Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and magical winter scenery in the Scottish Highlands.
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- 5 Day Tour Isle of Skye Volunteer Adventure
This tour has recently won the Community Engagement & Social Purpose Award with Arival 2025! This is all thanks to our incredible guides, guests, and our local partners on Skye.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the Isle of Skye and spend a transformative volunteer holiday on the Sleat Peninsula. This adventure is the perfect balance of sightseeing and volunteering while making a positive impact on Scotland’s unique landscapes and local communities.
We have partnered with the Sleat Community Trust to help transform the forest of Tormore through tree planting, path building, and repair. It’s not all hard toil; after volunteering on the Isle of Skye each morning, we will spend the afternoons exploring romantic castles, local whisky distilleries, and natural waterfalls. We even get the chance to learn some Scottish Gaelic and hear about all the myths, legends, and tales that form Scotland’s rich history.
Tour Highlights
Tormore Community Forest
Tormore is a community-owned forest on Isle of Skye's Sleat Peninsula. The forest has great potential to be used by local residents and visitors - but the Sleat community needs more helping hands to make the forest accessible. By helping to create a new fascinating site of interest, you'll support an amazing local-driven project.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Did you know that only 1% of people in Scotland still speak Gaelic? During an interactive tutoring session at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Scotland's National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, you get the chance to delve into the linguistic heritage of Scotland and actively contribute to its preservation.
Inclusions
Small Group Tour
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Four-Night Stay at The Skye Inn (Twin-Share Room)
Complimentary Breakfast Each Morning of Your Stay
Tormore Forest Project (Coordinated by Sleat Community Trust)
Exclusive Gaelic Language Workshop
Accommodation
Deluxe Bed & Breakfast 'The Skye Inn'
Located in the heart of the beautiful town of Portree, The Skye Inn offers the warmest of Highland welcomes, ensuring a relaxed and personal atmosphere - making you feel right at home! Enjoy an optional dinner in the evenings or cosy up at the bar in the Grand Room. During colder weather, a crackling open fire adds to the relaxing atmosphere to wind down after a busy day of exploring. Please note that accommodation can be subject to change.
Room Types
Accessibility and Facilities
For more information, see our Accessibility Statement.
What Other Explorers Say
Just came back from the most brilliant week!! Perfect combination of small group travelling, doing fun and meaningful work on the Isle of Skye and seeing many, many stunning castles, views, mountains, pools, glens and villages on Skye. Taking (mountain) walks and having great dinner at The Skye Inn. Terrific accommodation with the most comfy beds and lovely staff.
Liset
24/03/2025What struck me most was the diversity of our group - people from all corners of the world came together to make a difference. Our guide went above and beyond to foster connections among us, showcasing hidden gems and bringing everyone together. If you're looking for a unique, enriching experience that combines community service, cultural immersion, and personal growth, look no further. I promise you won't regret it!
Mel
22/03/2025What an absolutely wonderful tour (5 Day Volunteer Skye Trip) with Sonia. It was amazing - from start to finish, communication was great, and felt in very safe hands with our wonderful tour guide Sonia. Accommodation and food was well thought out, and made it easy to relax despite having action packed days. 10/10, highly recommend, and already planning coming back to Highland Explorer!
Ellen
21/03/2025The trip was great. The Tormore forest and its views are beautiful and the volunteering was lots of fun. Sonia was great and went above and beyond to accommodate our wishes for stops and walks on the island.
Mette
21/03/2025Honestly had THE BEST TIME last week, and can't believe how fun volunteering was. Muscles all recovered and honestly, could go for another session of volunteering to be perfectly honest!
Sarah
04/11/2024We had a brilliant group and Harrison, our guide, was awesome too. The Skye Inn was beautiful, and we were so well looked after by the friendly team there. But my favourite part was meeting Duncan and all the wonderful residents and volunteers of the Sleat Community. It was a privilege to spend time with them at Tormore Forest. They were such a lovely group of people, and we loved being made to feel so welcome and a part of their community.
Beverley
23/04/2024We helped to build new paths for future visitors to come, planted hazelnut trees and build two new bridges which were installed along the path. It was such a great and rewarding experience for us, not only to visit the mesmerizing Isle of Skye but also to give something back to the community. Our tour guide Harrison, the team at Skye Inn and the people of the Sleat Community Trust were very welcoming and made sure everyone had a great time.
