Macleod's Tables

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Macleod's Tables are two curious flat-topped hills prominent in views from many parts of Skye. Their ascent gives a straightforward but rough moorland walk.

Terrain

Pathless rough moorland walking for the approaches; the Tables themselves have steep grassy slopes

Public Transport

None to start. Bus 56 to Glendale; ask to get off at Orbost road end, 3.5km from the start. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Near bend in road to Orbost House. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 11km / 7 miles
Time: 4 - 6 hours
Ascent: 662m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG256444

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Healabhal Bheag
Sub 2000: Healabhal Mhor

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Take the B884 Glendale road and turn onto the minor road to Orbost at the first corner. After a kilometre and a half the road bends to the right, before bending left again in another half kilometre. Park on the verges near the second bend, avoiding blocking any passing places; if this isn't possible you may need to park just short of Orbost House. The walk starts along the far bank of the little stream just before the bend, soon curving to the west and passing along the edge of a ravine. Above the ravine, head southwest and then south towards the indistinct top of Beinn Bhuidhe, keeping to the height of the land. From Ben Bhuidhe continue across the moor, still keeping to the height of the land to reach An Cruachan to the southwest. From here, the way ahead to Healabhal Beag, the higher of Macleod's Tables, is clear - appearing as more of a cone than a table from here.

Stage 2

Continue across the moor to reach dryer but increasingly steep grassy slopes. The way up to the Table appears to be barred by a great rocky prow. Continue to the foot of this; from here an eroded path heads to the right to bypass the cliffs; soon it zig-zags up broken ground and eventually continues as a scree path. At the top of this bear left to reach the grassy ridge above the prow. This leads much more easily up to reach the rim of the plateau. The views, particularly over Loch Bracadale to the Cuillin, are superb. Continue across the plateau, passing one wind-shelter cairn and heading towards a second buolt around the trig point.

Stage 3

Healabhal Bheag is the higher of the Tables though Bheag means little and Mhor means big. The reason is that Healabhal Mor has a much greater bulk when seen from the glens. There are a number of legends associated with the Tables. According to the most popular, the Chief of Clan MacLeod was invited to a banquet by King James V in Edinburgh. Hearing the taunts from the assembled dignitaries, Macleod boasted that he had a grander table and more beautiful candles on Skye. When some of these dignitaries came to Dunvegan, Macleod led them up Healabhal Mhor where he had laid out a great feast, with clansmen standing round the edge of the plateau holding torches. An older legend relates to St Columba's arrival on Skye. At this time the hills had pointed summits, but when Columba was not offered a bed by any locals, divine intervention led to the levelling of the hilltops, providing Columba with a bed and table.

Stage 4

For the descent, head northwest across the plateau and then down the steep grass slope, avoiding any rocky sections to the left. To continue to Healabhal Mhor, it is possible to skirt the slopes of Beinn na-Uamha by following a shelf to its right. Beyond a further descent precedes the increasingly steep climb to the second table. Walking up the final perfectly even grass slope to the plateau feels like you are preparing for take off!

Stage 5

The summit of Healabhal Mhor is slightly to the left near the start of the plateau, which is surprisingly a little boggy. The view is slightly less fine than than from Healabhal Bheag, except for a beautiful vista of the complex shores of Loch Dunvegan and its many islands. Continue east to the far side of the plateau.

Photo - John Allan

Stage 6

The descend is another steep, mostly grassy slope. When the ground begins to level off, it is best to head off southeast down to the Osdale River. Cross this when you can, and head across country for the shallow bealach (pass) between Creagan Dearga and Beinn Bhuidhe (careful navigation may be required), where you will rejoin your outward route and the ravine leading back to the start.

Photo of Tables from Dunvegan - John Allan

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