Beinn na Caillich and the Broadford Red Hills

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Beinn na Caillich rises impressively above Broadford, it's forbidding steep slopes of rock and scree deterring it from becoming a more popular ascent. That first steep pull is rewarded with some fine ridge walking and truly stunning 360 degree views.

Terrain

Boggy approach and return. Very steep and bouldery initial ascent, easier ridgewalking above, but with a steep scree descent to negotiate.

Public Transport

None to start. Buses to Broadford 4km from start.

Start

Old Corry minor road end, near Broadford. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk starts from Coire-chat-achan, at the end of the minor road (signed Old Corry) off the A87(T) just north of Broadford. Parking is limited as the road end is also needed for turning vehicles; if busy, there is further space back along the road. From the road end, strike out across the moorland to the west, turning northwest to follow the stream when you reach it. You are aiming for the daunting slopes of Beinn na Caillich ahead (sometimes spelt Cailleach).

Stage 2

Upon reaching the steeper ground of scree and rocks, it's easiest to aim just left of the prominent broken rocks. Higher up, the slope begins to become slightly less steep, and there are great views back over Broadford Bay.

Stage 3

Eventually the boulders relent and an open grassy slope leads up to the summit. Beinn na Caillich is a magnificent 360 degree viewpoint, and at the last moment the peaks of the Cuillin are revealed. In 1772 noted geographer and traveller Thomas Pennant climbed the peak, the first recorded ascent of a Skye mountain. He was more impressed by the view in the opposite direction, writing 'the prospect to the west was that of desolation itself; a savage series of rude mountains, discoloured, black and red, as if by the rage of fire. The serrated tops of Blaven affect with astonishment: and beyond them, the clustered height of Quillin.'.

Stage 4

The mammoth cairn can be seen for miles around and is said to be the burial place of a Norwegian Princess from the time of the Viking occupation of Skye. According to legend, she wanted to feel the winds from her homeland around her grave. From the cairn, head past the trig point and down the ridge which curves gently towards Beinn Dearg Mhor.

Stage 5

After the col the ridge sweeps dramatically up to the summit of Beinn Dearg Mhor. From here the views of the Cuillin are a little foreshortened by the flat summit plateau, but there are good views back to Beinn na Caillich.

Stage 6

From here, there is another tricky section, as the descent southeast to Bealach Coire Sgreamhach (well-named the pass of the scree) is down a very steep scree slope. There is a well-worn route down the scree slightly to the right of the true ridge-line; this makes the descent slightly easier, though it requires care.

Stage 7

You'll be relieved to reach the security of the bealach. The walk continues south up rocky ground to climb the smaller peak of Beinn Dearg Bheag, with a fine outlook over Loch Slapin.

Stage 8

The walk continues along the ridge, first southeast and then turning east to give a straightforward descent with great views.

Stage 9

There are good views back of the whole horseshoe. At the foot of this ridge, head across the boggy ground to cross the Allt Beinn Deirge. There's no path for the final stretch northeast, aiming directly back to the start of the walk.

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