Loch Coruisk circuit (access by boat)

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Summary

Loch Coruisk, at the very heart of the Cuillin, is the most magnificent of all Scottish freshwater lochs. Whilst you are very likely to get wet feet from the boggy terrain, this is a small price to pay for the superlative mountain scenery along the way. If walking only one side of the loch, the south side has easier going and the best views.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

There is an extremely boggy path throughout, not always easy to follow and also crosses rough, rocky slopes in places. The crossing of the river at the foot of the loch (and indeed the head) could be impossible after heavy rains.

Public Transport

Walk is accessed by boat service from Elgol village (booking necessary). Elgol is served by a local bus from Broadford.

Start

Jetty, Loch na Cuilce (reached by boat from Elgol). Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 7km / 4.25 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 122m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG486196

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

Loch Coruisk can be accessed via a long walk from Sligachan, or from Kilmarie or Elgol via the notorious 'bad step'. All these options are long walks in themselves and unlikely to leave enough time to make a circuit of the loch without an overnight camp. Instead, the usual option is to take a boat trip from Elgol in the morning and return on the afternoon boat trip. This gives wonderful views from the sea as the Cuillin are gradually approached across the sea-loch, Scavaig. Seals are usually seen from the boat, and there is a chance to see porpoise, otters or dolphins.

Stage 2

Before reaching the landing stage the boat passes below the famous Bad Step. Walkers heading for Loch Coruisk along the coast from Camasunary and Elgol have to cross this rock obstacle by means of a sloping rock gangway-cum-crack - the boat gives a good close up of this scramble from a comfortable position! After landing, begin the walk by ascending the roughly constructed steps which lead inland. The River Scavaig - one of the shortest of rivers - cascades into the sea over rock slabs to your right, whist further out to sea can be seen the bold outline of the Isle of Rum, and neighbouring Eigg. Continue near the river almost to where it issues from Loch Coruisk. Here, assuming the weather hasn't been too wet, cross the river using the piled stones - this can usually be done with dry feet.

Photo shows the Bad Step from the sea

Stage 3

Once across the river the path climbs a short distance and gives a magnificent full length view of Loch Coruisk. As the path continues round, head back down towards the shore; the higher path climbs over the pass towards Glen Sligachan. Soon you will reach the foot of the Allt a' Choire Riabhach. This is most easily crossed where it runs across the flat section with stones close to the loch shore; again the path climbing up the east bank leads towards Glen Sligachan. Soon after the stream there's a pebbly beach.

Stage 4

Beyond this, the slopes of the Druim nam Ramh soon close in on the right and the route keeps close by the loch. At one point the path passes through an area littered with giant, grey boulders; these came down in a rockfall around ten years ago, though the colourings make them look much more recent. Continue by the loch shore; there are a couple of rocky sections to negotiate as well as the bogs.

Stage 5

Pass an unexpected area of rowan trees before reaching the head of the loch. The easiest place to cross the stream is usually just before a large rocky outcrop topped with a prominent boulder. Before doing this, take a good look around from the outcrop. The central, most prominent peak at the back of the corrie, with two dome-like summits, is Sgùrr a Ghreadaidh. To its right are the four jagged summits of Sgùrr a Mhadaidh. To the left is the smaller peak of Sgùrr Thormaid, with four rocky teeth to its right, whilst further left still is Sgùrr na Banachdich, which has several rocky tops of its own to its left. The great peak that dominates the west side of Coruisk with a great ridge descending almost to the loch is Sgùrr Dubh Mòr - the ridge is the Dubhs Ridge and is one of Britain's longest rock climbs. If you have the time, it is worth detouring a further km upstream for dramatic views of the In Pinn, and Sgùrr Coir' an Lochain.

Stage 6

Cross the stream and continue back down the far side of the loch. There are areas of flat slabs that make for easier walking. The dark rocks around Coruisk (and throughout the Cuillin) are Gabbro - a volcanic rock with a remarkably rough surface. It is this rock that provides the excellent grip that make the Cuillin so superb for climbing - but watch out for areas covered with slimy moss by the loch as this can be slippery! This side of the Loch is often in shadow, being so close to the high ridges - and it is just as boggy as the other side. As the foot of the loch comes near, the bogs become particularly bad, and it is better either to keep right to the shore of the loch, or cross the slabs just above the bogs to the right. Eventually the cascades of the River Scavaig are reached once more, with the waiting boat (presuming you haven't walked too slowly!) to take you back to Elgol.

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