Wild Skye Community & Outdoor Adventure

Itinerary Item 1

Name: DAY 1: INVERNESS TO PORTREE

Short Description: We depart Inverness and head west, driving through heart-dropping mountain scenery and along the legendary, world-famous Loch Ness, where you might just catch a glimpse of the almighty monster herself. As we venture into Glen Shiel, we soak in stories of historic battles once fought here. Eilean Donan Castle is up next, perched majestically on a sea loch island. Crossing The Skye Bridge, we learn about what makes the Isle of Skye so ‘mythical and mysterious’ and enjoy our legendary guide’s tales as we head to Portree, the island’s vibrant hub. Lunch at Portree fuels us for the journey ahead: it’s time to explore Skye! Get up close with Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall, the mysterious rock formation Old Man of Storr, and the stunningly beautiful Quiraing. As the day winds down, we make for The Skye Inn, our cosy home for the coming four nights. The Skye Inn’s amazing team ensure a comfy and personal stay, making you feel right at home! (Overnight: Portree)

Description: We depart Inverness and head west, driving through heart-dropping mountain scenery and along the legendary, world-famous Loch Ness, where you might just catch a glimpse of the almighty monster herself. As we venture into Glen Shiel, we soak in stories of historic battles once fought here. Eilean Donan Castle is up next, perched majestically on a sea loch island. Crossing The Skye Bridge, we learn about what makes the Isle of Skye so ‘mythical and mysterious’ and enjoy our legendary guide’s tales as we head to Portree, the island’s vibrant hub. Lunch at Portree fuels us for the journey ahead: it’s time to explore Skye! Get up close with Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall, the mysterious rock formation Old Man of Storr, and the stunningly beautiful Quiraing. As the day winds down, we make for The Skye Inn, our cosy home for the coming four nights. The Skye Inn’s amazing team ensure a comfy and personal stay, making you feel right at home! (Overnight: Portree)

Highlights

• Loch Ness(LN)
• Eilean Donan Castle(Eilean)
• Portree(Portee)
• Kilt Rock(Kilt)
• Old Man of Storr(Storr)
• Quiraing(Quiraing)
• The Skye Inn(TheSkyeInn)

Itinerary Item 2

Name: DAY 2: PORTREE

Short Description: After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we gallivant through the awesome Cuillin Mountain Range, hearing gruesome tales of Clan feuds and bloody warfare, before heading to Tormore Forest located in the most southerly part of Skye, the wild and rugged Sleat Peninsula. We don our boots and meet the local crew from the Sleat Community Trust who will explain what’s in store for the coming days – then it’s time to get our hands dirty! We enjoy a picnic lunch at our volunteer base before heading for a scenic walk by the infamous Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear waterfalls surrounded by the staggering peaks of the Cuillin Mountains. Lose yourself in your imagination as you hear the local myths and tales about the faerie folk. On our return to Portree in the evening, explore the shores of the harbour or cosy up by the fire and enjoy a dram with your fellow travellers, marvelling on an afternoon’s graft. (Overnight: Portree)

Description: After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we gallivant through the awesome Cuillin Mountain Range, hearing gruesome tales of Clan feuds and bloody warfare, before heading to Tormore Forest located in the most southerly part of Skye, the wild and rugged Sleat Peninsula. We don our boots and meet the local crew from the Sleat Community Trust who will explain what’s in store for the coming days – then it’s time to get our hands dirty! We enjoy a picnic lunch at our volunteer base before heading for a scenic walk by the infamous Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear waterfalls surrounded by the staggering peaks of the Cuillin Mountains. Lose yourself in your imagination as you hear the local myths and tales about the faerie folk. On our return to Portree in the evening, explore the shores of the harbour or cosy up by the fire and enjoy a dram with your fellow travellers, marvelling on an afternoon’s graft. (Overnight: Portree)

Highlights

• Cuillin Mountains(Cuillin)
• The Fairy Pools(Fairy)
• Tree Planting(TreePlanting)
• Path & Step Building(PathStepBuilding)
• Weed Eradication(WeedEradication)
• Tormore Community Forest(Tormore)

