A walk to the lighthouse at the southernmost point of Skye. Good spot for seeing marine mammals and views to the islands of Eigg and Rum. A delightful detour to a lovely sandy beach at Camas Daraich is recommended.
Bog Factor
Straightforward walk on a rough track, with one steep hill, and moorland path.
Car park at road end, Aird of Sleat.
None to start.
NG588007
Park at the car park at the end of the narrow road through the Aird of Sleat, just beyond the church gallery entrance. Take care not to block any entrances. Go through the wooden gate next to the farm gate and follow the track as it climbs the hillside. There are great views back as height is gained, looking over the Aird of Sleat to the mountains of Knoydart beyond. The track winds to and fro and undulates across the barren moors, uncharacteristic of much of Sleat.
Evetnually go through a gate and continue ahead. The track descends steeply, coming alongside a stream. There are great views out to the mountains of Rum. Eventually a couple of houses come into sight on the coast ahead. Just after crossing a wooden bridge turn left to take a steep rocky path, signed for Point of Sleat.
This path climbs steeply at first and then crosses some boggy moorland beside a fence. Follow the fence; there are a few scattered lonely houses as foreground to the view of Rum to the right. Eventually the fence bends right - continue on the rough path to reach a pass between between two hills with a clear path junction. At this point you can detour to descend to the bay straight ahead - Camas Daraich, one of Skye's few fine sandy beaches is just out of sight to the right and is well worth a visit. To visit the beach just continue ahead on the grassy path passing a waymarker. Otherwise - or afterwards - take the right hand turn up the rocky hill path to continue towards the lighthouse.
The rough path climbs and then crosses heather moorland, giving superb views back over Camas Daraich. The path is rough and boggy in places. Eventually it descends a flight of concrete steps to reach the north shore of the peninsula, then bears left to reach a lovely grassy strip between two bays, the left one having a tiny sandy beach of its own.
From here it is a short distance up over the final grass and bracken knoll to the Point itself and the automatic lighthouse on a rocky outcrop. This spot is particularly good for seeing dolphins and other marine mammals and seabirds such as gannets and shags. The view from the lighthouse sweeps round taking in Mallaig, the Ardnamurchan peninsula, the isles of Eigg and Rum, and Rubh an Dùnain.
The return route is the same as the outward way - no hardship given the superb views, which also include the Skye Cuillin. You may notice the hill more as you climb back to the start!
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