The third stage of the Skye Trail long distance route, takes a short section of road to an unpromising start across rough moorland at the coast. This soon leads to a fabulous parade along the top of dramatic coastal cliffs with superb views. The stage ends in Portree where there is a hostel, campsite, B&Bs and hotels, restaurants, shops, banks and a post office.
Summary
Pathless, boggy and rough for the first three km after leaving the road; excellent but pathless cliff-top walking follows but with some steep ground.
Terrain
NG509528
Grid ref
14km/8.75 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Storr car park on the left side of the A855 heading from Portree.
[Map
of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
Bus number 57 from Portree - 4 times a day to the start at end of Storr hydro road.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. This stage along the coastal cliffs north of Portree can be combined with a visit to Beareraig Bay, or if time and energy are abundant, an ascent of the Storr. If starting from the Storr car park, turn right facing the road and head south along the A855 towards Portree for a short way to the bus stop. Turn left to take the minor road towards the coast passing a house on the left. Cross the Loch outflow, most of the water is siphoned off through the giant pipes to power the hydro-electric scheme. At the parking area there is a house and a building housing the funicular railway which serves the power station below. 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 distant Cuillin. 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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