The Skye Trail - Hiking 80 Miles across Scotland's stunning Isle of Skye.

[@MrsHuntontheTrails]

Just completed the Skye Trail with my husband. In response to the footwear preference, it’s a very personal choice. However, we have hiked the Colorado Trail (486 miles), Scottish National Trail (500 miles), Cateran Trail, Skye Trail and numerous shorter 2-day trails in trail runners. We learned our lesson regarding boots on the Coast to Coast in 2020 when (like you) we suffered significant foot and muscle pain despite wearing well broken in boots. I believe the military say that a pound on your feet is worth ten on your back with regards to fatigue. Since the switch to trail runners (Altra Olympus in my case and Hoka/ Innovate for my husband) we have had no foot issues at all. I do worry a bit about the sustainability factor but we ‘demote’ our trail runners to gardening shoes and wear them until they fall apart. Neither of us would ever go back to boots (except in winter, of course). Incidentally, we’re both nearly 60 so have had plenty of years in boots for comparison. Each to their own, but I noted your comment about not ‘getting it’ so thought I would offer our perspective as trail runner converts. Thanks for all of your efforts in making the video and sharing your journey.

[@jimmarshall9945]

Me and my hill running buddies have been on trainers for over 10 years now…the only downside is wet feet.

[@davidcressey]

Absolutely agree - i used the Olympus on the Skye Trail and Cape Wrath and had no problems at all. I also used the Superfeet (green) insoles for support plus it adds a carbon rockplate for the tougher terrain.

[@johnmca5643]

Exactly!!!! I haven't worn boots in over a decade. It's very old school. I'm also an Altra Olympus owner.

[@philprice12]

Great video Sorry you didn't finish the last stage. I am older than you and walk around a max 12 miles and find I can recover overnight at this range. I could do more and get wetter, colder, and disheartened when the going gets tough. This adds a day or so but what does that matter no pain no blisters no getting late to bed and up early. Leisurely cooked breakfast. time to relax. No Ibruprofen needed as this is really bad for the kidneys. I never drink alcohol when walking as this does me no favours. I am going to do this walk the same way as you for the reasons stated plus the wind and rain will usually be behind you. Many thanks Phil Price

[@GubbePaaTur]

Finaly found the time to watch this one. Thank you Ray for bringing us along. Your calm in telling us your story is always nice. Looking forward to your next trip.

[@RS.Outdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it. Atb

[@Collected1]

Just a note to say having taken inspiration from your use of those mini fruit juice bottles for your water on my WHW journey last week… game changer. I swear they gave me an energy boost whenever I needed one. Thanks for sharing that little tip. 👍

[@RS.Outdoors]

That is awesome! Atb

[@stitchfergus9084]

Amazing video, thank you!

[@jeffngill]

Thanks for the video, you were the first creator I watched with outdoors content. I watch several now but yours is my favourite still.

[@nickname6747]

Thanks for uploading, Ray. Glad to see you got through it. Yes please to the offer of the video on the modifications to the tent and kit. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏔👍

[@capturing_scotland]

Nice one Ray, glad you got to complete the trail 👍🏻. I have a Lanshan 1 Pro so would definitely like to see the modifications you made. I think it’s a great tent. ATB!

[@ScotlandsMountains]

Great effort Ray - that rain on night one - wow! Glad you continued - catch up soon

[@northumberlandmountainhopper]

Hi and what a magic trip Loved it, I really must do a multi day trip, I just stick to the Cheviots as I don’t like the traffic or crowds !!!!!!! Keep em coming Cheers from Northumberland

[@wallacemcnish7681]

loved your video. I like watching your long strides you take, when you are able to. Something i need to work on.

[@davesneddon3734]

Been away working for a while so just catching up. Thoroughly enjoyed your walk through Skye. The mist and the mountains and the water, something magical there, it calls us home. Thanks for posting.

[@whatsnottohike]

Enjoyed that Ray, especially the early morning shots going over the ridge. Good that you showed the slog on the tarmac too, cause a lot of people don't. As for the legs, I know it's a pain after a long hike, but a good 30 minute stretching session does wonders and certainly saves taking so many ibuprofen. ATB. 🙂

[@rtk3543]

A great trip Ray and an enjoyable watch, btw the locals complain about the amount of tourists too, the penalty of living in a beautiful place . Cheers mate 👍

[@andyhikes1768]

Great to see you out in Skye again even though the weather wasn’t exactly the greatest. Great job Ray👍 I lived in Mallaig for a number of years during my teans. Two school teachers one of which was from Skye, gave me a life long love of hillwalking taking us on trips one of which was to Skye. Now at 57 I plan on walking the Scottish Trail next year. Thanks Ray.

