A walk up a peaceful glen gives access to a dramatic section of the Trotternish Ridge.
Summary
Pathless but fairly good going on turf throughout. Very steep grass in places.
Terrain
NG427586
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.
Users'
rating
No public transport to start of walk. Bus number 57 from Portree passes the foot of
Glenhinnsdal 4 times a day; this 4km from start of walk.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. There is room to park at the end of the Glenhinnisdal road; take care not to block the turning area. The walk begins through the gate which is the continuation of the road, and passes through a couple more gates in an area of sheep pens. Once through the last gate, into a more open field, take a diagonal course downhill until you reach the stream just this side of the forest plantations. Continue up the valley along the bank of the stream. Very soon a fence is reached; there is a gate about a hundred and fifty metres uphill to the left. Continue on the same side of the stream as before. At one point it is necessary to climb a little above the level of the stream on a sheep path; just beyond here the stream forks and a branch tributary descends from the left - cross this on a metal bridge. From here, you are going to continue up the valley beside the stream, right up to the col visible on the horizon. The col is easily identified as it has a wall leading up to it and a band of crags part way up it.
2. Continue up the stream, passing several delightful little waterfalls; eventually the forestry on the far bank is left behind for more open country. There is no path but the going is fairly firm underfoot. Just before reaching the steeper section below the col, the fence on the far side of the stream is joined by a drystone wall. The direct route up to the col beside the fence and wall is blocked by a line of crags; head slightly left to bypass this as you climb the steep grassy slopes. Above the crags, slant back right to rejoin the wall.
3. The col, known as the Bealach na Leacaich is soon reached - there's a grand view along the ridge northwards to Ben Edra and the Quiraing. If you don't need to return to a parked car, there are many options from here. Two of the best are to follow the ridge north to Ben Edra and then descend either of the two routes towards Uig given in the Ben Edra walk. An equally good option is to walk south over Bioda Buidhe and Hartaval before descending to the Storr carpark. Most walkers, however, will need to walk back to Glenhinnisdal, and the best objective for these is probably to head south to Sgurr a Mhadaidh Ruadh (Hill of the Red Fox) before retracing their route of ascent.
4. Go through a gate in the fence on the south side of the col, and pass through one of the gaps in the drystone wall to ascend to the summit of Creag a' Lain. There are magnificent views from here in all directions, but attention will be drawn to the next summit to the south, Sgurr a Mhadiadh Ruadh, which projects out from the ridge. To reach it, descend the grass slopes close to the edge of the escarpment, steeply at first, to reach a wide, shallow col. Now follow the edge of the escarpment round to the left, climbing gently towards the Sgurr. Just before reaching the summit, a narrow grassy neck is easily crossed with big drops on each side.
5. The summit of Sgurr a Mhadaidh Ruadh is one of the most wonderful vantage points on the Trotternish Ridge. The escarpment is seen almost in full, from the Quiraing to the Storr, whilst there is a bird's eye view of Loch Cuithir and its railway far below. To return to Glenhinnisdal, you have to reverse the outward route, climbing back over Creag a' Lain and remember to bear right on the descent from the bealach to avoid the crags.
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