One of the finest ridge traverses in Britain. Spectacular views throughout.
Summary
A very long and challenging walk with much ascent and descent; surprisingly for a major ridge there is no path most of the way, though there is much firm grassy going. Most people split it into a 2 day hike with a camp or bivvy on the ridge itself.
Terrain
NG464710
Grid ref
36.5km/22.75 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.
Start of Loch Langaig/Harsco footpath, Flodigarry
[Map
of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
This is a linear walk finishing in Portree - public transport can be used to reach
the start. Bus number 57 from Portree. Ask to get off at foot of Loch Langaig footpath - 0.5km north from the
roadside picnic area by the loch at Dunans.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Purists may prefer to start the walk from Duntulm, but a pleasanter route uses the excellent footpath from Flodigarry. Follow the footpath sign from the lay-by to Loch Langaig and then Loch Hasco. Continue uphill and when below the crags of the Quiraing turn right on a footpath which heads north and then zig zags to a stile over a fence at a dip in the ridge. From here it's worth detouring a mile along the ridge to the right to the summit of Sron Vourlinn the true start of the ridge. Return to the stile and then climb the cliff top south to the high point of the Quiraing overlooking The Table - the flat grassy rock feature below.
2. A path follows the downhill slope south-west passing through a gate. Once above the Quiraing road head down more steeply south until you reach the parking area. Cross the road and continue on the opposite side, passing a false summit on a grassy platform before a short descent and final climb reaches the summit of Bioda Buidhe. In clear weather there are good views over Staffin Bay and the Quiraing. In poorer weather be careful not to lose the edge of the escarpment. A steep descent takes you to Bealach Uige from where the long, steady climb ahead up the flank of Ben Edra can be seen. The summit at 611m is not seen until the last minute but has great views when it is reached. From here the ridge narrows a little and crosses four more gently undulating summits before descending to a wide bealach after Creag a' Lain.
3. There are a number of fairly sheltered camp spots here with water to be found to the west a little way from the ridge. Beyond, the ridge climbs again to the projecting peak, Sgurr a'Mhadaidh Ruaidh, the peak of the Red Fox, the summit of which is reached by a detour across a narrow grassy neck. From the summit of Sgurr a Mhadaidh Ruaidh, you can look down on Loch Cuithir and make out the lines of the old diatomite railway. On a clear day you should get a good view of the islands of Rona and Raasay with the mainland peaks in the far distance. From here continue to hug the edge of the escarpment and climb to the higher peak of Baca Ruadh. The ridge then undulates until it steeply drops down a broken rocky slope to Bealach Hartaval, another possible place to camp.
4. The summit of Hartaval at 669 m is reached after a short but steep climb - on a fine day there are good views west over Loch Snizort. The ridge descends to Bealach a' Chuirn with some rocky outcrops which are easily skirted round. This bealach would also provide a camp spot and water for an overnight stay. Continue up the long, broad slope until the summit of the Storr is reached; the highest point on the walk. Here you can look down on the rock pinnacles of the Storr sanctuary.
5. From the Storr follow the faint path down the flank to the Bealach Beag. From here the best parts of the ridge are behind and for non-purists it is probably best to leave the ridge and head for the Storr car park and bus stop by following the path steeply down alongside the stream and then to the road - there is a bus stop to the left if your timing is right. Purists will want to continue the ridge walk, though there is one unpleasantly steep section and then a lot of bogs before reaching Portree this way.
6. Follow the undulating escarpment over a couple of low summits to Bealach Mor, before reaching the foot of the final major summit on the ridge, Ben Dearg. The forbiddingly steep slopes of this peak are a nasty sting in the tail; it is best to head west below these slopes until a marginally easier way up can be found. Heading south from Ben Dearg, the escarpment begins to lose its distinctiveness and the going becomes very boggy. Cross the rounded summit of A Chorra-beinn and the final bump of Pein A Chleibh before reaching the road by the turn off for Achachork. From here, follow the road south into Portree, and some well-earned refreshment.
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