Laura
23/04/2024I had a fantastic time and would definitely recommend this volunteering holiday to others. In addition to the forestry work, I particularly liked meeting local people and hearing about their lives on Skye. Our guide (Duffy) was also key to making the week such a success - he's so knowledgeable about Scotland, always has a funny anecdote to hand, and made sure everyone felt included.
Anonymous
29/10/2023To be a part of something so treasured as the Tormore Forest and the Trust Committee of Sleat was absolutely amazing. Working alongside volunteers from all over the world was simply unforgettable. Wonderful tour to immerse yourself in the beauty, culture & history of the Scottish Highlands! Fraser and Harrison were most excellent tour guides~their passion and love of the Highlands radiated right through to all of us!
Nazdrava
30/10/2023Amazing experience, not only do you get to see the beauty that Skye has to offer but you have the chance to get to know and work with some of the locals that are part of the reforestation project while volunteering. All of them were really welcoming. Is a good mix of sightseeing and volunteering, and you even see areas that are not commonly visited in other tours.
Ilse E
29/10/2023Make Travel Matter with @highextours
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Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you might be curious about why this tour has a cost when it includes volunteering. This tour is very special to us, combining meaningful support for a respected Scottish charity with the beauty and adventure of sightseeing on the Isle of Skye.
We offer an experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the destination, engage in outdoor activities, and connect with the island and its community. By participating, you’re not only making a positive impact for future generations but also ensuring the sustainability of the tour itself.
The cost helps cover essential expenses such as transport, accommodation, meals, and the guidance of our knowledgeable local guides. This ensures a safe, comfortable, and enriching experience while contributing to the ongoing community projects on the Isle of Skye.
The tour is divided into two parts:
- The volunteering activities in Tormore Forest (free of charge)
These take place during the morning hours each day and are free of charge. The project is coordinated by the Sleat Community Trust, a local charity that supports the sustainable economic, environmental and social development in the Sleat Peninsula on the Isle of Skye. - Exploring and sightseeing on Isle of Skye (reflected in tour price)
After our morning of volunteering, we have time in the afternoon to experience the richness of Isle of Skye – nature, culture, local cuisine, and all-round island hospitality. The trip is fully guided by one of our passionate Highland Explorer guides who has been trained by us to ensure a safe, comfortable, and inclusive journey throughout. The guided exploring and activities form an essential part of the service we offer and is reflected in the tour price.
Like for any of our trips in Scotland, there are basic costs involved in running a guided tour. Some of these include:
- Transport and fuel cost
- Vehicle maintenance
- Insurances
- Staff wages (driver guide, catering, housekeeping, reservations, operations, etc)
- Accommodation
- Heating and electricity
- Food
If you have any questions about the tour, feel free to reach out to us via email or give us a call!
Your 5-Day Isle of Skye Volunteer Adventure departs from the city centre in Inverness. For more details on your pick-up location, please visit our Departure Info page.
Yes, four nights twin-share bed & breakfast accommodation is included in the tour price. Solo travellers will be allocated to share with another member of the group.
Typically, on this tour you’ll stay at our deluxe B&B in Portree, The Skye Inn. Please note that accommodation may be subject to change.
Find more info on our Accommodation page.
Your accommodation comes with a freshly made breakfast each morning, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. However, lunch, dinner, and snacks are not included in the tour. The Isle of Skye boasts a great range of restaurants and cafes that we highly recommend you try out. This gives you the freedom to explore Scottish local food at your leisure, catering to your preferences and dietary needs.
We typically make a daily stop at Armadale Community Shop*, a small but mighty shop run by Sleat Community Trust. It's a fantastic place to stock up on lunch supplies, snacks, or a hot pie if you’re craving something warm. They were named Sustainability Champion at the Scottish Grocers Awards, and take pride in offering local produce, reducing food waste, and supporting the community through everything they do.
*On occasion, we may stop at an alternative store
Tormore Community Woodland
You’ll spend time in Tormore Forest, where work is led by Trustees from the Sleat Community Trust. The goal is to improve access and biodiversity in the woodland, which has long-term plans to become a welcoming space for both locals and visitors. Sleat is a beautiful part of Skye that doesn’t get as much footfall as the northern parts, so this project helps spread visitor interest more evenly across the island. Progress is tracked in twice-yearly community reports from the Trust that include contributions from our tour groups.