Itinerary Item 3

Name: DAY 3: PORTREE

Short Description: Our adventure continues with a spectacular morning in the forest. In the afternoon, we immerse ourselves in local island culture and learn about the founding language of Scotland – Gaelic! Try your tongue at the spectacular National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, Sabhal Mor Ostaig. Throw yourself into some basic phrases and try to converse like a true Scot with this legendary taster session. (Overnight: Portree)

Description: Our adventure continues with a spectacular morning in the forest. In the afternoon, we immerse ourselves in local island culture and learn about the founding language of Scotland – Gaelic! Try your tongue at the spectacular National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, Sabhal Mor Ostaig. Throw yourself into some basic phrases and try to converse like a true Scot with this legendary taster session. (Overnight: Portree)

Highlights

• Gaelic School Sabhal Mòr Ostaig(Gaelic)
• Weed Eradication(WeedEradication)
• Path & Step Building(PathStepBuilding)
• Tree Planting(TreePlanting)
• Tormore Community Forest(Tormore)

Itinerary Item 4

Name: DAY 4: PORTREE

Short Description: Today’s adventure sees this morning’s physical graft pay off with the afternoon spent soaking up the heart of Sleat’s hidden beaches and rugged coastlines. A wonder up the Southernmost point of Skye passes a wild and white sandy beach with crystal clear turquoise waters.; a spectacular spot for some Scottish grub. Heading to the lighthouse, we give our eyes a wee treat with epic views out to the small Isles of Rum, Canna and Eigg. Let that wild energy loose in the wide, open spaces. Journeying back home, we stop at local art galleries and quaint shops – perfect for your dose of wild Scottish souvenirs. (Overnight: Portree)

Description: Today’s adventure sees this morning’s physical graft pay off with the afternoon spent soaking up the heart of Sleat’s hidden beaches and rugged coastlines. A wonder up the Southernmost point of Skye passes a wild and white sandy beach with crystal clear turquoise waters.; a spectacular spot for some Scottish grub. Heading to the lighthouse, we give our eyes a wee treat with epic views out to the small Isles of Rum, Canna and Eigg. Let that wild energy loose in the wide, open spaces. Journeying back home, we stop at local art galleries and quaint shops – perfect for your dose of wild Scottish souvenirs. (Overnight: Portree)

Highlights

• Path & Step Building(PathStepBuilding)
• Tree Planting(TreePlanting)
• Weed Eradication(WeedEradication)
• Tormore Community Forest(Tormore)

Itinerary Item 5

Name: DAY 5: PORTREE TO INVERNESS

Short Description: Our morning spent getting our hands dirty with our volunteering project will be rewarded by hanging up our muddy boots, filling our bellies and heading for a well-earned dram at the Island distillery of Torabhaig, the second ever licenced Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery on the Isle of Skye. Take the tour* to discover how Scotland’s ‘water of life’ is made. Toast to hard work, new friends and making a difference – Slainte! The time has come to bid farewell to our newfound pals as we return to Inverness, knowing it’s more of a ‘see you later’ than a goodbye. What a cracking five days we’ve had! *optional, pay locally

Description: Our morning spent getting our hands dirty with our volunteering project will be rewarded by hanging up our muddy boots, filling our bellies and heading for a well-earned dram at the Island distillery of Torabhaig, the second ever licenced Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery on the Isle of Skye. Take the tour* to discover how Scotland’s ‘water of life’ is made. Toast to hard work, new friends and making a difference – Slainte! The time has come to bid farewell to our newfound pals as we return to Inverness, knowing it’s more of a ‘see you later’ than a goodbye. What a cracking five days we’ve had! *optional, pay locally

Highlights

• Torabhaig Whisky Distillery(Torabhaig)
• Tormore Community Forest(Tormore)

Inclusions

Item 1: 5-Days Exploring in a Small Group (16 People Max)

Item 2: Small Group Tour

Item 3: Your Legendary Local HAGGiS Guide

Item 4: 4 Nights Deluxe B&B Twin-Share Accommodation

Item 5: 4 Traditional Scottish Breakfasts

Item 6: Tormore Forest Project (Make Travel Matter® Experience)

Item 7: Gaelic Language Workshop (Make Travel Matter® Experience)

Highlight 1

Name: Small But Mighty

NameShort: Small But Mighty

Travelling in a wee group means more banter, more space, and plenty of laughs along the way. Cosy, right? Just a heads-up – while we usually travel in smaller vehicles, sometimes a larger bus might be used due to availability.

