How to Hike The Skye Trail | Europe's Best Ridge Thru-Hike?

[@smoothtrtl6786]

Just completed the trail, one of the best I've hiked. Your walkthrough was really helpful when planning the hike, especially choosing sleeping spots and gathering equipment. Also your voice is really calming, keep making these guides, they are great!

[@jackbrookes]

I’m so glad it helped!! It’s one of my favourite places in the world. Thanks for the nice comments 😂

[@larsstecken]

That was fantastic! Exactly what I needed to prepare for the trail. Thank you so much for the amount of work you put in this production. ❤

[@jackbrookes]

Thank you Stefan, much appreciated 🙏

[@iriskartasasmita8795]

Thank you so much for the guide, but most of all for the soothing voiceover ❤️ Hiking is something I'm very passionate about, and I was experiencing some pretty bad insomnia and anxiety today so I looked up hiking-related videos to help calm me down. Needless to say, your video was absolutely perfect for it. I just found your channel and I'm excited to see more content from you :)

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks Iris! Glad you liked the video and it was able to help you. Hopefully I’ll have some more coming up soon :)

[@rubensack5903]

i have seen a lot of videos about this trail. people that are walking it or telling about it but they never say how to go there or what accomondation you need. im happy you do

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks! Glad it helped

[@easydexter]

Loved this video Jack. Heading to hike the Skye Trail this May and your videos have got us pumped! Great to see you rocking a Mo too! Also, this music is so flipping relaxing. Cheers!

[@jackbrookes]

Cheers Dexter! Enjoy Skye, it's a beautiful place...very jealous. Hope to see a video on it!

[@DontTestTheX]

You were very fortunate to have that inversion along the Trotternish Ridge - what a treat! Anyone thinking to do the Skye trail should try to take the route from Sligachan to Loch Coruisk, and if possible summit Sgurr Na Stri. You can then camp at Camasunary bay. Don't be afraid of the Bad Step - it is still possible to bypass this.

[@jackbrookes]

I know! It was incredible. I will have to go back to summit Sgurr Na Stri. Such an incredible place. Thanks for the tips 👌

[@jamesarnold3855]

Just want to say thanks jack! Going to doing this trail myself next may after being inspired by your videos. They’re amazing. Hoping you upload some more trips soon!

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks James, glad you enjoyed! Hopefully will get some new videos out in the coming new year 👌

[@mindaugasm3660]

Completed this last week. Wonderful experience. Your tips on the route and gear (esp the quilt and mat) were really useful. Thanks!

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks! Hope you had an incredible time. It’s a special place isn’t it!

[@zwitchz8126]

Hi Jack. I’m so glad I searched the Skye Trail and your video popped up! Your cinematography is absolutely beautiful and I agree your channel is hugely underrated. I’m planing my first long distance solo hike on Arran Coastal way hopefully this May, I don’t do well with heights so I thought that trail would be a good start. I only did day hikes so far mainly in Wales, and in Fuerteventura which was amazing. Watched all your videos, really enjoyed all of them,keep them coming, and keep on walking 😊

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks so much for the comment ZwitchZ, it’s hugely appreciated 🤗 hoping to get some more videos going again as the weather improves. Good luck with your solo hike on Arran Coastal way, I’ve heard it’s amazing out that way. Will definitely have to visit at some point. Hope to see some photos as well! 😊 thanks again! Jack

[@zwitchz8126]

@@jackbrookes You definitely deserve to be viewed by millions of viewers! That’s exactly what I’m waiting for, the weather to improve🤞I’m so excited I can’t wait to get going! And Thank you I will need a lot of luck 😅 Wanted to do it last summer but there was only 1 week of sunshine in the UK. It’s like a mini Scotland the Isle of Arran you get all the goods in one small island. I will be filming the whole trip, you and many other hikers really inspire me🤗 What’s on your list next? Do you have a budget friendly 1 mans tent suggestion please?

