without proper sleeping bag liner will enhance this rating on the protection coldest nights. Upper Body Sleeping mat Non-cotton T-shirts (with one long-sleeved) A full length self-inflating rather than ¾ length Thermarest Ideally at least 2, with one being long-sleeved Sleeping bag liner Mid layer (long sleeved fleece tops) Silk is best for keeping the bag clean and you a These are typically lightweight microfleeces or little warmer similar technology that provide varying degrees of warmth and insulation without being overly bulky or heavy to pack Warm insulated jacket Waterproof jacket In case it rains Warm gloves [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Trek the Skye Trail Europe | 900m KIT LIST Lower Body Hydration Trekking trousers Water bottles / bladder These tend to be polyester so they dry quickly 2L capacity either in a combination of bladder after a shower and weigh little in your pack. and Nalgene bottle or just Nalgene bottles Consider perhaps a pair with detachable lower legs as an alternative to shorts Evening Wear Waterproof trousers Clothes for Rest day In case it rains Clothes to wear in town on Rest day Long Johns (optional) Toiletries Thermal insulation for the lower body Wash kit Underwear Keep it simple on the trek. Essentials are toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. How many pairs you take is entirely up to you Moisturiser is advisable, everything else is a luxury! Feet Travel towel 3-4 season walking boots Travel towels from the likes of Lifesystems are Well worn in 3-4 season waterproof boots with perfect mid to high ankle support Wet wipes Comfortable trainers Preferably biodegradable, these are great for Comfortable trainers for Rest day and the washing when modern shower facilities become evenings a thing of the past Thick socks Alcohol gel A must have for good camp hygiene Nappy sacks or dog poo bags Only needed to bag your toilet paper if you are caught short in between camps and for keeping your rubbish tidy in your tent [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Trek the Skye Trail Europe | 900m KIT LIST Medications Snacks Personal first aid kit Although you will be fed well we do we advise bringing a small selection of energy bars. Have The 360 med kits are designed to be used in a couple per trekking day emergencies and akin to an A&E rather than a pharmacy on Expeditions so please come prepared with useful meds for yourself such as painkillers (Ibuprofen if you can take it and a Paracetamol) plus blister plasters, plasters, antiseptic, rehydration sachets and any muscle rubs you wish to use.