The seemingly bleak moorlands north of the Sand River, like many in the Highlands, harbour the remains of centuries of human activities. This constructed circular trail heads through these empty moors.
Bog Factor
Hard track or path throughout.
Grassy verge at start of Sand Farm track.
None to start.
NG761790
This newly constructed walk replaces the earlier archaeological trail which started further north. Park on the grass verge at the start of the track on the right marked "Sand Farm Hill Access"; take care not to cause an obstruction. The walk begins by heading through the gate and following the track to a levelled area. Here turn left onto a clearly constructed footpath.
The path cuts across the moorland, soon coming parallel to but remaining above the Sand River. Eventually it descends and crosses the river via a bridge. The ruin visable over to the left was the schoolmaster's barn, dating from around 1876; the schoolmaster lived in a cottage on the other side of the road.
The route now climbs a little before contouring the slope to the north of the Sand River. The scattered stone ruins seen include old dykes and, more clearly, hut circles and a field system on this side of the river.
The trail leads across another bridge over one of the tributaries, and passes through a gate. The area is grazed by both cattle and sheep, so ensure to keep any dogs under very tight control. After another bridge the route passes over the almost imperceptable hillock of Druim Liath, and then meets a wider track.
Turn right along this track for the return walk back to the start. One the final descent are views over Longa Island to the distant Trotternish Ridge on the Isle of Skye. The track eventually leads back to the road at the start point.
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