[@jackbrookes]

@@zwitchz8126 sounds fantastic! Subscribed and I’ll await to see the video 🤗 hopefully you get some sunshine. I’ll be off to do the Cape Wrath trail next month if all goes to plan 🤞 Tent wise have you tried the Vango tents? Banshee in particular I’ve heard is a decent tent. I’ve not used one though. Not the lightest you’ll find but I’ve heard it’s quite resilient and does everything you need a small 1 man tent needs to do!

[@troubadouroutdoors2126]

I am back here and watching this again. :-) And again I want to thank you so much for this wonderful guide! I got the tickets for my little family of four to fly there the end of June 2023, it’s all coming together nicely. I’m so grateful as I watch this again to see just how much information you put into this! And it really is stunning. Can’t wait to have some beautiful photographs and footage of my own from this bucket list backpacking destination!

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks for the kind comment! Very happy to see this guide is providing some helpful information. Hope to see some great content from your trip next year!

[@Lukas-yn9qq]

The Skye Trail is such a beautiful Trail in the Scottish highlands. This August, I hiked the Skye Trail from Broadford to the telephone cell near Duntlum. The Trail is so impressive, but the weather wasn't so nice. I like to see how beautiful The Quiraing and The Cuillin Hills can be. I was only able to experience this in the pouring rain and without any view over the mountains. ⛰

[@jackbrookes]

It’s an incredible hike isn’t it. Weather can definitely be hit and miss 😬 all the more reason to go again!

[@TheBleistift123]

Wow man, great stuff and you're for sure massively underrated, just as this Trail! keep it up, subbed!

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks! Much appreciated 🙏

[@richardkegel1510]

Thank you so much for this video Jack! It was incredibly detailed and insightful. I will watch it again once I start hiking this trail in July.

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks for the comment Richard! Glad you enjoyed and hope you have a great hike when you go 👌

[@williamryelandt]

Great video!! Glad I can use this in planning for my upcoming crossing this summer! Cheers from Belgium

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks so much for the comment 🙏

[@LifeAdventureFam]

Thanks Jack for this guide, were planning to do this hike next year, so pumped now.

[@jackbrookes]

Very excited for you! Hope you get some good weather. Regardless, it’s the hike of a lifetime, enjoy!

[@thetommiegods]

Thank you so much for an interesting and informative video. We have just finished WHW May 23 and are now planning the Skye Trail for May 24

[@jackbrookes]

Amazing! If you loved WHW the Skye Trail is going to be incredible :)

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

Hej from Denmark. Thank you Very Much for a great video. I have been thinking of hiking this trail for a time now.So I was Happy to See your video.Now I really whan to do it.🙂🙃🙂

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks for the comment, it’s an amazing trail. Plenty over in Denmark that I’d like to do at some point also! Any questions about the trail let me know 👌

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

@@jackbrookes Thanks a Lot

[@jackbrookes]

@@EventyrsorenDenmark more than welcome

[@noncsi121]

Thank you so much for the informative and insightful video. We are going to the highlands in august and I was looking for some amazing places to hike, you gave me many amazing ideas.

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks for the nice comment Noémi! Enjoy your trip and hiking, it’s an amazing place 👌

[@BlueDragon00]

Hi.your channel is so underrated.I love your drone footage.Keep up the good work.Dont get discouraged.

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks! very much appreciated

[@BlueDragon00]

@@jackbrookes Skye Trail is one of my hiking goals for 2022

[@jackbrookes]

@@BlueDragon00 Awesome to hear. It's one of my favourite treks to date. Try to grab a good weather window and you will have an amazing time. Such a unique place to hike through

[@BlueDragon00]

@@jackbrookes I hope covid wont disrupt my plans because this summer it was hard getting to scotland,instead i went to norway and also had great time

[@jackbrookes]

@@BlueDragon00 amazing as well, so many options in Europe. Fingers crossed you can make it this summer

[@kimberlym4289]

This was so thorough! Thank you.

[@jackbrookes]

You're welcome!

[@mr.yuriinspector347]

Great informative video, thinking of going from the phonebooth all the way to portree solo hiking for 3-4 days this june, can’t wait!

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks for the comment! It’s an incredible place - hope you love it!

