Full-Day Skye Circuit from Inverness: Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr & Kilt Rock
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
11–12 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to handle 4 km of uneven walking with short climbs and several periods standing at viewpoints.
Overview
A private, full-day loop from Inverness that packs Skye's highlights into one itinerary: Fairy Pools hike, Portree lunch, Fairy Glen, Quiraing viewpoints, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr. Expect long drives, short hikes, dramatic geology and an option to customise time at each stop.
Full-Day Skye Circuit from Inverness: Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr & Kilt Rock
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You leave Inverness before dawn and the carriage of the A9 unspools beneath low cloud. By midmorning you climb onto the Isle of Skye and the landscape changes like a slow reveal: peat bogs harden into glacial ridges, lochs glitter, and ridgelines begin to puncture the horizon. At the Fairy Pools, clear water dare you closer—summer currents pushing across stepped basins, cold and shockingly blue. The guide gives you 75 minutes to hike; you have a 20-minute walk to the first pool, then loose stone and heather underfoot as the path rises and falls across a burn.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Footwear for variable footing
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential—the Fairy Pools path is rocky and can be slippery after rain.
Dress in layers
Windproof and insulating layers make sudden coastal gales and sunny spells equally manageable.
Carry snacks and water
Although bottled water and snacks are provided, bring extra electrolytes if you plan to extend hikes or skip the Portree stop.
Protect camera gear
Spray from falls and coastal winds can damage equipment—use a weather cover and microfibre cloths.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- red deer
- golden eagle
History
The places on this route reflect Norse and Gaelic heritage; Trotternish Ridge is shaped by ancient landslips and local names often describe the land's function or form.
Conservation
Skye's fragile peatland and footpaths are sensitive to erosion—stick to defined paths and avoid widening tracks to protect vegetation and archeology.
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Adventure Hotspots in Inverness
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Grip and ankle support for the rocky, often muddy trails at the Fairy Pools and Glen.
Waterproof shell (jacket)
Windproof, water-resistant layer to manage sudden rain and coastal gusts.
Daypack with rain cover
Holds snacks, layers, camera protection and extra water during the day tour.
Trekking poles
Useful on steeper or boggy sections of the Fairy Pools approach and for balance on uneven ground.