Self-Drive - Isle of Skye

Richard & Diane

Tuesday 6th May – Saturday 10th May 2025

Number of Travellers:  2
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Overview

Immortalised in stories and songs, the Isle of Skye has long attracted travellers to its wild shores. The dramatic mountains, rugged coastline and rich history full of myth and legend make it the perfect place to escape and reconnect with the natural environment. This enriching self-driving short break includes a mix of self guided exploration and guided activities led by a local expert, allowing you to get to know Scotland’s most famous island.

From a central base on the island, you’ll set out each day to explore, walking through history and spectacular scenery with your guide. You will visit a coastal crofting village abandoned during the turbulent Highland Clearances and take a boat trip into the heart of the Black Cuillin to a wild and remote loch. Enjoy the warm and welcoming hospitality the Highlands are famous for and fresh local produce from the land and sea around the island.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Tuesday 6th May | Over the Sea to Skye | Overnight: Portree

Day 2 | Wednesday 7th May | The Clearance Villages | Overnight: Portree

Day 3 | Thursday 8th May | Loch Coruisk & The Black Cuillin | Overnight: Portree

Day 4 | Friday 9th May | Free Day to Explore | Overnight: Portree

Day 5 | Saturday 10th May | Exploring Portree & Departure

Day by Day

Day 1 - Tuesday 6th May - Over the Sea to Skye

Your journey starts by heading west toward Scotland’s most famous island. As you travel through the Highlands enjoy incredible scenery and pass famous landmarks. You could visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, situated on a private island at the confluence of three sea lochs. It is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland. After crossing the Skye Bridge, you’ll make your way to your accommodation, arriving in time to settle in and relax before heading out to enjoy some dinner.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Wednesday 7th May - The Clearance Villages

Today, you’ll meet your Wilderness Scotland guide, Aidan, and explore Skye’s breathtaking scenery. The hikes will be individually tailored, considering your experience, interests and the weather. One poignant option is a coastal circuit that passes through the ruins of two crofting villages which were abandoned during the Highland Clearances. Will can share the stories of the area and help you picture what life was like for the crofters who lived and worked on this land. Whatever option you choose, keep an eye out for wildlife. Skye is home to Scotland’s largest population of white-tailed sea eagles.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Guide Details - Aidan Moreno Read More +

Name: Aidan Moreno
Contact Number: +44 (0)7943 295035
Meeting Place: Bosville Hotel | Meeting Time: 09:00

Meet Aidan in the reception area of the Bosville Hotel in Portree and chat through some options for the day. From here, jump in your vehicles and convoy to the start point of your walk. Please make sure to bring a packed lunch with you. These can be provided by your accommodation if notified the night before they are needed. Alternatively, you may wish to pick something up locally in Portree to take with you.

Day 3 - Thursday 8th May - Loch Coruisk & The Black Cuillin

With a sharp amphitheatre of summits rising straight from the shoreline above mysterious deep grey waters, Loch Coruisk deserves its reputation as Scotland’s most dramatic loch. You’ll travel with Will today at a tiny harbour before crossing Loch Scavaig to the remote southern edge of the Cuillin. There is an excellent chance to spot wildlife, including porpoises and dolphins, as well as the seal colonies that occupy the skerries at the mouth of the loch. Once dropped off in this lonely and wild spot, you can choose to circumnavigate the loch, navigating through the erratic boulders left behind by glaciers, or, for a more challenging option, hike up a nearby peak for some of the most incredible views on Skye.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Guide Details - Aidan Moreno Read More +

Name: Aidan Moreno
Contact Number: +44 (0)7943 295035
Meeting Place: Elgol Pier , IV49 9BJ | Meeting Time: 10:20

You will meet Aidan at the jetty in Elgol today to get the Bella Jane boat he will reconfirm the day before. Please make sure to bring a packed lunch with you. These can be provided by your accommodation if notified the night before they are needed. Alternatively, you may wish to pick something up locally in Portree to take with you.

Day 4 - Friday 9th May - Free Day to Explore

A free day for you to explore at your own pace. The Quiraing is one of Skye’s most fascinating landscapes. Several walking routes bear testament to the island’s unique geology, or visit one of the other natural features for which Skye is so rightly famous, including the Old Man of Storr and the very popular Fairy Pools. Or, perhaps head to the island’s northwest and visit the impressive Dunvegan Castle and gardens.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Saturday 10th May - Exploring Portree & Departure

After a relaxing breakfast, spend time this morning exploring Portree. The largest town on Skye boasts quirky wee shops and galleries and a busy, colourful harbour. After a spot of lunch, head for home or continue your adventure in the Highland wherever it leads you.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • Four nights accommodation
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary
  • 2 days of privately guided hikes led by an expert Wilderness Scotland guide
  • Boat trip to Loch Coruisk
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Detailed trip itinerary and map
  • Pre-trip care and 24-hour in-country support from the Wilderness team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 25% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
  • Activities are only private if so specified.
Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Scotland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020
US: 888 351 5707

Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+44 (0)7766 794 640

Emergency Services

999

Important Additional Information Read More
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

The Bosville

Portree | Isle of Skye |
IV51 9DG | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1478 612846
Web: perlehotels.com/the-bosville

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Meet Your Guide

Aidan Moreno

Contact Number: +44 (0)7943 295035

Growing up in South Wales, my passion for the outdoors began as a teenager when I got my first surfboard. I’ve always loved being outside in whatever form that takes: climbing, paddling, skiing, surfing, or biking.

I first came to Scotland on a winter climbing trip with friends and fell in love with its beauty, wildness, and history. After that, I trained as an outdoor instructor and now happily call the Cairngorms National Park my home.

Working as a guide allows me to share my passion for the outdoors with others. I enjoy meeting new people and forming connections with them over a shared love of this beautiful country.

Full Web Bio

Virtuoso

Self-Drive – Isle of Skye

Tuesday 6th May – Saturday 10th May 2025