Spending with local businesses
The tour includes regular stops at local spots such as Torabhaig Distillery, Ardvasar Hall, and the Armadale Community Store. The store is run by the Sleat Community Trust and reinvests all income into local projects, staff development, and services like home deliveries for those who can’t get to the shop. Your spend there helps sustain jobs – especially for young people starting out in the workforce – and keeps resources flowing within the community.
Connecting with Gaelic culture
A visit to the Gaelic college Sabhal Mòr Ostaig introduces you to the language, stories, and place names that shape Skye’s identity. Even a basic introduction can deepen your connection to the places you visit, from understanding local signage to recognising the cultural significance of the landscape. Some past guests have even gone on to learn more through the college’s online courses or Gaelic apps like Duolingo.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences offered on our tours. They are chosen with great care based on the positive environmental or social impact they have on Scotland's communities and those who experience them.
This tour includes two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences:
The Sleat Communty Trust Volunteer Experience
We are partnering with the Sleat Community Trust to help transform Tormore Forest and make it more accessible to the local residents and future visitors. The Sleat Community Trust is a recognised Scottish charity supporting sustainable economic, environmental and social development in the Sleat Peninsula on the Isle of Skye.
Gaelic tutoring session at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Gaelic was spoken in most of Scotland until the 11th century, but a gradual decline in the language means that today, only 1.1% of the population is Gaelic speaking, making it an endangered language. The Gaelic tutoring session at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig offers us a way to support the revitalisation of the Gaelic language and culture. Here's what you can expect during your visit:
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A talk from the Library staff on the cultural and historical context of Gaelic, with the chance to explore some of the Special Collection.
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A guided tour of the College campus, covering the history of Gaelic in Sleat and the role of the College as the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture.
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A Gaelic language taster session where you'll:
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Learn a few basic Gaelic phrases.
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Discover Gaelic words you may already recognise or that have similarities to English or Scots.
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Explore key differences between Gaelic and English, including pronunciation, grammar, and orthography, as well as similarities with other European languages.
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End the session by learning a Gaelic song; sing along whether you’re on the bus or working at Tormore!
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Using our Make Travel Matter E-Assessment, travel experiences will be rated against a set of robust criteria, selected from the Global Indicator Framework for the Global Goals, to identify the ways in which they advance the 11 Global Goals that our sustainability strategy prioritises.
The tour offers a good split between some physical work in the morning and time to explore the island in the afternoon; therefore, a reasonable degree of physical fitness is required. The morning activity on each day would include one of the following*:
- Step building on paths
- Boardwalk construction
- Bridge construction
- Brash & bracken clearing
- Path marking along the Carn Beag Track
- Tree planting in Tormore Forest
- Beach cleans
* Some activities might have two groups operating at the same time. All activities may be affected by the weather. Beach cleanings will also need to take into account the tidal state.
While all working tools are available on-site, workwear and waterproofs are not provided. To make the most out of your time on the Isle of Skye and stay comfortable and safe during the volunteering activities, it is essential that you bring with you the following:
- Pair of wellies
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Working gloves
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm clothing
It's always good to bring a change of waterproofs with you.
This tour truly shines for solo adventurers! You’ll be surrounded by a welcoming mix of couples, friends, and fellow solo travellers, creating a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people from diverse backgrounds.
Please note: Solo travellers may be paired with another guest for accommodation (twin-share room).
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
- Home
- Tours from Inverness
- 5 Day Tour Isle of Skye Volunteer Adventure
We enter the scenic road to Glen Shiel and soak up the captivating views of steep-sided hills unfolding before us as your Guide recounts the tales of tragic battles once fought in this glen. Our first stop of the day is beautiful Eilean Donan Castle, majestically perched on a small island where three sea lochs meet. Crossing the Skye Bridge, we learn about the history and mythology of the Isle of Skye and enjoy a scenic drive to Portree, the island’s picturesque main town.
After lunch at one of Portree’s local restaurants, it’s time to explore! We get close and personal with some of the island’s most iconic landmarks, including the geological wonders of Kilt Rock, the towering Old Man of Storr, and the mystical landscapes of the Quiraing. Each place offers you a unique glimpse into the beauty that sets the Isle of Skye apart.
