8 beautiful walks in and around Dunvegan Village
Dunvegan not only offers a beautiful base for your holiday on Skye, but the perfect place to enjoy several gorgeous walks which let you see what it’s really like to live on this wonderful island.
Here we’ve picked a selection of walks using Skye Lodge as a starting point to make the most of your stay in Dunvegan Village, ranging from just 0.3km to 11km. It’s worth picking one of the shorter walks such as the Coastal walk, Cnoc Beag or 2 churches and doing it several times (perfect if you’re walking the dog) to appreciate how much everything changes with the time of day, the weather or just your own mood.
You can get vastly different pictures of spots such as St Mary’s and the standing stone if visited during morning, evening or night, especially worthwhile if the sky is clear, as a full moon or aurora forecast are highly possible.
Repeating allows you to focus on the now instead of following directions. Breathe deeply, smell the flowers, the rain, even the sap from the trees. Move slowly, paying attention to the smallest flowers, listening for the tell tale splashing which could alert you to seals or rooks chasing away an eagle.
Even if the walk is short, most can be combined with others, so you make the perfect walk you need for any mood or moment.
Some useful links to accompany your walk
Dunvegan Walk Highlands - the incredible resource of the Walk Highlands website offers a selection of wonderully detailed walks to discover around the area.
OS Map of Skye - Dunvegan - it’s always useful to accompany your adventure with an OS map.
1. Gleann Airigh - 11km
A wild walk to a viewpoint just above Dunvegan Village. A short walk through the village takes you through wonderfully old woods to a lovely track with views over Dunvegan and far beyond. An out and back walk, you can make it as long or short as you like.
2. Two Churches Walk - 5km
Sweeping views with a sense of local history to boot. There are - funnily enough - 2 churches to examine, along with the striking Druirinish stone and a memorial cross. Look out for unique details like the painted church windows or little fairies hidden in the woods.
3. Cnoc Beag - 3km
Looking for 360 degree views? Then this is the walk for you. ‘Cnoc’ means rounded hill - which gives you the idea of the lovely viewpoint it takes you up to. This short walk can easily be combined with the full Dunvegan village loop to form a longer walk - or head up early morning for sunrise over the mountains…
4. Coastal Circuit - 2km
Situated as it is on the edge of a beautiful coastal loch, you’d be remiss not to take a wander round Dunvegan’s beautiful shores while you visit. Time your wander with low tide to pick your way amongst the rock pools and examine all the little wonders to be found, or sunset to see the lights on the water. A great walk for wildlife, look out for seals, or maybe even otters…
5. Harbourside - 5km
The water front dominates Dunvegan village and main street which runs paralell to Loch Dunvegan. This walk shows you the points of access to the waterfront ideal for bird and seal watching or to see the working Dunvegan harbour. As you walk, try buying fresh fish from the boats, and stop off at St Kilda shop and gallery.
6. Kilmuir Road - 5 to 7km
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, this is the one for you. Walk some true moorland, ford some rivers and explore an idyllic, wild part of Skye. Bear in mind it may be a little boggy all times of year - but the unique experience will make it worth it. Can be combined with the Two Churches walk to make a longer ramble.
7. Waterfall Walk - 2km
A lovely waterfall just a stone’s throw from the village. In low water you’ll be able to go up to see the falls, but in slightly higher temperatures you’ll need to wade to see it! A nice way to stretch the legs after dinner, or a fun little adventure with little ones to explore.
8. Bird Watching Spot - 0.5km
Another wee hidden wonder to be found within Dunvegan, this walk takes you to a beautiful little spot where you can witness the magic of Skye’s wildlife. The best spot is just where the river meets the loch, before you go round the corner where you can still see the Skye Lodge. Lots of sea and wading birds can be seen here, especially at low tide.
Looking to stay on Skye? Stay with us in Dunvegan. Contact us on 07484228711 / 01470 521387 or email info@skyelodge.co.uk.
Skye Lodge: a spectacular accommodation house with stunning views situated beside Loch Dunvegan, offering families, groups and couples the perfect base to explore - and be inspired - by Skye and beyond.
