Cnoc a'Mhadaidh Ruaidh, Kyleakin

This short walk climbs through mixed woodland above the edge of Kyleakin and gives good views along the eastern coastline of Skye.

Terrain

Clear footpaths through the woods; the return route is rocky in places.

Public Transport

Kyleakin is well served by buses.

Start

Layby on Old Kyle Farm Road, Kyleakin. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Currently 3.00/5

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 3km / 2 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 89m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG743263

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Old Kyle Farm Road is the minor road heading south from the Skye Bridge roundabout on the edge of Kyleakin. There is a layby on the right a short distance along the road before the first house; the walk begins from here, where there is an information board. Follow the gravel path that starts between the two boulders and climbs through sparse new woodland towards the forestry ahead. It crosses a small wooden bridge; the views soon improve, first towards the flat-topped summit of Dun Caan on the Isle of Raasay, and then back over the steep hump of the Skye bridge.

Stage 2

Soon after entering the trees a mountain bike track goes off to the right, though as it begins across a section of exposed bedrock it can easily be missed; this is used on the return route. Continue ahead on the main path, ignoring a path which turns off to the left. The path then reaches a clear section near the summit of Cnoc a'Mhadaidh Ruaidh (the hill of the red fox). A wooden bench provides the opportunity for a rest and a chance to admire the views, which are excellent. Applecross is visible on the mainland, with the long outline of Raasay to its left, and the distant Storr in Trotternish is visible beyond. However the dominant feature are the steep but rounded outlines of the Red Hills, with the spikier Cuillin peaking out over them in places. Further on the path curves left to reach a second bench, backed by a view of the Kylerhea Hills.

Stage 3

Continue to reach a path junction. The easiest way back from here is to turn left which soon loops back to the outward route. Otherwise, turn right; this path follows a mountain bike route to descend and then return across the hillside at a lower level. The path soon enters dense forestry.

Stage 4

The path crosses a wooden bridge and climbs once more to reach an area of more open, native woodland. It crosses a couple of sections of curved wooden boardwalk which have been built specially for mountain bikers. The second of these ends in a rocky 'jump' but there is a path for walkers on the left. Once again there are views ahead of Kyleakin and the Skye Bridge as the outward route is rejoined. Continue ahead and follow the path back down to the start.

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