Coille Dalavil

Summary

The start looks unpromising, however once over the first stretch of moorland the walk reaches a beautiful pine and beech woodland by a remote loch before continuing the deserted remains of Dalavil and a fantastic outlook over the sea to the Cuillins. If you don't mind very rugged going, the walk can be extended along the coast to Tarskavaig.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Good track, becoming rougher and later a path, often very wet underfoot. Becoming indistinct on later sections.

Getting there

Start

From the road between Kilbeg and Tarskavaig, on the uphill section where a grassy track heads to the left.

Public Transport

None to start. Nearest bus Sabhal Mòr Ostaig approx. 4km away. Buses 51 & 52 from Portree and Broadford.

Start Grid Ref

NG623068

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 12.5km / 7.75 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 217m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Start the walk from the uphill section of the road approximately a third of the way along the road to Tarskavaig from the A851 at Kilbeg where a grassy track heads off to the left. There is usually room to park here. There is a metal barrier to stop vehicles driving on the track and also a Scottish Rights of Way Society footpath sign. Walk along the track as it heads over the moorland and down towards the stream in the bottom of the valley. The walk passes through a gate and into large area of regenerating native woodland.

Stage 2

Just before the track reaches the stream turn right onto a footpath; this rejoins the faint track a little further on (and avoids crossing the burn). Soon the water of Loch a' Ghlinne and the Scots pine trees come into view. Continue on the track, which crosses a couple of small streams and go through the gate in the fence. Follow the path slightly to the left towards the remains of a house which a gable end and chimney intact, beside a solitary tree.

Stage 3

From here go through the gate just beyond the tree and head towards the pines on the north side of Loch a' Ghlinne. There is a path which is indistinct in places. The path weaves its way through the native woodland of Coille Dalavil, with the pines soon giving way unexpectedly to beech trees. There are views over the loch, often an overwintering ground for whooper swans, whilst water lilies flourish in the summer.

Stage 4

Once out of the wood, keep following the path which heads down the glen towards the coast, crossing through a dry stone wall after a while and then a gate in a fence shortly afterwards.

Stage 5

Keep following the path until you reach the remains of the cleared village of Dalavil. Amongst the long rectangles of mossy stones in the heather that are the remains of the blackhouses there is one ruin that was used more recently but it too is in the final stage of decay. From here you can follow an increasingly boggy and indistinct path that leads down by the burn and on to the coastline. At the shore there are great opportunities to watch for otters and seabirds; it is worth continuing along the shore to the right to bring into view a dramatic skyline of the Cuillin and Bla Bheinn across the water.

Stage 6

Once you have explored the coast you can return by the same outward route, which is the route we describe here. However it is possible to continue around the coast to the north towards Tarskavaig. Largely pathless, it is necessary to detour inland in a couple of places in order to cross streams. It has great coastal scenery and good views on a fine day. As you approach the sandy bay at Gillean squeeze past the fence where it meets the large wall and walk to the end of the wall at the sea where you can get past it and onto the beach. Soon you reach the road. If returning to the start point, turn right and walk along the road, which is steep in places , but has good views.

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