Oronsay island, Ullinish

Summary

A visit to the tidal island is sheer delight. Stunning coastal scenery on the island - and its superb views - mean that this must rank as one of the best shorter walks on Skye. Be sure to check the tide times though or you could become stranded!

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Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

The causeway linking Oronsay to Skye is covered by the sea for two to three hours or so each side of high tide - it's essential to check tide times before setting out. The path to the island is easy to follow though boggy in parts.

Getting there

Start

End of minor branch road near Ullinish Country Lodge.

Public Transport

Bus 56A calls infrequently at the Ullinish House Hotel; it is possible to do the walk and return to Portree using this service.

Start Grid Ref

NG323374

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5km / 3 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 155m (Profile)

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Explorer 410 - Portree

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Walk Description

User reports (5)

Stage 1

Take the minor road off the A863 Sligachan - Dunvegan Road where signposted for Ullinish Country Lodge. After a couple of kilometres a branch road goes off to the left with a wooden sign reading 'Oronsay Path'; turn down this road. There is parking on the left right at the end. A footpath sign marks the beginning of the walk through a gate opposite. Go through this and turn left to almost immediately pass through another gate and follow the broad, sometimes wet path across the field. At the far end of the field the path comes close to the sea and curves right along the coastline - there are stunning views across the water to the Cuillin.

Stage 2

Looking in the opposite direction, Tarner island can be seen with its impressive arch to the north. The route gently ascends the hill ahead and crosses a couple of boggy sections before reaching another gate with a view of Oronsay across its tidal narrows below. Go through the gate and descend the path to the shore.

Stage 3

Oronsay is a Norse word meaning a tidal island; there are at least 20 Oronsays or Ornsays in the Hebrides, including two on Skye. The stony causeway is covered at high tide, and for safety reasons it is better to head across as the tide is still going out. Once across the causeway, the walking on Oronsay itself is on delightfully dry turf. Take a grassy path that heads straight ahead towards the prominent high cliff edge on the north side of the island.

Stage 4

Continue along the path to the far end of Oronsay, detouring on sheep paths to visit the high points of the impressive cliffs, which have impressive views of the other islands in Loch Bracadale and across to the northern Minginish coast.

Stage 5

At the furthest point you can look down on some sea stacks far below. On the return walk, head back the way you came briefly until you can descend easily to join the lower, southern coast of the island.

Stage 6

The southern coast is much lower and at first sight less dramatic than the northern cliffs; however there are many intricate rock features. After half a kilometre you reach a geo (or inlet) which cuts deep inland; head round it and once on the far side, look back along the coast to see a remarkable deep natural arch - almost a tunnel.

Stage 7

The path round the south coast eventually leads back to the tidal narrows, where, unless you have seriously messed up your tide times, you can cross the causeway and return to the start.

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