[@anotherother]

The 2 most regular bus drivers will ask if you are syke trailing and put you down at the phone box. Bill and Robert ,great guys well used to seeing me.

[@kaleemjan4899]

thx man for this video.. will save it ... keep doing the hikes... subscribed also ..

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks! I'm trying 😅

[@BenOutside]

Really enjoying these videos dude, subscribed! 🤘🏻

[@jackbrookes]

Cheers Ben 🤗👌

[@AndrePostTenor]

Thanks a lot! Very informative and inspiring Video !

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks :)

[@Cloudwalker136]

Great.Thks very much. Just the info I was searching for...👍

[@jackbrookes]

You’re very welcome 👌

[@user-g3r2d]

great video man. i really hope one day in the future i am able to travel to scotland to do this hike.

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks mate 🙏 put it on your list, Scotland is such an amazing place.

[@troubadouroutdoors2126]

I cannot thank you enough for this, particularly all the information within it! This was very well done. I’ve done a lot of backpacking, some with my family, but I want to make sure we’re prepared for this because it’s different. I’m hoping to get the four of us there next June, flying from the US, take a train and then a bus onto the Isle Skye, stay at a B&B in Portree and then do the hike from there to the northern most point. I haven’t looked yet for a trail guide that might mention all the water sources will be coming across, but it looks like there are plenty! Any advice or tips you to give to a family of four (with two kids who will be 11 and 15) making this trek would be much appreciated! :-) Definitely subscribing to your channel!

[@jackbrookes]

Hi and thanks for the comment! Much appreciated :) and very exciting you’re doing this hike! Plenty of water sources everywhere so no need to stress about that. The main thing that could make your time on the trail go from a great experience to a not so great experience is experiencing awful weather whilst you’re on the main ridge. I would just keep an eye on the weather forecast and avoid it if it doesn’t look nice, especially with 2 young kids. And some form of navigation is needed up there as well! Otherwise fingers crossed you get some amazing weather and have a great time 😊

[@troubadouroutdoors2126]

@@jackbrookes what a wonderful response! Thank you for not trying to discourage me from bringing them, as some people would who don’t understand that their dad and I both happen to be very experienced backpackers, and we know the risks. I am a just bit worried about the weather, and I noticed that there is a road walk that could act as an alternate to much of the main ridge in bad weather, or even if the youngest who has the least experience with backpacking just decides she’s too tired for more high climbs after the Quiraing going southbound. It also looks like if we take that road walk/alternate, we could see the Kilt Rock cliffs and the waterfall that drops straight down into the sea, and then still make our way around to the old man of Stor and the sky trail, making our way back to Portree… if I’m seeing all of that correctly on the maps I’ve checked online. That could be pretty cool. Would be the better part of a whole day of road-side walking though. Thank you again for the video and the wonderful response. Looking forward to booking my flight to Inverness!

[@jackbrookes]

@@troubadouroutdoors2126 absolutely and you’re welcome! As long as you’re well prepared I see why not. The road is easily accessible at the Quairaing as well so that should be an easy option B if you need it. Quite difficult to get to from the Trotternish ridge once you’re up there though - but as long as you know what the weather is doing then you’ll be fine. All the best with the hike, I look forward to seeing some photos! And you’re more than welcome, thanks for commenting and the nice words 👌

[@dg4846]

Nice vid. I was considering to walk The Skye Trail last summer but... I chose hike The Tour of Lake District. 2 years ago I completed WHW and Snowdonia Way which was fantastic experience. So... next year it might be the Isle of The Skye where I have been 2 times already and always happy to be there.

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks for the comment D G. Can highly recommend the Skye trail, it’s a very different hike compared to the WHW. I visited Skye twice before I ended up doing it. Drop me a message if you need any further advice!

[@dg4846]

@@jackbrookes Next Tue my The Skye Trail adventure will begin!

[@JB_FLYA69669]

Great video you have inspired me to go here

[@jackbrookes]

You should! Incredible place

[@lucasgu7863]

Great Video! I've read midges can be a problem hiking in June and July, did you have much problem with midges?

