A rough moorland and clifftop walk around Dunvegan Head, with the highlight dramatic Biod an Athair, the highest point on Skye's sea cliffs.
Summary
Pathless walk across rough, tough moorland
Terrain
NG181546
Grid ref
9km/5.5 miles
Distance
Grade
End of minor road to Galtrigill
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No direct public transport. Nearest bus stop (bus 56 from Dunvegan/Portree) at Boreraig road end near Colbost - 6km away.
Open Traveline Scotland
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Pronunciation
and meaning
1. Park at the end of the Galtrigill minor road. There is a large turning area here; avoid blocking it by parking on the grass verge. Take the rough track up the hill to the left. The first point to aim for is the trig point on Biod an Athair, which is just visible from here. The nearer rounded hill is Ben Skriaig; Biod an Athair is the more triangular and distant summit slightly to the right. The track ends by a rusty old portacabin. Climb the fence by the remains of a wooden stile.
2. Contour the grassy slopes, keeping the steeper heather and crag to the left. After a short distance some marshy ground has to be crossed to reach a fence. Climb the fence and cross the Galtrigill burn just beyond. Head on up the moorland, aiming to reach the skyline to the left of Biod An Athair's trig pillar. The views back to the Coral Beaches and the village of Stein slowly improve as you climb; the large memorial cairn visible near Galtrigill is a monument to the MacCrimmon pipers, who were the hereditary musicians to the Macleods. The pibrochs or laments composed by Padraig Og and Padraig Mor, most famous of the family, are regarded as being amongst the masterpieces of Scottish art. Part of the climb ahead lies over old lazybeds and then on the top of an old drystone dyke, both of which ease the going. The final section is over rougher moorland.
3. The clifftop is reached dramatically and suddenly. Turn right and complete the climb to the trig pillar at 313m on Biod An Athair. The setting could hardly be more dramatic, the land falling a thousand feet just a couple of feet from the pillar. The aerial view of the sea is backed by the island of North Uist, whilst Waterstein Head is prominent back down the coast.
4. The quickest and easiest return is by the route of ascent. However the walk can be continued northwards along the clifftop. There is a large grassy platform half way down between the cliff and sea, known as Scorguim. The grass is kept short by several sheep, but how the sheep get down there is a mystery. As the indeterminate Dunvegan Head is approached, the cliffs become less dramatic and the going becomes rougher.
5. Rounding Dunvegan Head the coast slowly turns back towards the south. A couple of gullies descending towards the sea necessitate a detour inland of a couple of hundred metres. After ascending beyond a third gully, there is a good view back to the natural arch of Am Famhair. From here, contour the slopes and keep well inland - the road end in Galtrigill soon coming into sight. The direct route too it is barred by a deep ravine. Aim for where a line of small waterfalls cascade down the far bank, as this is the easiest place to cross. There is a fence to climb but the stream is easily crossed on stones. Climb the steep grassy field beyond to return to the start.
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