Biod an Athair and Dunvegan Head

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A rough moorland and clifftop walk around Dunvegan Head, with the highlight dramatic Biod an Athair, perhaps the most impressive perch amongst Skye's sea cliffs.

Terrain

Pathless walk across rough, tough moorland

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

End of minor road to Galtrigill. Map and directions.

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 Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 9km / 5.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3 - 5 hours
Ascent: 481m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG181546

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Biod an Athair

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the end of the Galtrigill minor road. There is a large turning area here; avoid blocking it by parking on the grass verge. Take the rough track up the hill to the left. The first point to aim for is the trig point on Biod an Athair, which is just visible from here. The nearer rounded hill is Ben Skriaig; Biod an Athair is the more triangular and distant summit slightly to the right. The track passes through a gate and past a ruined stone building before ending after another gate.

Photo: The cliffs of Biod an Athair as seen from Milovaig

Stage 2

Cross a boggy area and then rough moorland, keeping a low crag to your left at first; any traces of a path soon disappear. Cross marshy ground to reach a fence above the Galtrigill burn. Climb the fence and cross the burn; on the far side the going is marginally easier. An area of old lazybeds eases going for a while; the views back to the Coral Beaches and the village of Stein improve with each step. The large memorial cairn visible near Galtrigill is a monument to the MacCrimmon pipers, who were the hereditary musicians to the Macleods. The pibrochs or laments composed by Padraig Og and Padraig Mor, most famous of the family, are regarded as being amongst the masterpieces of Scottish art. Head on up the moorland, aiming to reach the skyline well to the left of Biod An Athair's trig pillar.

Stage 3

The going becomes firm and grassy as the clifftop is approached; the edge of the cliffs are reached dramatically and suddenly. Turn right and complete the climb to the trig pillar at 313m on Biod An Athair. The setting could hardly be more dramatic, the land falling a thousand feet just a couple of feet from the pillar. The aerial view of the sea is backed by the island of North Uist, whilst Waterstein Head is prominent back down the coast.

Stage 4

The quickest and easiest return is by the route of ascent, as once beyond Dunvegan Head the going becomes tougher. However the walk can be continued northwards along the clifftop (which is worth doing for a short distance even if you do decide to return the same way). There is a large grassy platform half way down between the cliff and sea, known as Sgorgruim. The grass is kept short by several sheep, but how the sheep get down there is a mystery.

Stage 5

As the indeterminate Dunvegan Head is approached, the cliffs become less dramatic and the going becomes rougher. Rounding Dunvegan Head the coast slowly turns back towards the south. A couple of gullies descending towards the sea necessitate a detour inland of a couple of hundred metres. After ascending beyond a third gully, there is a good view back to the natural arch of Am Famhair. From here, contour the slopes and keep well inland - the road end in Galtrigill soon coming into sight.

Stage 6

The direct route too it is barred by a deep ravine. Aim well inland, above the worst bracken, to where a line of small waterfalls cascade down the far bank of the burn, as this is the easiest place to cross. There is a fence to climb but the stream is easily crossed on stones. Climb the grassy field beyond to return to the track above the start.

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