The lonely bothy at Uags enjoys a fantastic location right on the coastline with superb views across to the Crowlin Islands and Skye. The walk to reach it may be short but it is very rough.
Summary
The path is very rough, boggy and indistinct in places.
Terrain
NG714386
Grid ref
8.5km/5.25 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.
Users'
rating
1. From Applecross, drive south towards Toscaig, taking the left fork - signed for Upper Toscaig - and following this to the end. Do not block the turning area, but should be enough space for several cars near the end of the road if parked carefully. Begin the walk by heading for the footbridge, signed for Airigh-Drishaig and Uags. Cross the bridge and follow the path up to the left.
2. A track heads left towards a barn; follow the path across the grass to reach a metal signpost. This indicates a fork; the left path heads for Airigh Drishaig and the right path for Uags. Take the right hand path, heading for and passing through a gate and then a gap in a drystone wall. The path - which is boggy in parts - now climbs gently giving views down towards Toscaig pier and house to the right.
3. The path climbs across the rough, rocky moorland. There is soon a very indistinct section which can be crossed in one of two ways; either continue traversing the moorland slope ahead and then pass a couple of very small cairns before the path becomes clear once more, or alternatively take a tiny path that climbs directly to the left briefly before sloping back down to rejoin the path as it becomes clear again. Either way, you should be aiming well to the left of the small lochan that comes into view ahead. The views to the right over the Isle of Raasay and its flat-topped summit Dun Caan are superb.
4. Follow the path as it passes well above the lochan to head for an area of old, greener pastures in the middle of these barren moors. This is an area of old shielings and is still scattered with the remains of walls and the old shielings themselves - dwellings used by shepherds when out with their flocks in the summer months. Cross the stream (which can be awkward after heavy rains) to continue across this area of old improved ground; a cairn at the far end marks the continuation of the path beyond.
5. The route now crests a small rise and then makes a gently rising traverse across the next section of moorland, passing above a group of birch trees. There is then a brief descent to cross another, narrower stream before the path gently climbs once more, passing above an empty glen that slopes down to the sea. Further on is an indistinct section of path, still heading south, before the route finally descends into an area of more extensive birches. Uags is reached just beyond.
6. Uags bothy has a superb location, right on the edge of the sea. The bothy is maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association; you've just found how rough the walk in is, so please help by carrying out any rubbish you find at the bothy and keeping the place tidy. When you get back it is appreciated if you leave a report on the bothy's condition on its page on the MBA website Outside is a picnic table above the rocks where kayakers often pull-up their boats. The views across the sea, to Skye and the Crowlins, is magical. Some OS maps show a path from Uags around the coast to Airigh-Drishaig; however this no longer exists and attempting it is not recommended; instead, return to Toscaig the same way.
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