Cuairt Cromor, South Lochs

Summary

This short but challenging short circular walk from Cromor packs plenty of interest and has been waymarked by wooden posts. Note that near the end of the route it is necessary to wade the outflow of the loch - this is roughly knee deep and is over slippery rocks and broken mussel shells, so needs to be done still wearing footwear - even then it requires great care. A route with such an obstacle would not normally be featured on Walkhighlands but due to the waymarking and local promotion we feel it is better to provide a description so walkers know what to expect.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Pathless and very rough, though mostly waymarked with wooden posts. Near the end of the walk is a almost knee deep wade through a loch outflow - this can be slippery and requires great care.

Public Transport

Bus to Cromor from Stornoway.

Start

Cromor, South Lochs. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.75km / 2.25 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Ascent: 131m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NB399212

Mapping and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

Parking in Cromor is limited; it is possible to park on the verge opposite the phone box, or a short distance further along on the left, but take care not to block entrances or passing spaces. The walk begins by continuing to the very northern end of the road (no parking at this point), Turn right just after a garage but before a barn to head up a steep grassy track to a gate above the bungalow. Go through the gate into the field with the abandoned house, but immediately turn right alongside the fence to cross another gate at a the field corner.

Stage 2

Now bear left uphill on a grassy strip between two fences. The route then descends slightly to reach rough, rocky ground - continue ahead, keeping the fence on your left. The walk is marked by occasional wooden posts, some with faded pink paint and some newer paint in yellow. Bear left of some rocky outcrops to reach a post on heather ground high above the sea, with a good view out to the headland at Stangraidh. The route then descends very steeply down grass to reach the shore at the bay below point 73m.

Stage 3

Head uphill towards point 73m, then bear right across the slope, keeping just below some boulders on the left and with a view down to the loch on the right. Climb a little higher once past the boulders and continue along a rough ridge of boggy patches, grass, heather and outcrops of Lewissian Gneiss. The next marker post is prominently placed atop the topmost rocky outcrop to the south and gives a good view over the complex terrain.

Stage 4

From here aim southeast towards the causeway that links Cuairt Cromor with the tidal island of Eilean Orasaidh. It is possible to cross to the island at low tide, otherwise the walk continues south to the top of the next rocky hillock. From here it appears that the spit of land projecting from the far side of the loch provides a way across - unfortunately it does not, and the route instead heads southwest steeply down to the outflow of the loch.

Stage 5

Think carefully before attempting the crossing, and if in doubt instead make the long detour right around the loch on your right. The water cascades over seaweed-covered rocks at low tide to head from the loch to the sea, any stones expose are slippery and the best way across is to wade immediately above the outflow. The floor is covered with slippery rocks and broken mussel shells, so despite the water being around knee-deep you would need to keep your boots on. If you do decide to make the crossing and reach the far side safely, head up the bank on the far side and then continue above the south side of the loch.

Stage 6

Head west, keeping to the left side of the hill but keeping above the neighbouring loch with the dun. Eventually a fence is reached and followed to a gate by a house. This gives access to a track and then a road that leads back up into Cromor. Turn left at a t-junction to return to the main road in the village; the phone box is to the left here and the turning area and road end to the right, depending on where you chose to park.

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