The footpath along the north shore of Loch Sligachan was once the main route north to Portree; today it gives a pleasant, peaceful walk with good views; you can extend the walk further by visiting the Aird peninsula.
Summary
Initially the route is boggy and there are two streams to cross which may be awkward in wet weather in the first couple of kilometres. Beyond there is a good path.
Terrain
Sligachan Hotel, or if not a customer the lay-by at Sligachan on the Dunvegan road
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
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rating
Buses from Portree, Broadford and Kyleakin - get off at Sligachan Hotel.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Park at Sligachan, either at the Hotel or in the nearby lay-by a short distance along the Dunvegan road. The walk starts through Sligachan campsite which is reached by heading a hundred metres along the Portree road and turning right. Cross the campsite to the far corner where a path leads out alongside the river.
2. Soon the path reaches a wide stream. The footbridge shown on the map here is a figment of the mapmakers imagination. There are stepping stones but these are often covered by the water; it may be easiest to cross where shallowest slightly to the right. Beyond, keep left of the salt flats crossing several smaller streams until a final stream is met beneath a prominent waterfall. Unless in spate, this can be crossed on stones.
3. Head through the bracken beyond to the shoreline. You'll soon find a clear path heading slightly away from the shore; from here on the going is easier. The path keeps about fifty feet above the waters of the loch and offers great views over to the forbidding northern slopes of Glamaig.
4. There are several streams to cross, all much easier than those already reached. Make sure you keep to the path above the shore; after one of the stream crossings it is all too easy to descend to the shore and miss the short rocky section of path continuing above. After a couple of kilometres a final stream is reached beneath a waterfall and a wooded ravine. From here the path does descend to the shore, reaching a large cairn.
5. Beyond the cairn the path begins to slope uphill away from the shore once more. Once the tarmac parking area becomes visible ahead, head straight across to it as the end of the main path is unclear. You are now at the south end of the Braes, a beautiful and tranquil crofting area.
6. The return to Sligachan is by the same route. However if time permits you can extend the walk by visiting the Aird peninsula (2 - 3 hour extension from this point). Turn left along the road, and the turn right at the Balmeanach sign. Continue along this lower road until reaching a red postbox. From the postbox, follow the walk description for the Aird peninsula here.
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