Fiskavaig coast, from Talisker

Summary

The northern section of the spectacular Minginish coastline gives a very rough walk across boggy moorland terrain, with impressive cliff scenery.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Pathless walk across rough, tough moorland.

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

Getting there

Start

Near end of minor road to Talisker.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NG326306

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 12.25km / 7.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 445m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Park carefully near the end of the tarmac road to Talisker (the tiny settlement, and not the Talisker distillery which is actually at Carbost). Take care not to block the turning area, or any passing places - parking further back along the road as necessary (there's an old quarry on the left at one point). The walk begins along the track to the right from the road end, marked with a public right of way sign for Fiskavaig. Continue ahead past Talisker Farm, cross the burn and then ahead towards the last cottage. Just before the cottage gate bear left and go through the farm gate onto a rough path which climbs the hillside in a series of zig-zags.

Stage 2

Near the top of the slope at the telegraph pole bear left to head diagonally up over the boggy moorland. There is a vague track at first but then the rough going becomes pathless, keep headin towards the coast staying just above the steep slopes. After about a kilometre, these steep slopes become the coastal cliffs. There are good views down to Talisker Bay and the sea stacks beyond. The walk continues along the edge of the cliff, and the going becomes easier with some firm, cropped grass. At Rubha Curinn the coast turns north passing behind a dramatic waterfall and keeping to the right of an old stone wall before climbing up to Sgùrr Mhor, there is a faint path in places.

Stage 3

Continue over the rough ground to find the easiest route near the cliff edge mostly, except for a horsehoe of crags that it is easier to keep above on the landward side. After a couple of kilometres the coast turns again at Rubha nan Clach. Macleod's Maidens - a group of sea-stacks - are prominent across the water. The next section is the most dramatic on this walk, with great plunging cliffs, several waterfalls and a fabulous view out over Loch Bracadale and its many islands.

Stage 4

The downside is that there are geos (rocky inlets) which necessitate detours inland to cross. There are vague paths to follow around the first geo and a small cairn is passed on the clifftop overlooking the great prow of a cliff on the tidal island of Oronsay across the water. Continue along the coast and cross the stile (in a poor state, the one on the far side of the geo is worse, these can be avoided by following the outside of the fence inland for a longish detour) and follow a faint path diagonally inland and down to cross the stream and climb up to the stile on the far side and continue along the coast.

Stage 5

Eventually a gate in a fence is reached, go through this and continue ahead uphill. Soon bear left on a small path to detour north to climb up to the headland of Gob na h-Oa which is a wonderful viewpoint. From the high point aim ESE following a faint path, there are good views of Fiskavaig beach down to the left, and keep right of the bushes ahead to reach a gate and a grassy track which leads down to a gate near the end of the Fiskavaig road and a tin shed.

Stage 6

Turn right along the road, passing a house, follow it until it bends sharply left. Here keep straight head on a track signed Talisker. Keep straight ahead just to the left of the barn and go through the gate and continue on the rough track with peat cuttings to the left. The track eventually becomes a clear path. It is boggy in parts, and runs almost level for a couple of kilometres, rejoining the outward route at the top of the zig-zags. From here retrace your steps for the descent back to Talisker.

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