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Bioda Buidhe Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Easy Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
2h15 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
4.6km
out and back
Elevation gain
290m
Type of route
Out and back
Maximum altitude
466 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
Slightly
Marked
No
Popularity
Very low
Region
Isle of Skye
Start point
57.62814, -6.29043
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The Bioda Buidhe hike is a lesser-known alternative to the popular Quiraing trail on the Isle of Skye. Starting from the same location on the spectacular Trotternish Ridge, this modest 466-meter peak offers a radically different experience. While nearly all visitors head north toward the Quiraing, the Bioda Buidhe trail promises exceptional views in complete solitude.

The route winds along the escarpment, revealing breathtaking views of various geological formations, lochs, and sea vistas.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Bioda Buidhe Hike

Difficulties of the hike

This route is accessible to most people. The terrain consists mainly of relatively gentle, grassy slopes. Although the trail is well marked at the start, it gradually fades as you approach the summit. However, it is easy to find your way in clear weather thanks to the obvious topography of the ridge, which naturally guides your progress.

What you'll love

  • Exceptional panoramic views: Enjoy a 360-degree spectacle of numerous geological formations, lochs, the sea, and the Trotternish Ridge stretching south toward the famous Old Man of Storr.
  • Remarkable isolation: Unlike the overcrowded Quiraing, you'll enjoy rare tranquility and often encounter more sheep than hikers.
  • A short but rewarding hike: At only two hours long, this route offers an excellent effort-to-reward ratio.

Practical information

Parking

Paid parking is available at the start and is shared with the Quiraing. Indicative price in 2025: £5 per car for six hours. In high season, arrive early, as the parking lot can fill up by midday.

Extension

The Quiraing, located north of the parking lot, is also a magnificent hike. You can easily complete both routes in one day to fully explore this exceptional area of Trotternish.

Bonus viewpoint

I highly recommend continuing a few hundred meters beyond the Bioda Buidhe summit (see the route on the map). This area has the most impressive views of the hike, especially of the rock formations below.

Sunrise over Druim An Ruma
Sunrise over Druim An Ruma
Sunrise over Druim An Ruma
Sunrise over Druim An Ruma
Sunrise over Druim An Ruma
Sunrise over Druim An Ruma
Druim An Ruma and the Quiraing in the background
Druim An Ruma and the Quiraing in the background
Druim An Ruma and the Quiraing in the background
Druim An Ruma and the Quiraing in the background
Bioda Buidhe on the left - One person at the top for the scale
Bioda Buidhe on the left - One person at the top for the scale
Bioda Buidhe
Bioda Buidhe
Bioda Buidhe and Druim An Ruma
Bioda Buidhe and Druim An Ruma
Trotternish ridge
Trotternish ridge
Beinn Edra
Beinn Edra
Bivouac at the summit of Bioda Buidhe
Bivouac at the summit of Bioda Buidhe
Bivouac at the summit of Bioda Buidhe
Bivouac at the summit of Bioda Buidhe
Bioda Buidhe and the Quiraing in the background
Bioda Buidhe and the Quiraing in the background
Trotternish
Trotternish
Druim An Ruma
Druim An Ruma
Quiraing
Quiraing
Quiraing
Quiraing

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/scotland/bioda-buidhe/