Skye Mountain Rescue Team assisted 20 people over a 13-hour period on Friday
Mountain rescuers have warned walkers to approach the popular Skye Trail with caution after 20 people required assistance in a 13-hour period.
Skye Mountain Rescue Team described the period from 07:00 to 20:00 on Friday as "one of the busiest days the team can remember".
In a social media post they added that volunteers were at times dealing with several incidents at once with all available staff committed.
The call outs occurred on a day when the weather, which had been forecast, was "particularly poor" but "not exceptional".
A Skye Mountain Rescue Team vehicle during a call out on Friday
Skye MRT said its role was to help people without judgement, but a spokesperson added: "When 20 people undertaking the same route require assistance in separate incidents on the same day, we think it is reasonable to ask whether there is a wider message in that."
It is not uncommon for walkers to underestimate the terrain and the time involved or become over-reliant on electronic navigation.
They can also be caught out by mountain weather or continue it would be better to change plans or turn back.
The spokesperson said these factors have been highlighted before but questioned whether the Skye Trail was "misunderstood".
They explained: "The word 'trail' can suggest a defined or established route similar to other long-distance trails.
"The reality can be very different.
"This is a journey through serious, remote and challenging terrain, with sections where there may be no obvious path to follow."
Weather conditions on Skye on Friday were described as "particulary poor"
Skye MRT said many visitors were increasingly taking on the route as part of an organised or self-guided walking holiday, where a hiking app or electronic route may be provided for them to follow.
The spokesperson warned: "A clear line on a screen can give a sense of certainty that simply doesn't exist on the ground.
"Being provided with a route does not remove the need to be able to navigate independently, understand the terrain, assess the weather and make your own decisions about whether it is safe to continue."
They also cautioned against people being "encouraged or supported commercially" to undertake the trail.
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Skye MRT said walkers should be wary of technology failing and be able to use a map and compass.
As well as knowledge of their route they should also have a Plan B.
And, crucially, they should check a proper mountain forecast such as The Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS), external.
The volunteer service emphasied it was not criticising those it helped on Friday but rather was keen to highlight its general concerns.
The spokesperson added: "Perhaps there is a wider conversation to be had about how the Skye Trail is named, described, promoted and sold, as well as how those undertaking it are prepared and supported.
"If expectations are not matching the reality people encounter on the ground, then we need to ask why."
The trail gained popularity after it featured on BBC Scotland's The Adventure Show.
Renowned walker Cameron McNeish chronicled his journey from the most northerly point, Rubha Hunish, along the Trotternish Ridge, through the iconic Cuillin hills, to finish 70 miles away at Broadford.
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