hiking guide for Glencoe and/or Skye

Hi! I have a couple of hiking ideas for your trip to Skye: The first two are relatively close together, and could be done in a half day:

Take the A863 toward Dunvegan. Before Dunvegan, at Lonmore, turn left on the B864. It should be signposted Colbost and Glendale. It's a single track road. Follow the B864 through Glendale, and watch for signs for Neist Point Lighthouse, or Waterstein. Once you reach Waterstein, go to the end of the road. There's a small car park there, and you can hike down to the lighthouse, which is in a spectacular location. It's easier going down to the lighthouse than it is going back.

Once you've left the lighthouse, get back on the B864. After a short drive (if you end up back in Glendale, you've gone too far), you'll come to a T junction. Turn right toward Borrodale and Ramasaig. At the end of the road, you'll come to Ramasaig Farm. Find a good place to park, then follow the footpath/tractor track that starts from the end of the road. You'll eventually come to an abandoned village called Lorgill. It used to be the home of about 40 families, but they were evicted during the Clearances, and now there's nothing left but the outlines of the houses. Last time I was there, the ruins were being used as sheep pens.

Walk #3: This one's a little more strenuous. From Broadford, take the A881 south toward Elgol. It's a single track road for most of the way. About two miles before Elgol, you'll come to the hamlet of Kirkibost. There's a small car park on the left side of the road, near a church at Kilmarie. You'll see a signpost across the road for Camasunary. There is a 4wheel drive track leading up through the hills to Camasunary. It's uphill most of the way, but you'll eventually be rewarded with a view of Loch Scavaig, with the Cuillins in the background, and the island of Soay off to the left. If you're really ambitious, you can hike down the track to the lodge and bothy at Camasunary (Camas Fhionnairigh). If you're really, really ambitious, you can turn north through Glen Sligachan, which takes you along the glen between the Red and Black Cuillins to the Sligachan Hotel. If you decide to do that, be aware of the bus schedules, as it's an expensive taxi ride back to Kirkibost!

Walk #4: This one's a little more strenuous, but my wife and I did it in our mid-sixties. She hasn't let me forget it! Take the Bella Jane from Elgol to Loch Coruisk. Cross the Scavaig River on the stepping stones. (Not recommended if the river is in spate). Follow Loch Coruisk around to the left, then follow the path to the right just before the stream. That path will take you to a saddle between two peaks. The hill is called Druim Hain. There is a cairn at the top. Turn left, and you'll see another cairn about 100 yards away. Go to that cairn, and you'll see a path leading down the other side of Druim Hain. Follow that path down to Glen Sligachan, then on to the Sligachan Hotel, which looks closer than it is. You'll eventually meet up with the path from Camasunary. It's about eight miles total, and again, you have to be aware of the bus schedules. You'll be in a glen between the Red and Black Cuillins, so you'll have lots of opportunity for photos.

Walk #5: This one has become so clogged with tourists that it's well nigh impossible to find a place to park, but the scenery is breathtaking. Take the Glenbrittle Road to where all the cars are parked. You can't miss it. The Fairy Pools are up that path. There is a sign warning that there are no toilets, so come prepared.

There are also good hikes to the Old Man of Storr, and to the Quiraing. I'd highly recommend picking up Ordnance Survey maps (Landranger 32 and 23), if you're planning to take any of the more isolated hikes.

As a follow up to that lengthy post, please make sure that you have accommodation on Skye before you venture forth. It has become a major tourist destination. If you can't find anything else, the Dunollie Hotel in Broadford usually has something available. It ain't the Ritz, but sometimes any port in a storm is the best you can hope for.

Have a wonderful time!

p.s.: Bring plenty of water!

Thank you for the suggestions! We are staying 3 nights at the Slighachan Hotel, so we could complete one of your walks in reverse.

There's an alternative path from Elgol ..
Great views and good underfoot, the new bothy is close by when you descend
to the bay
http://www.theskyeguide.com/walking-mainmenu-32/13-moderate-walks/104-camasunary-from-elgol

If you do the hike from Sligachan to Loch Coruisk in reverse (it's about a four hour hike), make sure that you have a reservation for the Bella Jane to take you back to Elgol. Otherwise, it's a long walk back to the "Slig." The clegs (horseflies) can be vicious in the lower part of the glen, near the river, so wear long sleeves, and don't wear shorts. :)

Awesome advice! Thank you!

I have used this site for years to assist me in finding hikes: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/

Thanks Kathleen! I looked at that site and there are tons of great hikes!