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Bioda Buidhe

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.

Remarks

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.

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.

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.

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.
Activity: Hiking
Difficulty: EasyiDifficulty levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Average duration: 2 h 15 miFind out how we calculate the duration here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Length: 4.5 km
Type of route: Out and back
Elevation gain: 290 m
Maximum altitude: 466 m
Vertiginous: SlightlyiVertiginous levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Marked: No
Popularity: Very low
Region: Isle of Skye
Start point: 57.62814, -6.29043
Bioda Buidhe