[@davidcressey]

I did it North to South and i have to say i think you may have a point in South to North. Also, so glad you're back making hiking videos. Your knowledge and relaxed style is just wonderful to watch and listen.

[@sidestickflyer]

Absolutely Superb Ray! So glad the weather held up for this trek having watched your battle in the previous N-S attempt. ATVB Sidestickflyer 😎

[@leonardmcdermott7703]

Entertaining video Ray well done and regards from Dublin 🇮🇪, just subscribed.

[@RonnieToby]

Friggin tourists, coming over here and taking all our seats, Well done fella nice vid.

[@ianisaacs7584]

Great to see you back on the travels Ray. I relate to your struggles but you carry on. Life's highs and lows everyday. Sometimes the rain makes the sun shine even brighter....when it comes out !!

[@tomaszznamirowski6852]

Glad you managed to complete the trail on the second approach. Glasnakille is really unfriendly for wildcampers. We managed to find a spot to sleep at the end of tarmac (going north). Undoubtely Portree became crowded these days. But still nice place for a good food and resupply. You skipped the part on the hills toward the Needle. They kicked us really hard (we had two attempts there) :) The Flodigarry Hotel was the place where we were drying our boots as we got soaked in the very first meters of the trail near Duntulm. Anyway it is nice to refresh memories watching your video. Good job. Take care.

[@BoredManOutdoors]

Very well done Ray... That's a big effort.. almost followed my trail step for step up until Portreeus - That's where I started climbing.. I enjoyed my south to north trip but as mentioned, quite fancy it tuther way. Still hopeful for this year but we will see. Still got the CWT (sectioning) planned in.. Well done on doing the Ridge a second time... Proper hardcore... 🤜🤛

[@DaveGoodman1959]

Hi Ray Thanks for takin me along on the Skye trail and I’m glad it worked out so it’s definitely a route I would like to do. 👍 I’ve not done much this year as weather has bees bit rubbish. Anyway ATB Ray 🍻🏕️🙏

[@lccarson9]

Great video Ray, my partner and I always look forward to your videos, glad to see you out and uploading again! Would love a tent review and run-down of the kit you used.

[@matthobley7248]

Really enjoyed this, Ray, thanks for posting. A gear thoughts post would be interesting, definitely.

[@pipandbenji]

Hi Ray, well done! I did the ST last July and started off in Broadford planning to go the whole trail northwards. I had an horrendous 2nd day where I walked from Camusunary to Portree on a day where the rain was biblical, particularly on that never-ending road into Portree. I camped in the campsite in Portree and the owner there made a suggestion that perhaps I should take the bus to the Red phone box next morning and then walk back to Portree. His logic was that I'd be walking back to civilisation. In hindsight, it turned out a great decision. I wore my heavy boots, which I've always sworn by, but the wet and the amount of tarmac on those first two days tore my feet to shreds. The third day was relatively short and I camped short of the Quaraing at Loch Hasco. Since doing the trail I've bought a pair of Hoka Anacapa trail boots. I like them because they are super light but I still feel the ankle support I'm used to. Anyway great channel, even though I'm not from Scotland (Irish) and Skye was my only taste of walking abroad, so does that make me a tourist 😂 ATB George

[@tomaszznamirowski6852]

These Anacapas have really soft sole (like foam). How do they perform? I was worrying about their durability.

[@Davidsdigitalmemories]

Hi. First watch of your channel. A great video and well put together. Your very down to earth and real. Seems a very magical place to walk and it is on my list of walks. Thanks for the video. Enjoyed every minute of your journey.

[@iainbickerstaff7099]

Love to see a kit review also like to see tent mod great video as always

[@Martycycleman]

When anyone mentions Skye I immediately think of Andy Stewart, must be and age thing😅 It all changed when the bridge went up? Yes please Ray on the mods to the tent😊 Thanks Ray cracking video.

[@garyb9024]

Enjoyed watching your video.. Quite an achievement!

[@harrylinsdell8114]

Alwa a pleasure to watch your videos ,thanks for sharing

[@RobertMulhern]

Excellent video as usual Ray, scenery superb, one day I’ll get there, may not do all the walk but I’ll manage part of it. Be lovely if you could film a full winter camp there, I bet it’s stunning in winter

[@gazza1858]

Another excellent vlog Ray thanks for taking us on this epic journey 🥃, Skye such a stunning place.

[@stevekerr8974]

Well done Ray, some big miles in there.

