An excellent walk along dramatic coastline, visiting the top of three great coastal cliffs.
Summary
Mixture of pathless boggy ground and cliff-top walking on excellent short-cropped grass
Terrain
NG165441
Grid ref
16km/10 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 direct public transport. Nearest regular bus stop (bus 56) is Glendale - 6km away.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Take the minor road off the B884 after Glendale, signposted 'Ramasaig'. Park near the cottage at the end of this road. Follow the track which is the continuation of the road past the agricultural buildings and across the moor. The way can be badly churned up by cows. Continue along the track for just over two kilometres until it begins to descend towards Lorgill below. Lorgill is an abandoned village that was cleared in 1830 and its residents forced to board a ship to Nova Scotia.
Photo shows Lorgill ruins from valley floor.
2. Instead of descending to Lorgill, head south across the moorland, bearing slightly west of south to keep above the steep ground, until reaching the edge of the coastal cliffs above Hoe Point. From here the going is much drier and the walk northwards to Hoe Rape has sensational views down the cliffs. After Hoe Rape descend to Ramasaig Bay. Ramasaig Bay is the only place on this section of coast where access to the sea is possible.
3. Cross the stream and keep on the east side of the fence for the steep ascent to the next great precipice, Ramasaig Cliff. This is even more impressive than the Hoe. From the top of the cliff the view across Moonen Bay to Waterstein Head is truly magnificent, with the Moonen burn cascading in a great waterfall part way along. Continue on the landward side of the clifftop fence, detouring slightly inland to cross the Moonen burn.
4. The third high point on the walk is Waterstein Head, with its trig point at 296 metres being one of the highest cliffs on the Skye coast. There is a turn in the cliff face here as the cliffs turn northeast away from the edge of the sea, giving Waterstein Head the feel of a great headland. When you've absorbed the views, head back east along the coast for half a kilometre before continuing across the moor just to the north of Beinn na Coinnich to reach the summit of the Ramasaig road.
5. Turn right along the road to return to the start at Ramasaig.
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Route profile