[@jackbrookes]

Hey yes I did at Sligachan mostly, before and after that they weren't an issue :)

[@niclasrohr]

Have you had any problems with your Big Agnes? Leaking in heavy rain as the fabric is so thin?

[@snickeringpigeon4370]

Don't have the same Big Agnes (I have the Tiger Wall UL 2). The fabric is probably just as thin. I've used it in heavy Scottish rain and there has never been any leakage. Hope this helps.

[@jackbrookes]

No leaking but have had the poles snap...the fly is super thin, have experienced plenty of rain in it in Iceland which wasn't an issue. But a big storm i'd be concerned with

[@outsiderswalks5460]

Great video :) if you ever do it again - do the Bla Bhenin variant - for me its the highlight of the trail - done it 4 times now

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks for the comment :) I was actually intending to do the variant but decided to change it last minute as I wanted to get as much distance as possible done because of the looming rain forecast. I’ve heard it’s amazing though - another excuse to come back and do it again 😅

[@oko2708]

Would you recommend this for beginner hikers? I've had some experience hiking in in different parts of Norway and Sweden, but this seems like a proper challenge.

[@ColinGT]

Fantastic mate as a Scot living in N.America i want to return home at some point and do some hikes my question is could you do a breakdown of cost can do a breakdown of gear if you wish but more a breakdown of cost leaving your front door until returning back to your front door, not many thru hikers do a breakdown like that.

[@jackbrookes]

Cheers Colin! Appreciate the comment. Absolutely - I’ll look to start including a cost breakdown in these videos 👌

[@troubadouroutdoors2126]

This is definitely THE best Skye Trail video I’ve seen! I have less than one month to catch my flight over from the US and hike the trail. :-) I have a question, is there an outfitter/outdoor shop in Portree, where I could get a fuel canister that would work with an MSR pocket rocket stove? Don’t know if you would know the answer to that or not, but just in case you would. :-) Again, such a great job on this video and thank you for all of the very helpful information!

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks so much for the nice comment :) Unfortunately I only know Inside Out camping store in Portree who seem to have everything most hikers need, i'm not sure about the specifics of the stove unfortunately. You could email them to check, otherwise Inverness (on the way to Skye pending where you fly into) can have quite a bit of stock as well :)

[@anotherother]

Jans hardware store also stock both types of gas canisters.Up beyond the big co-op in Portree

[@davidalexander287]

I hate these videos.! It was so imformative that how can you not do it. It certainly a must do walk. Penciled in for September. Fantatic video, very informative. I think will do it S to N.

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy it!

[@Ozz527]

Great video!

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks Oz!

[@dardvader6]

Thank you ! Am looking to do it this summer when is the best time to avoid the midgies?😂

[@jackbrookes]

Amazing! The midgies were terrible at Sligachan....Otherwise I didn't have issues anywhere else 👌

[@anotherother]

June to Aug midges are at thier worse. A midge hood lives in my pocket over my heart at all times. Common in shops £5

[@sammader5456]

Great video! Is there any wild animals that we have to be aware of while we camp? How likely are we to get lost?

[@jackbrookes]

Hey Sam wild animals aren’t an issue - main concern would be ticks and being aware of the game hunting areas/times/seasons. It’s pretty easy to stay on the path and follow all the way marking so that’s not an issue - I’d still take a paper map and a digital downloaded offline map 👌

[@rhiannaweekes5057]

Would love to go hiking with you . Great video :)

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks Rhianna! Hopefully at some point I’d like to start taking groups :)

[@rhiannaweekes5057]

If you do let me know :) Living in Scotland right now just haven't explored the highlands much x

[@jackbrookes]

@@rhiannaweekes5057 absolutely will do 😊

[@BT-my6tm]

Great instruction! And you made me feel like travelling there in the future all the way from Japan. One question , what kind of app you guys use to navigate yourself by offline-map and GPS?

[@jackbrookes]

Thanks for the comment! I use all-trails premium to download offline maps on my phone. I also take a Garmin in reach mini with me :)

[@BT-my6tm]

@Jack thank you!

