The Broadford Red Hills give a circuit typical of the Red Hills; a steep and strenuous ascent, followed by excellent ridge walking and fine views. This walk would be Grade 3 but for the steep scree.
Summary
Steep boulder fields and scree path, together with rough moorland on lower slopes. No scrambling involved.
Terrain
NG619227
Grid ref
8km/5 miles
Distance
Grade
Old Corry minor road end, near Broadford
Start
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No direct public transport. Buses to Broadford (4km from start) from Portree and Kyleakin.
Open Traveline Scotland
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Pronunciation
and meaning
1. Park at Coire-chat-achan, at the end of the minor road (signed Old Corry) off the A87(T) just north of Broadford. From the road end, strike out across the moorland to the west, turning northwest to follow the stream when you reach it. You are aiming for the right hand edge of the looming, daunting slopes of Beinn na Caillich (sometimes spelt Cailleach).
Photo ©Norrie Adamson and reproduced under this licence
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2. Upon reaching the steeper ground of scree and rocks, keep to the right hand edge to avoid any crags. After passing to the right of an outcrop, the slope becomes less steep and the boulders larger. Keep straight west along the edge of Coire Fearchair to reach the huge cairn on the summit.
Photo ©John Allan and reproduced under this licence
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3. Beinn na Caillich (also spelt Beinn na Cailleach, and meaning the hill of the Old Woman) is 732 metres high and is a magnificent viewpoint, particularly for Broadford Bay which is almost between your feet. In 1772 noted geographer and traveller Thomas Pennant climbed the peak, the first recorded ascent of a Skye mountain. He was more impressed by the view in the opposite direction, writing 'the prospect to the west was that of desolation itself; a savage series of rude mountains, discoloured, black and red, as if by the rage of fire. The serrated tops of Blaven affect with astonishment: and beyond them, the clustered height of Quillin.'. The mammoth cairn can be seen for miles around and is said to be the burial place of a Norwegian Princess from the time of the Viking occupation of Skye. According to legend, she wanted to feel the winds from her homeland around her grave.
4. The going is thankfully much easier as a ridge is followed west southwest towards a col before sweeping dramatically up to the summit of Beinn Dearg Mhor (Big Red Hill), with grand views of Blaven. From here, there is another tricky section, as the descent southeast to Bealach Coire Sgreamhach (well-named the pass of the scree) is down an extremely steep scree slope. There is a well-worn route down the scree slightly to the right of the true ridge-line; this makes the descent slightly easier, though it would be extremely difficult in ascent.
5. You'll be relieved to reach the security of the bealach. The walk continues south upto the smaller peak of Beinn Dearg Bheag (Little Red Hill). The walk continues along the ridge, first southeast and then turning east to give a straightforward descent with great views all the way. At the foot of this ridge, head northeast across the pathless moor to cross the Allt Beinn Deirge and continue northeast directly back to the start of the walk.
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