[@jimmarshall9945]

I’m afraid Scotland is becoming like the Lake District Ray…. I only go to Skye in the winter these days…great video.👍

[@stephenmiller251]

Great video Ray. I’m with you on that one for the lightweight boots. I wear Scarpa Maverick Mid GTX and they are fantastic. The rabble (as you put it) in Tyndrum is easy compared to Portree haha.

[@Bigd4nny]

Nice long form vid Big man. Some shift. Respect

[@berylbear1794]

Great to see you out again. Couldn’t agree more on this trail runner fad - boots every time

[@DAoutdoors]

Hi Ray, brilliant mate, well done on completing the trail, Skye is just one magnificent place, just beautiful. All the best mate Dave 😀🥾⛰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@nigelervine1]

Glad to see Ray your switch on about the war good man

[@SteJohnAllen]

Great video, I really enjoyed this!

[@Bokooda]

Cheers for the video (and the effort, energy and time it takes to make it). Looks like a stunning place. Yes for the Mod video please. 🙏

[@selwynmccausland4085]

Well done Ray - enjoyed watching your trip South ro North. Im planning on doing it from the North only to get the ridge done on relatively fresh legs but still looks tough whatever way its done.

[@spectacularscotland]

Brilliant Ray and you could’ve had said it better in Portree with the Tourists getting on your T, I agree! Skye has been taken over by them. Great video as usual

[@andrewkingdom]

Brilliant I enjoyed your video yes tourists and one day hill walkers are a pain just visit the wonderful snowdonia it’s a nightmare up places like snowdon anyway take care and thanks

[@John71]

Epic Journey Ray and glad you got to finish it with less rain this time :) please on the mods to tent, my wife has the same one and it will be useful, thank you.

[@raytaylor4199]

Mission accomplished this time, Good effort Ray, I’m surprised you didn’t seam seal the tent, First thing I did before I used the Lanshan 2 pro, although yours seem to hold up particularly well without it. Will be heading up to do the Cumbria way in a couple of weeks, looking forward to it, haven’t been out for a while, too busy watching You & Murray on KZbin 😅.

[@paulhuggan-cammack2928]

Hi Ray, I think you are grumpy enough to be an honorary Yorkshire man. However, I do agree with your views on life. 😂👍

[@TheMwilkin]

Loved it ray just scrapped through with the weather I had to abandon ship last year was biblical as well. I don't think any large tent survived on slighacan camp site . Nice walk we'll narrated .

[@tomdhanji]

Looked a great trip, keen to do it myself one day. Would be interested in hearing more of your thoughts on the tent and seeing what mods you did.

[@Fellmandave1]

Watching this now Ray, brilliantly portrayed. I am feeling every step of your pain. Bit of a lagerfest, but there is a reason it's oil coloured. Hope you finish!

[@Geordiewildcamper]

I've got the Lanshan 1 plus with 4 season T door. Super tent. I fasten the inner door toggle to the outer loop to give more space inside. Take pegs to clip the doors back 👍

[@jamesmilby1775]

Great video Ray. Always look forward to them. What is your preference. Expedition Foods or Sea to Summit.

[@stevetock8065]

Excellent video as always Ray, Thanks for your thoughts on the trail, I use a Lanshan 1 with 4 season inner J zip though, with mods would interesting to see what you have done

[@TheHoustonWay]

Nice one. Really enjoyable video and a great effort. 👍

[@raythompson4425]

Good to see your back out on the trails Ray excellent video as usual mate. Could you do a video on the mods you done on the tent I'm nearly 6ft in height do you think this tent would be OK for my size cheers

[@callummacinnes3677]

Nice one Ray, a pity that the amount of road walking couldn’t be reduced. As you say Skye is heaving at the moment and driving is a bit like playing Russian roulette. Very busy this year. Glad that the weather was a bit kinder to you this time.atb.

[@tekjansen6686]

Thank you for the fantastic vlog, Ray! I was surprised about the long stretches of tarmac, but the trail sure is stunning... At the time of the vlog's upload I was just on my third (and successful) attempt to walk the West Highland Way. I'm hooked on hiking and (wild) camping and it's also because of you and your work. Thank you for that! I was thinking about tackling the East Highland Way next. Can you recommend it? All the best, Matthias

[@paullaw5035]

Nice one Ray, stunning scenery once again....What was worse, Rain, Midgies or Tourists 🤔

[@georgeshort4112]

Great vid again Sir. Thank you.

[@bbwoolfy]

Was that the Lanshan Pro or non pro version? Also, what estate had the illegal no camping signs? I want to camp there!

[@1maico1]

Are those the same pair of Salomon Ultra x Trek you had 3 years ago? They stopped making that model a while back. Luckily I stocked up with 2 pairs...

