Carsaig to Lochbuie coastal walk

Summary

This superb linear coastal walk links the tiny settlements of Carsaig and Lochbuie by following the foot of the cliffs. It has something of everything; grassy pastures, fine woodland, impressive cliffs and basalt formations, a sea-stack, caves and waterfalls galore. Times and distances are for a one-way walk; transport would need to be arranged or alternatively the walk can be doubled in length by heading back. Old Post Office cafe at Lochbuie.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Rough walking. Grassy path at times, other parts are boggy and short distances are very rocky near shoreline. Very easy scramble at one point, aided by rope. Part of the walk is impassable at high tide.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Parking area just above Carsaig pier. Finish at parking area by shore in Lochbuie.

Public Transport

None.

Start Grid Ref

NM545213

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8.5km / 5.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 2.5 - 3.5 hours (one way)
Ascent: 121m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Driving the tiny road to Carsaig is a part of the adventure on this walk; it is beautiful but very narrow with steep hills, sharp bends and worryingly few passing spaces! There is a small parking area just above the pier at the end of the road. Before starting the walk the pier is worth a quick visit for great views across the bay towards the great cliffs of Malcolm's Point (though the Carsaig Arches are out of sight). Begin by taking the track which begins opposite the parking area; it leads to two holiday cottages. At the first cottage take the path on the left next to the gate.

Stage 2

The path runs through some lovely woodland before crossing a grassy area - this part is boggy - and then back amongst the birches and other trees. After about a kilometre great cliffs loom above the path on the left, whilst the sea can drive spray and waves over the route at very high tides. This scenery here is spectacular; the cliffs are dotted with many shallow caves and higher up are broken into basalt columns. A short distance further a waterfall cascades down from the top, forming a curtain over the entrance to another small cave.

Stage 3

The narrow strip between the cliffs and sea soon widens to give easier walking. On the right is An Dun ('the Fort') - an isolated sea-stack; it is best seen from the far side, showing its fluted columns and a cave (with a bench inside at the time of our visit). Continue along the grassy raised beach. Soon there is evidence that this walk was once an important, maintained route linking the two villages as a section of wide, built path climbs slightly and the stonework supporting it can be clearly seen. It soon slopes back down to the level of the raised beach, and further on passes through an iron gate by a drystone dyke.

Stage 4

Shortly after the gate a burn runs across the path and must be crossed. Soon the grassy raised beach narrows once more and the path heads through several sections of oak and birch woodland, interspersed with sections of rocky shoreline. Cross a stony beach (impassable at high tide) to reach a rib of rock which projects out into the sea and blocks progress. However a rope dangling over this indicates where to climb it; a second rope is then used as a handrail to continue up the ledge which leads on up to the right - this is much easier than it probably sounds!

Stage 5

Beyond this obstacle the walk becomes a little easier again, on more grassy raised beach. Pass Uaimh nan Taillearan (the cave of the tailors) with its walled entrance, and continue, passing through a gap in a drystone dyke. The derelict farmhouse at Glenbyre is now seen across a pebbly bay; the burn is usually crossed near the sea, though there's a simple bridge 200m upstream. Pass the front of the house to join an excellent grassy track. This was built in the early twentieth century to serve the farm and its construction must have been a huge effort, so it is sad to see the house empty today (though the farmyard is still in use).

Stage 6

The track now leads easily onwards, giving good views towards Lochbuie, backed by Beinn Buie, and across the bay to the Laggan peninsula. Pass through two gates and over one wet section, and round the back of a sandy beach (visible only a low tide). The track then emerges at the end of the public road at Lochbuie, a stunningly beautiful spot in fine weather. The pyramidal memorial here commemorates the coronation of King Edward VII, but there is much else to see in this area if you have enough time - see the Lochbuie Explorer route.

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