Beinn an Sguirr, Gillen

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This moorland and clifftop circuit visits the impressive escarpments above the eastern coastline of the Waternish peninsula, with superb views.

Terrain

Good tracks, clifftop path and much rougher and boggy moorland section - path faint here, marked by infrequent marker posts.

Public Transport

None to walk start.

Start

Road end at Gillen, Waternish. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park near the road end at Gillen, taking care not to obstruct the turning area or any passing spaces. Go through the gate at the end of the road, and continue on the track across the fields ahead. When a left turning is reached take it, following a track down towards a large barn near the coast. When this track meets another, go through the gate and keep left soon passing to the left of the barn. Beyond it there is a track junction high above the coastline, with a view over the bay of Loch Losait far below.

Stage 2

Turn right at this junction, then look out for a small log bridge on the left side that marks the start of a path that continues along the edge of the cliffs. The path is a little overgrown in places but gives great views down to the bay, and looking back to the crofting townships of Geary and Gillen.

Stage 3

Continue along the cliffs of Beinn an Sguirr - also known as Score Horain. Gradually some height is gained. When a signpost is reached ('Cliff Walk') leave the coastline and take a faint path that heads inland, just to the right of a patch of trees.

Stage 4

The path becomes faint as it climbs south towards the moorland of Cnoc Breac; it is marked by very occasional wooden posts but some map navigation may be needed to stay on course on the boggier sections; look out for marker posts on the horizon. The path curves west and then, at one of the posts, heads soutwards again. There are excellent views looking back.

Stage 5

Eventually the path meets a track. Turn right along this, soon with good views across towards Dunvegan Head. The track passes a barrier and then meets another at a t-junction. Turn right here, then follow the main track ahead, ignoring branches to the right at a quarry and further on, to eventually return to the start at the Gillen road end.

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