Travelling in a wee group means more banter, more space, and plenty of laughs along the way. Cosy, right? Just a heads-up – while we usually travel in smaller vehicles, sometimes a larger bus might be used due to availability.

Image Name: small group tours

Image Alt: small group tours

Highlight 2

Name: Isle of Skye

NameShort: Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is every bit as magical as it sounds. Our journey takes you around the coast and through the mists of time. In the shadow of the mighty mountains, we search for waterfalls, mischievous wee fairies, and remnants of a land long ago.

Skye is Scotland’s most popular isle, and you’ll quickly understand why. The iconic Skye Bridge transports you from the mainland into a whole new world of insane geology, beguiling mythology, and picturesque settlements; the colourful facades of pretty Portree make the perfect postcard. Rainbows plunge into peaty lochs, like waterfalls from the dramatic cliff tops. The Cuillin Mountains are an epic scale of awesome, carved by ancient volcanos and glaciers; for our viewing pleasure, of course. Skye has a rich cultural heritage, with a history coloured by rival clans, Viking settlers, and a fugitive Prince. Ruined castles hold secrets of the past, while Norse place names ensure that we don’t forget it. Even dinosaurs roamed the land, leaving footprints on the beach. Try a local beer or Talisker whisky, and don’t forget to toast the faeries! Skye is where the magic happens.

Image Name: The Isle of Skye

Image Alt: Isle of Skye tour

Highlight 3

Name: The Fairy Pools

NameShort: The Fairy Pools

The Fairy Pools are a series of small waterfalls and turquoise pools, famed for their natural beauty and magical charm. Set against the stunning Cuillin mountains, they offer a truly enchanting and unforgettable sight.

The Fairy Pools are a series of small waterfalls and turquoise pools, famed for their natural beauty and magical charm. Set against the stunning Cuillin mountains, they offer a truly enchanting and unforgettable sight.

Image Name: The Fairy Pools

Image Alt: The Fairy Pools

Highlight 4

Name: Tormore Community Forest

NameShort: Tormore Community Forest

Tormore Forest is a community-owned forest on the beautiful Sleat peninsula of the Isle of Skye; with jaw-dropping views to the Scottish mainland and stunning wee isles. The forest contains the remains of historical settlements that have huge potential to be used by Skye's residents and visitors to the island - but the community needs more helping hands to make the forest more accessible. By helping to create a new fascinating site of interest you support the development of an amazing local-driven project. Being a part of this will tremendously benefit both locals and visitors for years to come.

Tormore Forest is a community-owned forest on the beautiful Sleat peninsula of the Isle of Skye; with jaw-dropping views to the Scottish mainland and stunning wee isles. The forest contains the remains of historical settlements that have huge potential to be used by Skye's residents and visitors to the island - but the community needs more helping hands to make the forest more accessible. By helping to create a new fascinating site of interest you support the development of an amazing local-driven project. Being a part of this will tremendously benefit both locals and visitors for years to come.

Image Name: Tormore Forest

Image Alt: Tormore Forest

Highlight 5

Name: Tree Planting

NameShort: Tree Planting

Who doesn't love a bit of digging in the mud? You will plant a variety of trees including native oaks for wildlife to enjoy, as well as sycamore and other trees as a source of sustainably managed timber supply for the local community on the Sleat Peninsula.

Image Name: Tom watering a newly planted tree in Tormore Forest.

Image Alt: Tom watering a newly planted tree in Tormore Forest.

Highlight 6

Name: Path & Step Building

NameShort: Path & Step Building

Tormore Forest is stunning, but it needs secure and accessible paths for the locals and visitors to appreciate and nurture it. Path and step building is one of the survival skills you didn't know you needed. Trust us - it's a ton of fun and insanely satisfying!

