Preshal Beg & More with Biod Ruadh, Talisker

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Summary

This rugged circuit is a real adventure, visiting the highest part of the Minginish coastal cliffs at Biod Ruadh, and the two strange hills Preshal Mor and Preshal Beg. The Preshals - in particular Preshal Beg - are remarkable for their hexagonal basalt columns, reminiscent of Staffa or the Giant's Causeway.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Pathless walk over tough terrain: bogs, steep grass, heather and crumbling cliff edges. Good navigational skills essential.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Near end of minor road to Talisker. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 12.25km / 7.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5.5 - 6.5 hours
Ascent: 596m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG326306

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (6)

Stage 1

Park carefully near the end of the tarmac road to Talisker (the tiny settlement, and not the Talisker distillery which is actually at Carbost). Take care not to block the turning area, or any passing places - parking further back along the road as necessary (there's an old quarry on the left at one point). The walk begins along the left hand track from the road end; there is a sign reading 'To the bay'. After passing a gate, the track emerges at the side of Talisker House. The stately white house dates from the 1720s and for centuries was the home of the next-in-line to the Macleod chief. Dr Johnson and James Boswell stayed here during their tour of the Hebrides, Boswell writing 'Talisker is a better place than one commonly finds in Sky. It is situated in a rich bottom. Before it is a wide expanse of sea, on each hand of which are immense rocks; and, at some distance to the sea, there are three columned rocks rising to sharp points. The billows break with prodigious force and noise on the coast of Talisker. There are here a good many well grown trees.'

Stage 2

The track continues through a further gate beyond the house. Looking back, the prominent dome-shaped hill ringed by cliffs is Preshal Mòre, visited later in the walk. Continue for 650m along the track from the house, until there's a gate in the fence on your right. Leave the track here and turn left to head up the steep, grassy slopes of Leathad Beithe. There are many sheep paths which can be used to ease and zig-zag the ascent. As height is gained there are great views over Talisker Bay.

Stage 3

Once above the steep ground, aim SW across the rough moorland to reach the coastal clifftops. Once gained, these provide grassier going once more, rising over Beinn na Cuithean and with views of Biod Ruadh - the highest cliffs on the Minginish coastline - visible ahead. The ruins of Dun Sleadale Broch are around 700m off route to the east.

Stage 4

The spectacular clifftop walk continues to reach Biod Ruadh - with an almost 280m vertical drop down to the sea. The strange hill over to the left is Preshal Beg, looking something like a cross between Ayer's Rock and the Giant's Causeway. It is the next objective, but it's worth continuing along the coastline for another 800m where there is a deep inlet.

Stage 5

From here aim towards Preshal Beg - initially boggy ground can be avoided on the left, before ascending to the bottom of the screes below the cliffs. The whole of the lower half of Preshal Beg's southwest face is constructed of perfect dolerite columns that could put Staffa or the Giant's Causeway to shame, whilst the screes below are littered with fallen columns. Continue around to the right below the screes, briefly crossing rocky ground below Preshal Beg's southeast corner, and then aim between Preshal Beg and the smaller peak beside it.

Stage 6

From here at the col east of Preshal Beg you can detour easily up to visit the summit - an undulating grassland dotted with rocky outcrops that belies the unseen drama of the remarkable cliffs below. Across the moors of Sleadale Preshal More can be seen - the next objective - but it's better to contour round to reach it. Retrace your steps back off Preshal Beg (all other sides are barred by cliffs), then begin to contour the moorland to the east, avoiding any rocks.

Stage 7

Whilst the terrain is wet in places, featureless and tussocky, there are a few sheep paths that can aid progress. Aim to reach Loch Sleadale, from where there is a distant view of the Cuillin. Now aim NW towards the east end of Preshal More.

Stage 8

From the col SE of Preshal More a grassy rake gives an easy route up to the summit plateau. The highest point is where you first arrive, but it's worth heading to the cairn that is above the NW nose in order to enjoy the superb view over Talisker Bay. Retrace steps back to and down the grassy rake.

Stage 9

The broad grassy gully to the north of the col offers a descent route avoiding the cliffs - be sure to stick to the right hand (east) side of the gully until well down. Continue down to the River Talisker, then turn left. The fenceline on your left has been replaced but the stile has not at the time of writing, but the barbed wire has been removed from the section nearest the river. Cross with care and then continue across the tussocky grassland, keeping the river over to your right, until you reach the road. Follow this back down to return to the start.

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