Uags from Toscaig

Summary

The lonely bothy at Uags enjoys a fantastic location right on the coastline with superb views across to the Crowlin Islands and Skye. The walk to reach it may be short but it is very rough.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

The path is very rough, boggy and indistinct in places.

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.

Getting there

Start

Toscaig Pier.

Public Transport

None.

Start Grid Ref

NG709377

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 11.6km / 7.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 320m (Profile)

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Explorer 428 - Kyle of Lochalsh

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

From Applecross, drive south towards Toscaig, continuing to the pier at the end of the road where there is parking. Walk back along the road for 1.25km then turn right to head to the houses at Upper Toscaig - there is no parking here.

Stage 2

Continue the walk from the road end by heading for the footbridge, signed for Airigh-Drishaig and Uags. Cross the bridge and follow the path up to the left.

Stage 3

A track heads left towards a barn; follow the path across the grass to reach a metal signpost. This indicates a fork; the left path heads for Airigh Drishaig and the right path for Uags. Take the right hand path, heading for and passing through a gate (it's very boggy here) and then a gap in a drystone wall. The path now climbs gently giving views down towards Toscaig pier and house to the right.

Stage 4

The path climbs across the rough, rocky moorland. As you continue there are views towards a small lochan well down to the right. The outlook over the Isle of Raasay and its flat-topped summit Dùn Caan is superb.

Stage 5

Follow the path as it passes well above the lochan to eventually head for an area of old, greener pastures in the middle of these barren moors. This is an area of old shielings; the piles of stones represent the huge effort in clearing this patch of more fertile ground. Cross the burn (which can be awkward after heavy rains) to continue across this area of old improved ground; a cairn at the far end marks the continuation of the path beyond.

Stage 6

The route now crests a small rise and then makes a gently rising traverse across the next section of moorland, passing above a group of birch trees. There is then a brief descent to cross another, narrower stream before the path gently climbs once more, passing above an empty glen that slopes down to the sea. Further on is an indistinct section of path, still heading south, before the route finally descends into an area of more extensive birches, passing through two gates. Uags is reached just beyond.

Stage 7

Uags bothy has a superb location, right on the edge of the sea. The bothy is 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. Outside there are some flat rocks overlooking the sea; the view to Skye and the Crowlins, is magical. Some maps show a path from Uags around the coast to Airigh-drishaig - however it is pathless on the ground and going this way is very strenous (described in reverse on the link). Those doing this walk to Uags should return back the way you came.

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