My journey began in Kyle of Lochalsh where I saw otters right next to the train station. It was a taste of the wonderful nature that was to come. I then made my way to Tarbert, Isle of Harris where in between waiting for buses and ferries, I tested out my hiking poles and the weight of carrying everything I’d need for the next week and a bit (except from some extra food and water!) on my back.

I walked straight from the ferry out of the town to begin a loop I had planned that intersected the Hebridean Way. Unfortunately, I had to change my route due to intense winds on my first night wildcamping. Being tired from my journey, I fell straight to sleep next to a beautiful loch, despite the rustling of grasses. In the morning, I hiked up a couple hundred metres where I had breakfast overlooking a sea loch with a view of the other parts of Harris. I made a steep descent to an isolated bay, before making my way back to Tarbert, for a ferry back to Skye.

In the evening, I started the ascent from Uig to the Trotternish Ridge and camped with a view of Uig Bay. I had excellent weather for what can be a challenging route. Nonetheless, it was one of the more energy-intensive days with a lot of ascent and descent, reaching 719m. I started to meet and talk to more walkers, some of which were following the same route as I was. The Trotternish Ridge yielded some spectacular views and (in my opinion) the photos speak from themselves. To end the day of meeting the odd walker, you are shocked turning round a hill to find the bustling and beautiful tourist hot spot which is the Old Man of Storr. I finished my day again with a view of the sea, but a different part of it.

I enjoyed a slightly flatter (but still hilly) day walking the coastal route to Portree. I made a pit stop to submit my ballot choice for next year, with a view of Portree from afar. That night I stayed in a youth hostel, where I met a range of people of all ages, but most of which thought I was mad for undertaking such a journey when I told them about my reason for being there. In the evening, I watched a pipe band and explored the town.

Off again, the next morning, I followed the river out of Portree. I reached a more isolated section of path and watched seals and their pups for a while. Both that day and the next morning saw me stick to the lowlands through the impressive Cuillin Hills. After reaching my destination for the day early, I decided to push myself. I kept on walking along the coast and camped not too far from what was supposed to be where I would stay the next night. I was glad wildcamping gave me the flexibility to push myself when I thought I could.

I finally reached a town again, where I stayed overnight before a scenic ferry to Mallaig. Before leaving Mallaig, I went on a day trip to Inverie- so-called the most rural village in mainland Britain, as the roads do not connect to the rest of Britain and it can only be accessed by boat. I went on some forestry walks, up to a loch, visited their local shop and beach before returning to Mallaig to catch two very scenic trains. The first passes over the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the second through Rannoch Moor.

My adventure on Skye and surrounds mixed bustling tourist attractions of the Storr and Fairy Glen with the quiet of remote cliffs and ridges. This trip demanded great self-reliance and resilience, not just physical endurance. I hope I can apply these qualities to my personal and professional life in the future. I’d like to thank LEAP for supporting this trip as it gave me the ability to be flexible on my journey.