Tormore Forest is stunning, but it needs secure and accessible paths for the locals and visitors to appreciate and nurture it. Path and step building is one of the survival skills you didn't know you needed. Trust us - it's a ton of fun and insanely satisfying!

Image Name: Step Building in Tormore Forest on Isle of Skye

Image Alt: Step Building in Tormore Forest on Isle of Skye

Highlight 7

Name: Weed Eradication

NameShort: Weed Eradication

To give the native flora and fauna on the Isle of Skye the opportunity to flourish, you'll help to clear Tormore Forest from invasive species (e.g. non-native buddleia). Time to let all your built-up stress and anger out!

To give the native flora and fauna on the Isle of Skye the opportunity to flourish, you'll help to clear Tormore Forest from invasive species (e.g. non-native buddleia). Time to let all your built-up stress and anger out!

Image Name: Invasive Plant Eradication in Tormore Forest on Isle of Skye

Image Alt: Invasive Plant Eradication in Tormore Forest on Isle of Skye

Highlight 8

Name: Gaelic School Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

NameShort: Gaelic School Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

Try your tongue at the spectacular National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Throw yourself into some basic phrases and try to converse like a true Scot with this legendary taster session. Founded in 1973 , Sabhal Mòr Ostaig promotes the revitalisation of the Gaelic language and culture through world-class education, research, training and economic opportunities.

Try your tongue at the spectacular National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Throw yourself into some basic phrases and try to converse like a true Scot with this legendary taster session. Founded in 1973 , Sabhal Mòr Ostaig promotes the revitalisation of the Gaelic language and culture through world-class education, research, training and economic opportunities.

Image Name: Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

Image Alt: Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

Highlight 9

Name: Torabhaig Whisky Distillery

NameShort: Torabhaig Whisky Distillery

A trip to Scotland would not be complete without a wee taste of our national tipple… whisky! We take you to a local whisky distillery to sample the ‘water of life’, where you’re guaranteed to leave feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

A trip to Scotland would not be complete without a wee taste of our national tipple… whisky! We take you to a local whisky distillery to sample the ‘water of life’, where you’re guaranteed to leave feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Image Name: Whisky Distillery

Image Alt: Whisky Distillery

Highlight 10

Name: The Skye Inn

NameShort: The Skye Inn

Cosy up by the fire at our very own guest house accommodation in the quaint island village of Portree on the Isle of Skye. Share stories with fellow travellers and enjoy a dram or two. Only a short walk to the heart of the village where you'll find local shops, cafes, and of course pubs all around a beautiful harbour.

Cosy up by the fire at our very own guest house accommodation in the quaint island village of Portree on the Isle of Skye. Share stories with fellow travellers and enjoy a dram or two. Only a short walk to the heart of the village where you'll find local shops, cafes, and of course pubs all around a beautiful harbour.

Image Name: The Grand Room in the cosy Skye Inn Portre on Isle of Skye

Image Alt: The Grand Room in the cosy Skye Inn Portre on Isle of Skye

Highlight 11

Name: Old Man of Storr

NameShort: Old Man of Storr

When it comes to cool geology, this natural wonder is the absolute pinnacle. Standing tall on Skye’s ancient landslip, the Old Man of Storr is such a poser. Sometimes hidden by mist, this is a popular hangout for mischievous fairies!

When it comes to cool geology, this natural wonder is the absolute pinnacle. Standing tall on Skye’s ancient landslip, the Old Man of Storr is such a poser. Sometimes hidden by mist, this is a popular hangout for mischievous fairies!

Image Name: Old Man of Storr

Image Alt: Old Man of Storr

Highlight 12

Name: Quiraing

NameShort: Quiraing

The result of an ancient landslip, the Quiraing boasts an awesome display of dramatic cliffs, rock pinnacles and otherworldly views on Skye’s Trotternish peninsula. It’s no surprise that such an epic backdrop has featured many times on the big screen!

The result of an ancient landslip, the Quiraing boasts an awesome display of dramatic cliffs, rock pinnacles and otherworldly views on Skye’s Trotternish peninsula. It’s no surprise that such an epic backdrop has featured many times on the big screen!

