Flodigarry Fossils Walk

A short walk exploring the coastline at Flodigarry - one of the best spots on Skye for hunting fossils.

Terrain

Gentle paths down to the coast, but the walking along the shore itself is awkward, crossing boulders.

Public Transport

Bus number 57 - 4 times a day from Portree - get off at Flodigarry.

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Start

By phone box at junction in Flodigarry township. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 1.5km/0.75 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 47m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NG465715

Maps / GPS

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Take the minor road signed for Flodigarry from the A855 (not the road for Flodigarry Hotel). Park at the minor road junction down the hill, mear the phone box - taking care not to block any of the roads. The walk begins along the track opposite the phone box (to the left when facing the coast) and is signed 'Cladach Fhlodaigearradh'. Keep straight on when one branch of the track goes left to pass through a gate. Beyond there are some interpretative stones and views of the grand Flodigarry Hotel ahead.

Stage 2

After 400 metres follow the pebbled path which heads off to the right (going through the gate ahead gives access to the hotel). The cottage just visible behind and to the right of the hotel was once the home of Flora MacDonald, the famous Jacobite heroine. Continue down the pebbled path until it ends, just short of the shore, at some interpretative stones. Turn left here and follow the grassy path down to the beach.

Stage 3

There are fine views looking out over Flodigarry Island towards the Torridon mountains across the sea, with giants such as Beinn Alligin and Slioch prominent. The beach is covered in large, slippery boulders. Turn right along it with care. After a couple of hundred metres there are eroding mud banks on the right of the beach - this is the foot of the continuing landslides coming down from the Quiraing above. It is this slide that is constantly depositing new rocks onto the beach - and new fossils. Ammonites and belemnites can be found, particularly in the grey shale-like rocks.

Stage 4

Offshore here is Flodigarry Island. During World War 2, a conscientious objector hid on the island and lived there for several years, surviving on supplies brought over by local crofters. Continue along the shore until reaching a ruined stone building.

Stage 5

Head up behind this building to a kissing-gate above. Go through the gate and up the path beside the overgrown stream. This leads out onto a minor road beside the garden of a bungalow, go straight ahead on the drive to reach the road. Head up the road to return to the start.

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