The diverse landscapes and the existence of deep waters add to the beauty of Scotland. Surprisingly, it has over 790 islands. 101 of them are inhabited and most of them are very good tourist destinations. The Isle of Skye is the one where a large number of people reside and also has a number of spots to hike and experience its beauty. In this article, we will discuss why this particular island is excellent from a hiking perspective and tell you about the suitable attire to peak the experience. Let’s begin our discussion with exploring the natural beauty of this holm.
The Untamed Beauty of the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is located off the west coast of mainland Scotland, within the Inner Hebrides archipelago. Clan Macleod ruled it for around 800 years; now the state primarily owns this piece of land between waters. According to some sources, this isle attracts 650,000 visitors every year, contributing to the economy of the state.
This island offers you everything that you would like to experience once in your life. Situated between the waters, it has dramatic views including terrain, mountains, cliffs, coastlines, and hiking treks. Another recognition of the isle is 7 castles, including Dunvegan Castle and Armadale Castle. All of them are not in good condition today; in fact, they hold the tags of ruined, well-conditioned, and well-preserved buildings.
Best Hikes in the Isle of Skye
Now that you have become familiar with the anatomy of the Isle of Skye, it’s time to set our focus to the main point, which is the Isle of Skye and hiking. The holm has a large number of hiking trails ranging from easy to hard. Surprisingly, the treks there are considered to be the best ones worldwide. When preparing for the trek, keep hiking skills in mind and choose a route accordingly. Below are some exceptional hikes.
| Old Man of Storr | Coral Beaches |
| Eas Mor & Coire Lagan | MacLeod’s Maidens |
| Cuillin Ridge | Waternish Point |
Factors Making the Isle of Skye Perfect for Hiking Adventures
Remember that all the hikes discussed or not discussed here have different lengths, requiring several time slabs to complete them. The preparations must be according to distances and the climate of spots with weather considerations as a priority. Let’s explore some reasons for making this island a top destination for hiking, and then we will discuss the suitable clothes.
Dramatic and Varied Terrain
The first reason to visit any tourist destination is the beauty, and the same is true for the Isle of Skye, especially when the concern is hiking. The holm contains a set of diverse landscapes offering breathtaking views. These views are beautiful enough to keep you sitting on a rock for hours. The treks there offer you chances to explore the beauty of Quairing and Sgùrr na Banachdich.
A Hiker’s Climate: Cool, Breezy, and Refreshing
Another factor making it highly suitable for hiking is the isle’s exceptional climate, which is perfect for hikers. Weather in the entire range of the Highlands is unpredictable, and the rain is common but can be handled with light gear. The climate remains cool and breezy, always adding a refreshing flair while hiking. Therefore, the ideal time to hike there is from May to October, while the winters can be extraordinarily cool as it snows there.
Trails Steeped in History and Mythology
The beauty of hiking trails, unquestionably, makes the isle a preferred choice, but the flair of history and mythology makes the adventure more interesting. Regarding the history, this holm has much to share, such as Clan MacDonal, the castles, a connection with the Jacobite Rebellion, and the settlement of Vikings. You can also witness some religious sites during the hikes, including Cill Chriosd, a ruined church, and the Hill of the Mass, where St. Mael Ruba used to preach.
When it comes to the mythical stories and folklore on this island, they keep you fascinated during the walk. The site has stories of fairies, giants, and magical artifacts, while the Fairy Pool is its common example. Some other mystical tales, including the Blue Men of the Minch, the Old Man of Storr’s iconic rock formation, and the story of Lady Grange, provide you with a chance to explore Scottish mythology.
Experience Highland Culture
You can also experience the Highland culture while trekking. The locals there speak Gaelic, and the people are also nice, promoting their Gaelic culture. There are many villages that you can visit during the starting and ending points. They let you experience their local cuisines, traditional music, and about other cultural events. An amazing blend of culture and stunning environment make the walks more interesting and your hiking excursion more special.
Hiking in a Kilt: Why Kilts are the Best
No one can question the experience of hiking, and this enthusiasm becomes more exciting when you find yourself available in the Isle of Skye. No matter which part of the world you are in, comfort and ease of movement while climbing the rocks or walking nearby the water must be priorities and your dress plays an important role in it. To fulfill these requirements, you should consider wearing men’s kilts rather than restrictive pants. Below are some more reasons to create a connection between the Isle of Skye and kilts.
- Kilts offer unmatched leg mobility for climbing rugged trails and steep slopes.
- Wool or cotton kilts allow air circulation, keeping you cool during long hikes.
- In rainy climates, kilts can dry quickly and handle sudden rain better than heavy, restrictive trousers.
- Kilts honor Scottish tradition and deepen your experience of Highland culture. This clothing also makes the locals happy to see others wearing traditional dress of natives.
- Above all, kilts are easy to handle. You can comfortably pair them with base layers or leggings to stay warm.
Ideal Kilts Picks for Hiking
Once people used to wear tartan kilts for outdoor activities because of their comfort and breathability. Later, they switched to more durable kilts, such as utility kilts, and specified the traditional kilts for the formal events. For those who want kilts for hiking, some exceptional utility kilts are given below. They are the seller’s choice because of their practical features merging with contemporary designs.
Why Consider Scottish Kilt Co. Kilts!
All of these kilts are available at Scottish Kilt Co. You can ask why to consider this brand only. The answer is simple: quality, affordability, and trust. Moreover, we personalize every kilt as per the requirements. If we answer this question in a single line, we would say, choose Scottish Kilt Co. because they offer premium-quality, self-customized kilts at very cheap prices and deliver them timely through trustworthy and trackable partners. Some people want to wear their traditional attire but lacking the practicality features do not let them do it. They can choose tartan utility kilts.
FAQs About the Isle of Skye and Kilts
Do I need a permit or booking for any trails on Skye?
Usually, there is no need to get permission or book a trek on Skye, but some areas may have wild-camping rules where you may need permission or pay some money.
What kind of footwear pairs best with a hiking kilt?
As you have to walk through the different terrains and climb on the rocks, you need something strong as footwear. For such adventures, you may fulfill your needs with hiking boots, trail running shoes, or wellies.
Can I wear a traditional tartan kilt for hiking, or should I choose a utility kilt?
There are no rules about the selection of kilts, but durability is a basic requirement, and for outdoor activities, utility kilts are far superior compared to the ones made with traditional tartan fabric.
How do locals feel about tourists wearing kilts while exploring Scotland?
A tourist wearing a kilt usually makes Scots feel good, as they consider it a sign of appreciation. But they expect tourists to wear them respectfully and understand the importance of their cultural kilt outfits.
