Isle of Skye | Stepping Outside

Blà Bheinn

Emma — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 16:28:20 +0000

If you’ve got one, good clear day while you’re visiting the Isle of Skye, this is the walk to do. The views are spectacular, stretching across the Cuillin mountains, Glen Sligachan and down to the coast. The linear route climbs past waterfalls, lakes and crosses a section of loose scree to reach the summit.

Start and End Location: Car Park on Loch Slapin. Follow the B8083 to the northern tip of the Loch and continue on the road until you cross a bridge. The car park is on your right. Parking is free and there is a donation box.
Start Postcode: IV49 9BA, approx.
Distance: 8.5km
Time: Approx. 5 hours
Facilities: None
GPX Download: Link below map
Grade: Medium Mountain Walk

Download file: Bla%20Bheinn18.gpx

From the car park, return to the road and walk back across the bridge. The start of the path is through a gate on the left.

The well marked path follows the edge of the river, passing by waterfalls.

The path continues through moorland and crosses two small streams.

After crossing the second stream, the path turns sharply left and continues uphill across rocky terrain.

Eventually a flat, grassy area is reached.

Cross the small stream and continue upwards, bearing slightly to the right. Ahead, there is a wide scree slope. Follow the faint path to zigzag up across the scree.

Continue straight ahead for an amazing view down to the coast.

With your back to the coast, retrace your steps to the top of the scree and take the path on the left, which zigzags through loose rocks to the summit.

After enjoying the view, retrace your steps back to the car park.

The post Blà Bheinn first appeared on Stepping Outside.

Old Man of Storr

Emma — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 16:26:58 +0000

The Old Man of Storr has become synonymous with the Isle of Skye. This route is often busy but the distinctive landscape justifies why the Storr is on everyone’s Skye itinerary

Start and End Location: Storrr car park, just under 7 miles from Portree. There are additional spaces along the side of the road if the car park is full.
Start Postcode: IV51 9HX
Distance: 4.3km
Time: Approx. 1.5-2 hours
Facilities: None
Grade: Easy Mountain Walk

Go through the wooden gate at the far end of the car park. The gravel path weaves uphill through a recently cut down forest. Keep right at the fork.

Go through a second and third gate, continuing uphill.

Continue through yet another gate, with a small pond to the right. The path becomes a rocky, grassy terrain and steadily climbs. Ignore the path on the left and continue to keep the Old Man of Storr on the left. (If you want to visit the base of the Storr, take this left hand path and then return to the main path to complete the climb).

Ahead there is a fence. Just before reaching the fence, follow the rocky path to the right and climb to a small, flat summit. Here the best views, looking back down at the Storr, can be found.

Retrace your steps back to the car park.

The post Old Man of Storr first appeared on Stepping Outside.

Oronsay Island, Ullinish

Emma — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 15:04:18 +0000

There are many uninhabited, tidal islands off the coast of Skye. When the tide is low, a secluded beach emerges between Oronsay and Ullinish and the causeway can be crossed to reach the cliff edges. The walk offers breath-taking views across Loch Bracadale and the island's coastline.

This route can only be accessed when the tide is low. Always check Oronsay Tidal Times.

Start and End Location: Roadside parking in Ullinish
Start Postcode: IV56 8FD. This postcode is for the centre of Ullinish. Arriving on the A863 south from Struan, turn left at the signpost for Ullinish. Follow the road towards the coast and take the first left. There is a small parking area at the end of the road.
Distance: 5km
Time: Approx. 2 hours
Facilities: None
GPX Download: Link below map
Grade: Easy Coastal Walk

Download file: Ullinish.gpx

Opposite the parking area, there is a wooden signpost saying ‘Footpath to Oronsay via Tidal Causeway’ and a wooden kissing gate. Go through the gate and then through the second kissing gate directly ahead.

The path crosses fields, goes through another gate and leads down to the sandy shore.

Cross the causeway and continue straight ahead to the edge of Oronsay.

To return to the beach, turn right and follow the faint path along the cliff edge for impressive views north. Rejoin the initial path and retrace your steps to the car park.

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Sgurr na Stri

Emma — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 14:12:42 +0000

The walk begins with a slog through flat, boggy moorland but once you reach the summit, wading through rivers suddenly becomes worth it. Often described as one of Britain’s finest viewpoints, the final ascent looks across the rough peaks of the Cuillins and down to the bright blue waters of Loch Coruisk.

Start and End Location: Free car park in Sligachan
Start Postcode: IV47 8SW. This postcode is for the centre of Sligachan. From the A863, turn right onto the A87. The car park is a few 100 metres down the road, on the right.
Distance: 23km
Time: Approx. 8-9 hours
Facilities: None
GPX Download: Link below map
Grade: Medium Mountain Walk

Download file: SgurrNaStri.gpx

Go through the wooden gate at the south-east end of the car park and follow the path along the fence, keeping the river on the right.

Continue straight on, following the well-marked path through the moorland of Glen Sligachan. The terrain is often wet and boggy and there are numerous rivers and streams to cross. If the weather has been particularly wet, the Allt na Measarroch river can be knee-deep. Cross carefully, using the large rocks for support. If you have a dog with you, ensure the dog is wearing a harness and you are able to support the dog across the river; the currents can be extremely strong.

Walking through Glen Sligachan

When the path forks, go right and cross another stream. Eventually the path become rocky and begins to climb, bearing slightly to the right. Deer can often be spotted on this section of the route.

Keep following the path until Druim Hain, a flat, rocky area is reached. Views stretch down to the Loch and across the mountain range, including Sgurr nan Gillean.

To reach the summit, bear left and continue on the faintly marked path. There is a small descent before the final climb to the summit.

From the summit, retrace your steps to the car park.

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The Quiraing

Emma — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 15:26:45 +0000

The Quiraing are otherworldly. Jagged rock pillars jut out of the moorland at odd angles and the majestic views are as far reaching as the Outer Hebrides. This circular walk weaves through the base of the Quiraing and returns across the top of the cliffs, passing the infamous Needle and Prison rock formations.

Start and End Location: Car Park along a single track road approximately 2.5 miles from Staffin
Start Postcode: IV51 9LB. This postcode is for the start of the single track. Continue following the road until you reach the car park
Distance: 6.4km
Time: 3-4 hours
Facilities: None
GPX Download: Link below map
Grade: Medium Mountain Walk

Download file: QuiraingCircle.gpx

From the carpark, cross the road and follow the faintly marked path on the right, leading into the Quiraing. The path weaves through the base, crossing a narrow ravine and passing by the Needle – a 120ft rock pinnacle.

The path merges into loose scree and bears left to reach a stile. Cross the stile and continue as the path hugs the side of the cliff. There are stunning views of the coast to the right.

Continue straight on through the grassy plain and keep left at the fork.

The path eventually reaches a stile. Climb over, turn a sharp left and continue following the faintly marked path, which runs very close to the edge of the cliff. At the summit, the ‘Table’ can be seen. The flat, grassy area is rumoured to have been used to hide sheep and cattle from invaders.

Follow the main path away from the edge of the cliff. After going through a gate, the car park soon becomes visible in the distance. The path, which is often muddy and slippy, rejoins the initial path from the car park.

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