Ramasaig to Orbost

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The classic Skye coastal walk, many guidebook writers have claimed this to be the most dramatic cliff-top walk in Britain. It is a long and challenging route, and requires more effort than many mountain ascents. The route is linear and neither end is served by public transport, so two cars will probably be required.

Terrain

Excellent going on firm cliff-top turf for much of the route; other sections are pathless, boggy and very rough. A couple of stream crossings could be difficult especially if in spate.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

End of minor road to Ramasaig. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 22.5km / 14 miles
Time: 8 - 10 hours
Ascent: 974m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG165441

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Take the minor road off the B884 after Glendale, signposted 'Ramasaig'. Park near the cottage at the end of this road. Follow the track which is the continuation of the road past the agricultural buildings and across the moor. The way can be badly churned up by cows. Continue along the track for just over two kilometres until it passes through a gate and begins to descend a softer landscape of lush green pastures to Lorgill. This was once a substantial village, but was forcibly cleared during the Highland Clearances and its residents made to board ship to Nova Scotia in 1830. The footbridge marked on the OS map over the Lorgill burn has long since been washed away by floods, so wet feet are likely. If the river is in spate it may be easier to cross where it runs over the pebbled beach at the foot of the valley. Either way, continue down the Lorgill valley, its sides lined with the ruins of old croft houses, until you reach the sea.

Stage 2

From the beach follow faint signs of a path which begin to climb round the south side of the bay, slowly reaching the cliff top of Biod Boidheach. After a short distance atop the cliffs, the way is barred by a vertically sided sea gorge - known as a geo - which necessitates a detour inland northeast for about half a kilometre. Before heading inland, approach the geo for a great view of an archway leading right through the sea-cliffs on the opposite side.

Stage 3

Head northeast alongside the geo until the vertical slope relents and it is easy to cross the stream and head back to the sea on the far side. The next section is on wonderfully dry turf; follow the cliffs as they curve round a bay. As you approach the next bay, there is a fantastic view of a sea tunnel which bores right through the next headland. On a perfect calm day it is possible for kayakers to pass right through the tunnel. After passing the tunnel, the route descends slightly and passes above another cove - one of the few places where it is possible to descend to the sea. Continue along the cliff top. The way rounds yet another cove, and there are grand views ahead along the coastline to Macleods Maidens. After passing a third cove, the route meets up with faint tyre-tracks in the grass and heather, which lead steeply downhill to the Geodha Mor.

Stage 4

Here, the Dibidal river cascades in a series of waterfalls to reach the sea beside some perfect sandy coves. The river can be tricky to cross; it is safest to do so where the vehicle track fords it a few hundred metres upstream. Once on the far side, turn right and head back to the sea. It is possible to get down to the sandy beaches via a scramble down a gully about fifty metres south from where the stream plunges down. Resume the walk by continuing along the clifftop once more, which ascends steeply, reaching a break level section before descending slightly to the Ollisdal burn. The lonely building clearly visible about half a kilometre up this valley is a bothy maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association; please help by carrying out any rubbish you find here, and always follow the bothy code when visiting.

Stage 5

On the far side of the stream, continue along the cliffs. The next headland reveals Lorgasdal bay, perhaps the most spectacular stretch of coastline on the whole walk. The walk round its cliffs passes a series of sea stacks, caves, arches, grand buttresses and a magnificent waterfall, before climbing once more along An Dainnire to the highest section of the cliffs.

Stage 6

The going here is on a series of sheep tracks through the heather, and as you begin to descend to round Inbhir a'Gharraidh, there is a great view of the Maidens ahead, now close at hand. A steep descent is necessary to round the bay and reach the cliff top directly above the Maidens.

Stage 7

The largest of the three stacks that make up Macleod's Maidens is the Mother, and the two other contrasting stacks are known as the Daughters. The Mother stack was first climbed in 1959; ascents must be alarming as the top section looks ready to topple. From here the route changes in character as it heads inland, keeping just to the right of a steep slope to enter the valley of the Glac Ghealaich. Head down this valley (there is an excellent view of some sea arches to be had if you have the energy to climb to the cliffs on the far side); slowly a path becomes clear as you contour the slopes beyond to the cleared village of Idrigill.

Stage 8

From here the route heads through a mix of natural woodland and forestry plantations; it is very pleasant but the undulating nature of the terrain is tiring after such a long walk. Reach a clearing at Brandarsaid before forcing your tired legs to climb once more through the trees and over the low pass to the north. After a couple of kilometres a forestry track will be reached. Follow this as it heads gently downhill, eventually reaching the shore at the head of Loch Bharcasaig. After another kilometre the track turns left, heading inland to reach Orbost House - and, hopefully, your waiting transport.

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