Oronsay Island, Ullinish

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A straightforward walk to a delightful tidal island; great coastal scenery.

Terrain

NB: Causeway linking Oronsay to Skye is covered by the sea for a couple of hours or so each side of high tide. Click here for tide times. It is important to check the times to ensure you will not be stranded on Oronsay. The path to the island is easy to follow though boggy in parts.

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

End of minor branch road near Ullinish Country Lodge. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5km / 3.25 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 155m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG323374

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

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 right at the end. A footpath sign marks the beginning of the walk through a gate - it reads 'Oronsay via tidal causeway'. Almost immediately pass through a kissing-gate and follow the track across the field.

Stage 2

At the far end of the field the path passes through another gate, and curves round just above the sea. There are great views of Tarner island 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. The main path heads straight ahead towards the prominent hills / cliff edges 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. At the furthest point you can look down on some sea stacks far below. On the return walk, head back the way you came for a hundred metres or so until you can descend easily to the lower, southern coast of the island.

Stage 5

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 6

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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