[@oko2708]

Very Informative video Jack! We are planning to do this hike this summer in the opposite direction. Do you have any tips for us rookie hikers (20yo) that don't have too much experience? We are allocating 10 days for the hike so we can do it at a comfortable pace, do some exploring and in case it might rain a lot.

[@jackbrookes]

Hi oko thanks for the comment! You will have an amazing time, especially if you have 10 days to take your time and do some exploring :) I would just say ensure you have a waterproof bag to keep valuables/spare clothing dry and comfortable/worn in foot wear. Also navigation is difficult in certain spots (along the ridge) so make sure you’re well prepared (we had offline digital map and a physical map). But otherwise enjoy the experience and know where your shelter is each night and you’ll have a fantastic time!

[@oko2708]

@@jackbrookes Sounds good. We Have two OS Landranger maps ready to go. We'll probably end up just taking a plastic bag to keep things dry, since our backpacks have raincovers also.

[@jackbrookes]

@@oko2708 sounds like a perfect set up then!! You will have a great time :)

[@Dan-xf5fz]

Hi Jack, thanks for this really informative video! Would you say its a trail that could be attempted in the opposite direction? Thinking of doing it this September and would rather end with the Trotternish Ridge

[@jackbrookes]

Hi Dan, absolutely! We met a hiker doing the opposite direction to us and I’ve heard others do it quite often. Do whatever works for you best

[@solalvillemain2109]

Hi ! Great video ! I want to do this trail this summer with a friend but can you help understand how to return to Glasgow from Broadford ? I saw that the bus 915 link portee to Glasgow but can I take this bus directly in broadfoard (to avoid going back to portree) Thanks for your help!

[@jackbrookes]

Hi, I’m not sure about the buses from Broadford sorry! But I do know there’s buses from Portree. I would check their website for the latest updates on routes and availability. Sorry I’m not any more help 😅

[@solalvillemain2109]

@@jackbrookes thanks anyways! And again, great video!

[@frauleinmaria279]

Hi Jack, thank you for the video, its so helpful. I'm planning on doing the Skye trail in June this year. Is the trail around Loch Scavaig on the way into Elgol dangerous?

[@larsstecken]

We might just miss each other by a few days - leaving the last week of May 🙃

[@jackbrookes]

Hi Fraulein, I didn’t find it to be too dangerous when I went. It was just very overgrown and very slow moving with no views for several hours - not fun 😅

[@frauleinmaria279]

@@jackbrookes thank you!! I was figuring out whether to walk that way, or take the road around

[@BlueDragon00]

whats better options for hiking in september this trail: leght trail runners without membrane or waterproof mid hiking boots?

[@jackbrookes]

I would say it’s an individual preference Destro but there’s nearly always at least some rain, so I would say if you’re concerned about that go the boots. There’s lots of bog as well, I had nearly constantly wet feet on the first half of the trail with the trail runners

[@metamorphosis811]

Hello Jack, would like to know do you have the services to guide the trail on Scotland? Could I email for the detail? Thank you

[@jackbrookes]

Hi yes absolutely - contact me via the form on my website 👌www.jackbrookes.co/contact-me

[@relaxingtravel-LosAngeles]

👍

[@jackbrookes]

Cheers Joe

[@noone-yx3fl]

what is the name of music?

[@jackbrookes]

All songs from music bed! I think it could be Clare de Lune

[@BlueDragon00]

Do you know what was the price of bus to duntulum? i cant find any info online and i am on tight budget

[@jackbrookes]

I can’t remember exactly off the top of my head - apologies Destro. It was under £5 though

[@BlueDragon00]

@@jackbrookes ohh thats good to know, as i understand buses are only from monday to friday, right?

[@jackbrookes]

@@BlueDragon00 I believe so yes! I think previously prior to covid they had 1 or 2 on a Saturday, Sunday nothing, but I’m not sure if they’ve changed it since. Was there anything on their website about it?

[@BlueDragon00]

@@jackbrookes nah, its only from mon to fri according to some timetable i found

[@jackbrookes]

@@BlueDragon00 that’s unfortunate. Just checking google maps it says the 57C runs on a Saturday but that must not be accurate if the website says otherwise

[@pipandbenji]

👍

[@jackbrookes]

👌