[@RS.Outdoors]

Think this is my third pair over the years now. Not sure what I will get when I can't get hold of them anymore. Atb

[@garrettstrahan2218]

Thanks, Ray

[@simondickinson4236]

The film was ‘Ice cold in Alex’.

[@alexsmith-xx1zo]

like you makes sense the route you took very good vid . see you have an Audi still have the Volvo?

[@andystaveley237]

Well done Ray 🙂

[@TheMadmacs]

uhm, i think was more of a long distance endurance pub crawl hehehehe, ps would love to hear the details about the tent upgrades.... pretty sure a lot of people would like to add some detailing on 3fulgear stuff

[@andypugh2000]

That's some effort to get that done. Sadly the place is mobbed by tourists now, it's got like Venice and Barcelona. Do you still have the Volvo? Nice TT you got there 😊

[@steviecoles1532]

Be great to see a tent review. Big enough for 6ft2, and size13 feet?! Also where did you get tent bag from? Nicley long and slim for the outside of a pack great video as usual 👌

[@Randolf4475]

Congratulations on the fantastic tour. We were on Sky on holiday and it was really nice, however with a car. Were you satisfied with the Sea to Summit Spark? Some say that down is not so good on wet nights, how was it for you?

[@vanessajackson3686]

Poor weather, we walked North South, couldn't do the Trotternish Ridge. Wind and Rain, a night at the Look Out Bothy. apart from day's 1 and 2 we had good weather.

[@allancrawford9979]

I thought Lanshan 1 didnt need seam sealing ? Good effort

[@Stevie6962]

My wife and I camped at Sligachan in the eighties it was when dome tents were just coming out, well a massive storm hit at night and the tent was being blown flat on us and I’d never known winds like it, when daylight came we went to go to the toilet and wash room and the campsite was nearly empty, we then saw loads of tents blown into the loch and people had shelters in the toilets. Then there was the wee beasties of course being a bog there were millions of the little *********😂

[@allancrawford9979]

I used to live nearby and that is common didnt really start to talk about wind till it reached 90mph

[@keirenoutdoors]

Thanks for the video Ray, really enjoying your channel. Can I ask? Are you shooting your footage with a DJI Action 4? Can't remember if I seen you had one in an earlier video!

[@Earlofmar1]

it looked like in the flashback to your previous Skye walk that you may have had a dyneema X-mid, so just wondering why the change. Over the years I have seen you with several tents so what makes this one so good? Perhaps you can answer this when you do the tent mod video.

[@ashleygallagher2770]

Where are you mate, been waiting for a new video. Hope all if good.

[@thefun-employedadventurer3011]

Me n the ex did it this way around I'd argue it's better but the trott after 50+miles is pretty hard going. We had stunning weather but the midges still got us a couple of times

[@ChrisJones-pu8gh]

Hi Ray, first comment on your channel, and a genuine question. I never seem to suffer with walking long distance over tarmac or roads, however rocky/uneven terrain can cause more issues for me. Do you think this is a "gait" or "style of walking" issue? I tend to walk with my feet at a right-angle to my body with a rolling motion, but I see others with their feet "splayed" apart or "angled in" who tend to "stomp" in each step. I am 60yo and never really suffered from blisters on my feet (or other issues) even though I have walked for hours and hours each day. Do you think people can be trained to walk better and improve their style, or is it just a genetic/generic problem? Great videos btw, and always entertaining and informative. Love your channel.

[@vvs3796]

Hmm,looks like you are liking the lanshan.. What do you think is lanshan 1 more stable in winds than lanshan 2? I really want to give my lanshan another life..

[@Sebastian_K-t7n]

I did the trail in 2017 and I could image that walking northbound is a good option too. Skye is fantastic but nowadays there are to many tourists. Even though I am one of them 🥴And I understand if the locals are feel annoyed from the tourists.

[@CraigFin]

I kid you not when I did Sgurr Na Stri last summer I got back to the Sligachan hotel the next day I did exactly what the soldier did with 4 pints 😂😂

[@jeffngill]

Not many tics this time of year?

[@chrissolotourburns]

Braw Ray 👍

[@KatrinaMacGregor]

I live on Whidbey Island in Washington and we’re overrun with tourists. They are the rudest people ever and when I travel, I hope I’m never like that. I’m always very mindful of being polite and not pushy.

[@andypugh2000]

First 17.31 😂

[@adrian_baker]

May as well...17:33 😆

[@le-protato-chan4432]

They must be drowning in money if they can make a drama over a paying customer even before they have opened...

[@camperp195]

Great content,thank you for the effort you put into this👍