skye small isles · 3-day itinerary
3 days in Skye for walkers
A long weekend covering Trotternish ridge, the Cuillin from the safe side, and the south end beaches — Scotland's most photographed island, properly walked.
Three days is the right minimum for Skye. Less than that and you spend the whole trip on the A87 between viewpoints; more than three and the itinerary really wants a car-free expansion. This plan is for two walkers with a car, basing in Portree for the first two nights and finishing in Elgol on day three to make the most of the southern Cuillin coast.
The Cuillin proper is out of scope for a moderate-difficulty trip — these are the highest mountains in Scotland with the longest committing ridge, not weekend walks. Bla Bheinn is the way in for non-scramblers: a full Cuillin summit with steep but unexposed walking ground. The Trotternish ridge gives the famous photos. The southern Cuillin coast from Elgol delivers the views of the main ridge that everyone has seen on Instagram.
Day-by-day plan
Portree to the Trotternish ridge
Drive 25km north from Portree to the Storr car park. Walk the Storr from the back to avoid the worst of the tourist queue at the front. Continue north for the Quiraing if the weather holds. Return to Portree for the night.
- Distance
- 12-16 km on foot depending on Quiraing extension
- Overnight
- Portree — multiple B&B and hotel options
- Transport
- Car day from Portree
On this day
Bla Bheinn from Loch Slapin
A full Cuillin summit without scrambling commitment. From Loch Slapin (38km south of Portree on the A881) the standard route climbs the south-east ridge — 6-7 hours return, 928m of ascent. The summit views across to the main Cuillin ridge are the best on Skye.
- Distance
- 12 km, 928m ascent
- Overnight
- Portree second night, or move to Elgol B&B for day 3
- Transport
- Car from Portree to Loch Slapin
Elgol and the southern Cuillin coast
From Elgol take the boat to Loch Coruisk (Bella Jane or Misty Isle Boat Trips) for the iconic view of the Cuillin from sea level — return three hours later. Or walk the coast path north from Elgol to Camasunary bay (15km return) for the same views without the boat fare.
- Distance
- Boat trip or 15km coast walk
- Overnight
- Drive back to Portree, or B&B in Broadford for an early ferry
- Transport
- Car to Elgol; boat trip or coast walk
On this day
Accommodation
- Portree — broadest choice
Hotels and B&Bs from £80/night for two; book ahead in summer
- Glen Brittle (south Cuillin base)
Closer to the Cuillin for day 2; very limited accommodation, book months ahead
- Elgol B&B
Saves the drive on day 3 morning
Getting there
Drive Glasgow → Portree in 5-6 hours via the A82 / A87 (or via Mallaig + ferry to Armadale, longer but more scenic). Skye is challenging car-free — local buses run but are infrequent for hill access. The Caledonian Sleeper to Fort William then bus 916 to Portree is possible for car-free travellers.
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