An unpromising start across rough moorland soon leads to a fabulous parade along the top of dramatic coastal cliffs. Superb views.
Summary
Pathless, boggy and rough for the first three km; excellent cliff-top walking follows but with some steep ground.
Terrain
NG516524
Grid ref
11km/6.75 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Parking bay at end of the Scottish Hydro Road from the Storr Lochs
[Map
of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
This is a linear walk from the Storr Lochs power station parking area to Portree, so
public transport will be needed in one direction. Bus number 57 from Portree - 4 times a day. Get off at end of
Storr hydro road at bus shelter. Walk down this road 1km to walk start.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. This walk along the coastal cliffs north of Portree can be combined with a visit to Beareraig Bay, or if time and energy are available, an ascent of the Storr. Start from the parking area at the end of the Storr Lochs road. Go through the gate behind the funicular building. The walk heads right here (Scotways sign) but it is worth detouring to the left slightly to admire the view over Beareraig Bay.
2. Head south across the soggy moorland. Rather than following the traces of a path veering left towards the fence, it is better to head up to the minor hilltop ahead (marked by a wooden post). From the hilltop, there is a good view back of the Storr. Continue south, always keeping to the highest ground; grassy knolls are broken by occasional descents across boggy cols. After a couple of kilometres, the grassy crest you have been following ends; from here, make a beeline across the moor, aiming for the gully breaking the line of cliffs ahead. Ascend this easy gully to reach better ground.
3. The route now follows the edge of the escarpment, first southeast and then turning south once more. Soon you will reach the foot of a steep crag - don't follow the obvious sheep track keeping left of this, but instead head right and ascend to the clifftop. The views from here are superb, both back to the Storr and across the sea to Raasay, Rona and Torridon. The next section of the walk is a delight on excellent turf. Follow the clifftop over the summit of Fiurnean, then cross a col before ascending Craig Ulatota.
4. The trig point on the summit of Sithean Bhealaich Chumhaing comes into view and is soon reached. At 392 metres, this is the highest point of the walk; the reward is a view of the Cuillin across Portree Bay. As you continue south along the clifftop, the view seems to get even better. At Rubha na h-Airde Glaise the escarpment turns southwest, before ending at Creag Mhor.
5. There are good views towards Ben Tianavaig. The direct descent from here to the Bile pastures far below is barred by crags, so head right as you descent until reaching a post and wire fence which can be followed down (avoid the posts with no wire higher up which are right on the edge of a precipice). Just after the fence is joined by another, climb over the broken gate and follow the other fence downhill to the left, keeping close to the stream. You'll be glad to arrive at the flatter pastures. Head across these, passing through gates at each of the two fences.
6. At the far end of the pasture is a drystone wall; keep left of this until you find a soggy path which leads to a wooden gate in the wall. Go through this and turn left on the now excellent path which heads round the coast into Portree, emerging on Scorrybreck Road. Follow this road around the coast and uphill slightly to join the main road where you turn left to follow Bosville Terrace into the centre of the village.
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