Skye Trail 4: Portree to Sligachan via the Braes

Summary

The fourth stage of the Skye Trail starts along the salt marsh at the edge of Portree bay and then follows the minor road past the small settlements that make up the Braes. From the road end a rough path is followed along Loch Sligachan to the Hotel, where there is a campsite and bunkhouse as well as the Sligachan Hotel which serves meals, has a micro-brewery and extensive whisky selection.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

First section can be impassable at very high tide (can be avoided on road), then minor road through the Braes, rough path along Loch Sligachan with river crossings which are impassable after heavy rain.

Public Transport

Portree is well served by buses; bus from Sligachan to Portree or Broadford.

Start

Portree. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 19km / 11.75 miles
Time: 5.5 - 6.5 hours
Ascent: 273m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG482436

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

From the square in the centre of Portree head south past the bakery and bank and cross the A855 opposite the brightly coloured Portree Independent Hostel. Turn right and follow the road away from the centre, ignoring the junction with the Dunvegan road, and passing the school up on the right. Follow Viewfield Road, past the petrol station and cemetery, almost all the way to Las (formerly the Aros Centre) which a cafe and events venue. At the far end of the layby just before the entrance to Las turn left down a path towards the shore - this can be slightly difficult to see when the bracken is high in the summer, if you go further than the end of the layby you have missed it. At very high tide this path may be impassable, in which case continue along the road with extreme care and turn left at the turning for the Braes. When the path reaches the shore turn right to follow this lovely path along the salt-marsh.

Stage 2

The path eventually follows the Varrigill River a short distance until a gate is reached at the road. Turn left and follow the road uphill. Ignore the turning for Penifiler, and follow the road as it turns sharp right and then left, ignore the road to the right which returns to the A87. Ignore the turn for Camustianavaig, and follow the road for a further 4.5 km, passing the community hall and a memorial to the Battle of the Braes. In 1882 the crofters here fought 40 police officers from Glasgow who had been sent to arrest the ring-leaders of a protest about fair rents and tenancies; the ensuing public outcry led eventually to the Crofters' Act which gave crofters security of tenure.

Stage 3

When a road junction is reached, turn left for the most scenic route keeping closer to the coastline, or if a shorter walk is needed continue straight ahead. On the left hand route there is the chance to detour out to An Aird, a wonderful section of coastline rich in seabirds, with arches and good views across to Raasay. After climbing to the road junction, turn left to pass the final houses of Peinchorran.

Stage 4

At the end of the road there is a signpost for Sligachan; from here slope uphill on this first section and you'll soon reach a much better path at a slightly higher level. There are great views across to the pier at Sconser across the water and you might see the Raasay ferry pulling in and out. The path soon descends to a large cairn on the shore. Beyond the cairn, the path reascends and generally keeps about fifty feet above the water from here on. The route crosses several small streams, the first of which is wooded above the path and has a fine waterfall.

Stage 5

The route continues for about 3 km in a similar fashion. Glamaig looks impressive across the water, its steep northern slopes of broken rock and scree looking quite unassailable, whilst the view of the Cuillins ahead improves with each step. Eventually the steep slopes on the right lessen and a bigger stream is reached beneath a prominent waterfall. It is possible to cross this using stones unless the water is in spate. Beyond the path is less clear; keep the salt flats just to the left and the moorland to your right.

Stage 6

After crossing several small streams, a larger one is reached just four hundred metres short of the campsite. The bridge marked on the OS map here is a figment of the mapmakers imagination. There are stepping stones across but these may be covered, in which case it is easier to cross slightly to the left where the water is shallowest. Beyond, the path soon reaches Sligachan campsite; continue through this to reach the main road and the hotel. There is also a bus stop here.

Next stage: Sligachan to Elgol

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