Image Name: Quiraing

Image Alt: Quiraing on the Isle of Skye

Highlight 13

Name: Kilt Rock

NameShort: Kilt Rock

Absolutely nothing to see here, it’s just a crinkle-cut sea cliff and an epic waterfall. No filters are required to make Kilt Rock look cool. Learn about how this insane coastline was formed. Geology or giants? You decide!

Absolutely nothing to see here, it’s just a crinkle-cut sea cliff and an epic waterfall. No filters are required to make Kilt Rock look cool. Learn about how this insane coastline was formed. Geology or giants? You decide!

Image Name: Kilt Rock

Image Alt: Kilt Rock

Highlight 14

Name: Eilean Donan Castle

NameShort: Eilean Donan Castle

Don’t believe in love at first sight? Eilean Donan Castle will soon change that. A picturesque stone bridge winds out to the stunning structure. Set upon a wee tidal island, against a backdrop of mountains and lochs, it is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and romantic sights in Scotland.

Eilean Donan Castle is perfectly formed and instantly recognisable. From every angle the castle boasts a bonnie backdrop, from misty or snow-sprinkled peaks, to glassy-still lochs which mirror the sun and clouds. The castle sits in a unique position, at a point where three sea lochs meet. This was a deliberate defence strategy to protect the area from Viking raids, when the castle was fortified in the 13th century. Later in history, the castle was used as a garrison for Spanish troops, who supported the Jacobite cause during the 1719 uprising. They arrived with over 300 barrels of gunpowder, which they never got the chance to use. Instead, their military opponents gained access to the castle, and used the gunpowder to blow it up from the inside-out. Oh, the irony! The castle lay as a romantic ruin until it was restored to its former glory and reopened in 1932.

Link to Highlight resource:

Eilean Donan Castle)

Image Name: Eilean Donan Castle

Image Alt: Eilean Donan Castle

Highlight 15

Name: Portree

NameShort: Portree

Pretty Portree is Skye’s main settlement and tourist town. The picturesque harbour with its colourful facades is where Bonnie Prince Charlie finally escaped on a French ship after the Battle of Culloden; never to return to Scotland.

Pretty Portree is Skye’s main settlement and tourist town. The picturesque harbour with its colourful facades is where Bonnie Prince Charlie finally escaped on a French ship after the Battle of Culloden; never to return to Scotland.

Image Name: Portree Skye

Image Alt: Portree Skye

Highlight 16

Name: Cuillin Mountains

NameShort: Cuillin Mountains

The Cuillin mountains are millions of years old, and they look damn fine for their age. The epic ruggedness of the red and black rock dominates the otherworldly landscape on Skye, and will be sure to block your wee socks off!

The Cuillin mountains are millions of years old, and they look damn fine for their age. The epic ruggedness of the red and black rock dominates the otherworldly landscape on Skye, and will be sure to block your wee socks off!

Image Name: Cuillin Mountains Isle of Skye

Image Alt: Cuillin Mountains Isle of Skye

Highlight 17

Name: Loch Ness

NameShort: Loch Ness

It’s time to tick Loch Ness off your Scotland bucket list, as we go in search of the infamous Loch Ness Monster. We promise you’ll get cool photos of Loch Ness and the surrounding scenery. A glimpse of ‘Nessie’ in the background is just an extra bonus!

Loch Ness is not the biggest or the deepest loch in Scotland, but it is definitely the most well-known. For this, we can thank the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. The first sighting of ‘Nessie’ was in 565AD by St Columba, when the monster reared its ugly head and launched an attack on his man servant. Much later, the ‘Surgeons Photograph’ from 1934 was considered the best and most famous capture of the beast, until it was later revealed to be a fake.! Of all Scotland’s lochs, Loch Ness has the highest volume of water. Glaciers carved the crazy-deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales. The water is so full of peat from the surrounding hills, its depths are almost pitch-black. Perfect hiding place for a monster if you ask us!

Image Name: Loch Ness

Image Alt: Loch Ness tour