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Isle of Skye hiking

So, we’ll be in Skye early May, and planning to do some hiking. Since daylight hours are getting nice and long we’d like to get some good walks in after dinner, we’re wondering if the car parks are still open? Can you still park and take a nice walk, say 1-2 hours. I’m assuming bathrooms where available would be closed. We’ll be staying near Portree, so I’m thinking the hiking closest to our B&B would be nice to leave until later in the day so we’d not have far to drive back. Thanks to all for your help.

Posted by
1797 posts

The Walk Highlands website is the best place for ideas for walks. Car parks are generally open all hours. Bathrooms may be more problematic as many car parks away from towns and other settlements may not have them.

Posted by
1058 posts

The Walk Highlands Website is your friend for all walks on Skye. A nice one very close to Portree )and possibly even walkable from your B&B depending where in Portree it is) is this one Scorrybreac

Posted by
94 posts

I’ve been looking at the Walk Highlands website and it is wonderful! I guess my confusion came more from people that have done some of the most popular walks and report that you pay to park and have a time limit….or maybe I misunderstood? That’s what led me to think some might ‘close’ the car park at a certain time of day.
We are so excited to see the spectacular scenery on Skye…we’ll actually all of Scotland.

Posted by
1058 posts

Hi Terry,

No the car parks don't close. It's a Pay & Display system which means that you pay for a set amount of time (the amount you think you will need) and display the printed ticket from the machine on your car dashboard. Although some car parks are now more up to date and you can pay by text/Ap which means you don't even have to get a ticket and can pay online.

Best wishes
Jacqui (Skyegirl)

Posted by
94 posts

Thank you so much!! This does free us up to plan a few more hikes and a bit more time to enjoy driving and sightseeing!
You all are such a great help for trip planning. I read various guidebooks but there’s just no way to get the answers to all the questions….this forum is always so helpful!!

Posted by
1797 posts

I read various guidebooks but there’s just no way to get the answers to all the questions

I find guidebooks never answer the questions I want answering!