We return to Portree in the evening and check in at The Skye Inn, our exclusive B&B for the next four nights. The Skye Inn’s lively team ensures a cosy and personal atmosphere, making you feel right at home
5 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
We embark our journey to the Isle of Skye from Inverness and drive along the world-famous Loch Ness towards the west coast, where mountains give way to vast sea lochs. Perhaps you’re in luck and spot the mythical creature said to dwell within the loch!
We enter the scenic road to Glen Shiel and soak up the captivating views of steep-sided hills unfolding before us as your Guide recounts the tales of tragic battles once fought in this glen. Our first stop of the day is beautiful Eilean Donan Castle, majestically perched on a small island where three sea lochs meet. Crossing the Skye Bridge, we learn about the history and mythology of the Isle of Skye and enjoy a scenic drive to Portree, the island’s picturesque main town.
After lunch at one of Portree’s local restaurants, it’s time to explore! We get close and personal with some of the island’s most iconic landmarks, including the geological wonders of Kilt Rock, the towering Old Man of Storr, and the mystical landscapes of the Quiraing. Each place offers you a unique glimpse into the beauty that sets the Isle of Skye apart.
We return to Portree in the evening and check in at The Skye Inn, our exclusive B&B for the next four nights. The Skye Inn’s lively team ensures a cosy and personal atmosphere, making you feel right at home
Day Highlights
After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we drive down past the jagged Cuillin Mountain Range, hearing tales of Clan feuds and warfare, before driving south to the Tormore Forest on the Sleat Peninsula. We don our wellies and waterproofs and meet the inspiring team of the Sleat Community Trust, who will explain the plan for the coming days – then it’s time to get our hands dirty! After replenishing our energy with a picnic lunch at our volunteer base, we head north to take a walk along the magical Fairy Pools, a series of natural waterfalls sitting against the backdrop of steep-sided mountains. A truly spellbinding sight to take in before returning to Portree in the early evening. (Overnight: Portree)
Day Highlights
*What's Make Travel Matter?
Our volunteer holiday resumes with another busy morning in the forest - a lovely boost for the soul! In the afternoon we immerse ourselves in the local culture and learn more about the founding language of Scotland at the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Our visit includes a tour, lecture, and Gaelic tutoring taster session. We’ll learn some basic phrases, introductions, and the use of tree names in the Gaelic alphabet. (Overnight: Portree)
Day Highlights
*What's Make Travel Matter?
Our physical effort this morning is balanced with a laid-back afternoon exploring Sleat’s hidden beaches and rocky shorelines. A scenic walk to the southernmost point of Skye passes a stunning white sandy beach with turquoise waters, a perfect spot for lunch! Continuing to the modern lighthouse we enjoy some fantastic views out to the small isles of Rum, Canna and Eigg. On the way home we’ll stop at some art galleries and local shops – the perfect opportunity to pick up a souvenir from your time on Skye. (Overnight Portree)
Day Highlights
*What's Make Travel Matter?
Our morning volunteering on the Isle of Skye will be well-rewarded after lunch with a visit to the distillery at Torabhaig, the second ever licenced Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye. You will have the opportunity to take a tour*, learn the secrets to the “water of life” and make a toast to all the hard work and positive changes we have made – Slainte! The perfect way to celebrate our week of adventure and newfound friendships before returning to Inverness
Day Highlights
*What's Make Travel Matter?Accommodation
Accessibility and Facilities
For more information, see our Accessibility Statement.
Departure Point
Inverness City Centre
15 Union St Inverness*, IV1 1PP *Across from the entrance to the Victorian Market. Look out for a blue or yellow coach bus. For parking, we recommend the Old Town Rose Street Multi-Storey – less than a 10-minute walk from our departure point.
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
Tours Dates & Prices
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- 5 Day Tour Isle of Skye Volunteer Adventure
Torabhaig Distillery Tour
Pay locallyImmerse yourself in Scottish whisky culture with a expertly guided tour at Torabhaig Distillery, the second ever licensed Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye. Discover the art of whisky-making amidst stunning Isle of Skye landscapes, and taste the fiery warmth of this national treasure firsthand. Adult from £16. Tickets are subject to availability.
Eilean Donan Castle
Pay locallyEilean Donan Castle is situated on a sea loch surrounded by magnificent Highland scenery. This magical and idyllic setting is what makes this one of Scotland’s most iconic attractions. Take a tour to find out about the castle's colourful history. Please note there are days when Eilean Donan Castle is closed to the public. Adult from £12. Tickets are subject to availability.
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