Kyleakin

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Start your adventure at Kyleakin

Two trails lead to the summit of Cnoc a' Mhadaidh-ruaidh (the hill of the fox), where there are superb open views over the island and Raasay all the way to the Cuillin mountains. It's an easy walk here from Kyleakin village or across the Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh. If you want to get close to nature and see Skye, this is a great place to start!

If you're visiting this area download the full Kyleakin and Kinloch Hills leaflet. The Isle of Skye leaflet gives an overview of all the trails on Skye, and if you're thinking of crossing the water to Raasay, the Isle of Raasay leaflet will help you plan your day.

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Parking

There's limited parking at the start of the trails, but plenty in Kyleakin village less than a mile (1.6 km) away.

Life's essentials

The nearest public toilets and eating places are in Kyleakin (less than a mile / 1.6 km) away or over the Skye Bridge in Kyle of Lochalsh (1½ miles / 2.4 km) away.

Walking trails

Cnoc Trail

A satisfying woodland climb to the top of Cnoc a' Mhadaidh-ruaidh with fantastic views over Eilean Bàn .

A short but undulating path with short steep sections. Smooth gravel surface, narrow, rocky and uneven in places.

1 ½ miles /
2.4 km
Allow
1 hour

More information...

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The most direct route to the summit takes you through pleasant mixed woodland and conifers. As you climb there are views over Stevenson's lighthouse and the Skye Bridge, and from the summit viewpoints you can also see Raasay, the Red and Black Cuillins and the mountains of the mainland.

Anavig Trail

This trail winds through the forest and heather covered hills, giving great views out over the sea towards Raasay, Applecross and the Inner Sound.

An undulating and winding trail, with some steep long sections. Can be narrow, rough and rocky in places. Includes uneven wooden steps and slab rock sections.

2 ¼ miles /
3.6 km
Allow
1½ hours

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Cycling trails

Mountain biking trails

From Cnoc a' Mhadaidh-ruaidh you have excellent views of Eilean Bàn – the tiny island where writer and naturalist Gavin Maxwell once lived. The island is managed by the Eilean Bàn Trust. You can find out more at the Bright Water Centre in Kyleakin or by walking over the Skye Bridge to see the place yourself.

Contact: Inverness, Ross and Skye Forest District

Address: Tower Road, Smithton, Inverness

Postcode: IV2 7NL

Telephone: 0300 067 6100

Email: invernessrossskye@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

How to get here

From the Skye Bridge go straight over the first roundabout and continue uphill. Almost immediately on your right you'll see parking for two or three cars and the start of the trails. The grid reference here is NG 743 263.

Using SatNav?

IV41 8PH is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Buses stop in Kyleakin and connect with Fort William and Inverness. You can also take a train to Kyle of Lochalsh from Inverness. Regular buses run from Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin, or you can walk the 1½ miles (2.4 km) from the railway station to the trails. You'll find timetable details at Traveline Scotland.

Nearby places

This corner of Skye has lots of outdoor things to do. Get to know Skye's marine wildlife at the Kylerhea otter hide or explore an abandoned village at Kinloch. There are absorbing forest trails in Glen Brittle and on Raasay too.