Walkhighlands

This is my first time doing this. I've read quite a few walk reports and have really enjoyed them. Coire Lagan is the first real climb i have done. Myself mum and dad decided after quite a few drinks in our local to head Skye to do a couple of walks. We have done a few easy walks from here around our area, but decided to push ourselves a wee bit. So just like that, it was booked. Straight after work on Saturday, they picked me up and we headed over. The weather over was extremely dreich, but it was my first proper time in Skye (the other times being at the Skye Festival in 2007, and Kyleakin), so i was basically like out the window from the back seat.

We were booked into The Old Inn at Carbost, and as soon as we stepped foot in the place, we loved it. Full of locals, it had a lovely atmosphere. A few drinks were had that night, but not too many!

We woke up to the most glorious weather imaginable.



The hills looked very scary, especially the snow. We really have no large hill climbing experience – never mind full of snow!





My Dad said to me “Get up on that rock. Here’s your pole, and stick your leg out or something.” From now on, this is my pose to do at every opportunity...



As we got further up, we were discussing where the corrie might be. My Dad said “Do you think it’s in that wee nook up there?” We really had no idea. But the further up we got, the more we realised that yes, it was indeed up there. It scared, but excited me.



At one point, my Mum was stationary for about 10 minutes, really contemplating turning back. The snow terrified her, it was very deep. We were telling her she could do it, saying ‘It’s only just up there.’ The false summits didn’t exactly help either!



When we eventually made it up (my Mum included), the corrie was frozen. Of course, stupid me decided to have a closer look, and ended up with my feet in bloody freezing water. It just reached the top of my boots, so only my ankles were wet.









I found the descent very scary, scarier than i thought it would be. It was spent on my arse most of the time.







A well deserved drink back at the Inn!



The next day we started the Glen Brittle Forest walk. The weather was absolutely horrendous, a howling gale, and horizontal rain. We stupidly only had 2 pairs of waterproof trousers between the 3 of us, so a mile in we had to stop. A nice visit to Portree and Armadale was made however, so it wasn’t a wasted day.

Walking up Coire Lagan is probably the best thing I have ever done. I loved every single second of it. I was surprised by how do-able it is as well, it looked much scarier from sea-level. As soon as we got home, me and my Mum were on here looking at what to do next. We’re thinking Ullapool in a few weeks. This is just the start!

some really nice photos there!

great report suzie

hmmmmmm - still plenty of snow on the cuillin

Nice photos. Would recommend Coire a'Ghrunnda too.

In this socially fragmented world, it's nice to see a family outing. Nice to see what that walk looks like - as long as you don't plagiarise my summit pose - leg up on rock, hand over brow looking to the distance. I've copyright that one.

Fantastic, a fine report on a cracking day

Glad you did this. We'll be in Skye in about 6 weeks and intend doing this and the Coire na Creiche and the Fairy Pools circuit. Can't wait after seeing your pics

kevsbald wrote:In this socially fragmented world, it's nice to see a family outing.

Hmmm, can't quite see my parents featuring in any of my future walk reports. Unless I stop off at their house for a cuppa on the way home!

I think I bumped into you on the Glenbrittle Forest Walk just as we were starting it... I was the guy that asked if you had gone as far as where the forest road was blocked... I hate to say it but it stopped raining as soon as we started and stayed off all the way round, a bit gusty at times though. From the way the weather had been on the drive round I still can't believe we stayed dry!

Back on topic... Nice report and some amazing photos, especially the first one of the view from the inn! I was left wishing I was out walking that day, we'd had a wee drive round Sleat, the views of the Cuillin from Tarskavaig were amazing, would have rather been up in the hills though!

Ah yes that was me! What a small world. You're from Inverness too which is strange. Even if we had continued, my mum was completely soaked through, so it would have been pure misery. We were pretty disappointed. The drive up to Portree was nice, and the weather improved a lot.

On the Sunday my mum was speaking to a guy on the hill who said he'd been walking Skye for 20 years, and this was the best day for walking he'd ever seen. Not sure about that, but it was pretty nice! Although, on the way back down all the snow was melting, so the path was basically a big burn. Such a huge difference to the miserable next day.

Hi floozy,will be staying at the old inn carbost when we climb the inn pin in aug,how was the food and the crack

The craic was absolutely brilliant. I read a review somewhere that breakfast depends on what time the staff got to bed. So true! The Saturday was the start of the summer, so all the staff were on the sesh. A fantastic band called Bramax were playing, the atmosphere was brilliant. In the morning, the guy making our breakfast only had a couple of hours sleep. That didn't cause the breakfast to be rubbish however, on no! It was lovely.
When we arrived back there was a table of staff sat out in the sunshine, on the bevvy again. It was brilliant.

The food was great as well. The langoustines were beautiful, although my dad didn't enjoy his chowder, so i'd maybe stay clear of that. Fish and chips were had on Sunday, nice crispy batter

All in all i'd really recommend it. It's my type of place.

Sounds a brill time had by all,can"t wait

Coire Lagan Is a beautiful spot. As already mentioned Coire a Ghrunnda too is a gem of a place. Your pics are excellent. Did you meet any locals at the inn at carbost? When i was there in 2004 a couple of local youths gave us an hilarious evening with the tales they had to tell!

Saturday night was full, with a really good live band playing. The next day all the bar staff were still ****.
The craic was really really good. Next time i go to Skye, which i'm hoping isn't going to be too long away, i would definitely go there again. It's on a beautiful spot as well.

I've not been up since 2004 and am desperate to get back and bag a few more tops. I enjoyed my times stopping at the croft and bunkhouse in Portnalong. They have a 2 man accom - The Cabin - which although basic is for me on my own just perfect. The pub in Portnalong always was O.K. but don't know about nowadays.