Experience the magic of and mystical beauty of Scotland’s most iconic island! Journeying from Inverness, we’ll explore the Isle of Skye over 6 days, staying at a charming family owned lodge where we can decompress and reflect on each day’s adventures while enjoying hearty home-cooked Scottish fare. Our hikes will lead us through breathtaking landscapes, taking in the island’s rocky sloping peninsulas from various perspectives. This is the coastal Scotland of your dreams, where misty mountains frame brightly colored fishing villages, forming a perfect backdrop for creative pursuits.

The itinerary gives you the chance to take in the renowned Isle of Skye from an insider perspective. We’ll be doing most of our exploring by foot - hiking is the best way to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the island. This adventure is for you if you enjoy moderate hiking (rain or shine) in gorgeous places and want to deepen your writing practice.

We rated our Isle of Skye trip a 2 out of 5 on the WHOA Adventure difficulty scale as the hikes range in distance from 4-9 miles and with variable elevation gain and potentially slippery terrain. Because we stay in the same accommodation each night, you’re always welcome to opt out of a hike if you want to just relax or continue working on a writing project.

On this adventure we’ll be in the great outdoors every day (rain, fog, mist, wind or shine) so be ready for anything, because Scotland is famous for having all 4 seasons in one day. In the spring, Scotland is sure to deliver brilliant wildflowers thanks to the abundant moisture, so make sure your raincoat is indeed waterproof! While our maximum elevation is only 2,133 feet above sea level, we start at sea level so expect a thigh-burner on some of the hikes and be ready to cool off with an optional wild swim in the Fairy Pools.

As with all of our adventures, the better trained and stronger you are, the more enjoyable your experience will be! Stay active, break in your boots and rain gear early, and condition your legs for uneven, possibly muddy terrain, that we will encounter on our walkabouts.

We’ll meet at the Inverness train station in the morning to make the most of our first official day together. Along our drive west we’ll make a few pit stops, including to the idyllic fishing village of Plockton. Nestled into the protective shores of Loch Carron, it is one of the few places in Scotland where the climate is mild enough to allow palm trees to grow! Next we cross the iconic Skye Bridge onto the island and head to our first hike of the trip: Glen Sligachan. The Glen Sligachan is a long glen that runs from sea to sea, carving a deep gash between Skye's two great ranges: the Black and Red Cuillin mountains. Our hike will give us the perfect introduction to the dramatic scenery that shapes this part of Scotland. In the evening we’ll settle into our home away from home for the next 5 nights and enjoy an Opening Circle and Generative Writing Workshop.

Drive Time: 2+ hours*
Hike Time: 3+ hours
Hike Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 394 ft
Included Meals: Lunch, Welcome Dinner
Stay: Skye Lodge
Arrival Logistics: Plan to stay in Inverness the night before our adventure officially begins. We will meet at 9 AM at the Inverness train station, and more details will be provided pre departure.

*NOTE: All distances, time and elevations are approximate and subject to change based on conditions and the abilities of the group for everyone’s safety and enjoyment!

We’ll escape the crowds with an adventure to the island’s western side, a lesser known area called the Waternish Peninsula. Our hike today starts at the ruins of an ancient church, and steers us toward a remote headland with spectacular views across the Minch Atlantic sea channel. With clear skies we’ll be able to see the Outer Hebrides islands and beyond. Keep a lookout for whales and dolphins as they are common here! En route back to our cozy lodge we’ll stop at Coral Beach, where the dazzling white sand and bright turquoise waters make the perfect backdrop for reflection and writing.

Hike Time: 4+ hours
Hike Distance: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,276 ft
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Skye Lodge

Loch Coruisk is known as the “Cauldron of Waters” owing to its remote location tucked deep within the Black Cuillin mountains. We’ll board a boat to get to the trailhead and embark on a circular hiking route that draws us right into the heart of the Cuillin. Though the path is boggy in places, it is worth the effort for this untrammeled, wild and wonderful scenery. This evening we’ll gather for another fulfilling Generative Writing Workshop.

Hike Time: 3+ hours
Hike Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Skye Lodge

We’ll gather at sunrise to chat about our writing prompt for the day, planting ideas for later creative harvest. Today’s activities are full of fascinating stories as no visit to the Isle of Skye is complete without discovering the rich heritage of Clan MacLeod at Dunvegan Castle & Gardens. Set dramatically on a rocky outcrop beside Loch Dunvegan, it is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. The castle is steeped in history and surrounded by beautifully kept gardens and lochside views. From here will visit a local artist at Skye Silks, an open workshop and gallery to discover hand weaving techniques and meet the artist who calls the island her home. Afterwards there’s free time back at the lodge to reflect and unwind. With dinner on your own this evening, you’ll have a chance to explore the nearby restaurants in town or simply relax at the lodge.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: Skye Lodge

Setting off early to make the most of our final day, we begin with the truly spectacular Quiraing, one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. We’ll venture deeper into the terrain than the average visitor, journeying the full circuit and passing dramatic rock formations with names like the Prison and the Needle before ascending to the ridgeline where the views are positively breathtaking over Staffin Bay. After the hike we’ll enjoy Portree, a bustling fishing village with charming galleries and lively cafés. A dinner on your own will give everyone the chance to try some yummy local fare (like alfresco fish and chips!) before continuing on as a group to the mystical Fairy Pools for our final stop. The crystalline waters of the Fairy Pools are sure to enchant and are considered a top “magical place to see in your lifetime”! (It is said that selkies, beings that can shapeshift between human and seal, are attracted to these fairy pools and transform here at night to bathe in the light of the full moon.) We’ll descend from the parking lot on a well worn path and then hike up to the fairy pools, where the River Brittle cascades over rocky ledges. There are multiple pools so you’re welcome to enjoy the sights from the first pool or continue on with some rock hopping to cross the river and get to the final pool. Tonight we’ll cheers and celebrate our time together with a Closing Circle and Writing Share.

Hike Time: 7+ hours combined
Hike Distance: Quirang: 4 mile loop / Fairy Pools: (out and back) 5 miles max
Elevation Gain: Quirang: 1,318 ft / Fairy Pools: 554 ft
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: Skye Lodge

What a magical journey it has been on the Isle of Skye. Sadly we must bid farewell and head back to the mainland. We’ll transfer back to Inverness, aiming to arrive at the Inverness Train Station by 12:30 pm to allow time for onward travel. Slán go fóill or Goodbye for now!

Included Meals: Breakfast