The start looks unpromising, however once over the first stretch of moorland the walk reaches a beautiful woodland and loch and then the deserted remains of Dalavil and a fantastic outlook over the sea to the Cuillins. The walk can be extended along the coast to Tarskavaig.
Summary
Rough track and later a faint path which can be wet underfoot. There is no path for the short final section to the coast.
Terrain
From the road between Kilbeg and Tarkskavaig, on the uphill section where a grassy
track heads to the left.
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
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No direct public transport. Nearest bus stop at Sabhal Mor Ostaig approx. 4km away.
Buses 51 & 52 from Portree and Broadford.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Start the walk from the uphill section of the road approximately a third of the way along the road to Tarskavaig from the A851 at Kilbeg where a grassy track heads off to the left. There is usually room to park here. There is a metal barrier to stop vehicles driving on the track and also a Scottish Rights of Way Society footpath sign. Walk along the track as it heads over the moorland and down towards the stream in the bottom of the valley. The walk passes through a gate and into large area of regenerating native woodland.
2. Just before the track reaches the stream (which you can ford if the water is low and keep following the track as it soon recrosses) head over the moorland on the right and regain the faint track a little further on. Soon the water of Loch a' Ghlinne and the Scots pine trees come into view. Continue on the track, which crosses a couple of small streams and go through the gate in the fence. Follow the path slightly to the left towards the remains of a house which a gable end and chimney intact, next to a solitary tree.
3. From here go through the gate just beyond the tree and head towards the trees on the north side of Loch a' Ghlinne. There is a path which is indistinct in places. The path weaves its way through the native woodland of Coille Dalavil. This is a peaceful spot with large stands of Scots Pine and Beech trees and good views over the Loch where Whooper Swans often over winter and water lilies flourish in the summer. Once out of the wood, keep following the path which heads down the glen towards the coast, crossing through a dry stone wall after a while and then a gate in a fence shortly afterwards.
4. Keep following the path until you reach the remains of the cleared village of Dalavil. Amongst the long rectangles of mossy stones in the heather that are the remains of the blackhouses there is one ruin of more modern occupation which still stands with most of its roof intact. From here you can head straight across the boggy land to the coast. At the shore there are great opportunities to watch for otters and seabirds as well as admiring the outline of the Cuillin hills across the water.
5. Once you have explored the coast you can return by the same outward route. However there is an excellent route around the coast to the north towards Tarskavaig. This route does have a faint path and it is necessary to detour inland in a couple of places in order to cross streams. It has great coastal scenery and good views on a fine day. As you approach the sandy bay at Gillean squeeze past the fence where it meets the large wall and walk to the end of the wall at the sea where you can get past it and onto the beach. Soon you reach the road. If returning to the start point, turn right and walk along the road, which is steep in places , but has good views.
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