LOCH CORUISK

Explore the Cuillin of Skye

This trip starts in Portree where you will be picked up in our minibus and driven down through the Cuillin Hills to the picturesque fishing village of Elgol. Here we will board a boat which will take us across loch Scavaig to the landing jetty at Loch Coruisk. Here we will walk the entire length of Britain’s shortest river – Scavaig. At the head of this we reach Loch Coruisk, but the best views need to be worked for. After crossing some stepping stones and walking around the eastern shore of the loch, we start our climb up Sgurr na Stri. This is a relatively easy but continuous uphill trek, in which the views get better and better with every metre of altitude gained.

Our target is the reach a point just over half way to the summit which offers a view which has often been described as the best in Britain. Here we will stop for lunch as we take in the panoramic view of the mighty Black Cuillin as it horseshoes around Loch Coruisk below. After lunch we start our descent into Glen Sligachan, passing by seldom seen views of some of the Cuillin’s most impressive peaks. Once down on the floor of the valley, it is a level hike all the way to the finish line at the Sligachan Hotel.

  • Meeting/drop off point – Portree

  • Start of hiking route – Elgol

  • End of hiking route – Sligachan

  • Length of hike – 10 miles (16 km)

  • Duration of hike – 8 hours (including 30 min boat journey)

  • Total vertical ascent – 500m

  • Terrain – Uneven. Boggy in places. Mostly on marked path.

  • Wildlife sightings – high possibility of seals, chance of dolphins, basking sharks, whales.

Bits You Need to Know…

  • Good quality, well worn waterproof walking boots are essential, with thick natural fibre hiking socks to prevent blisters. Waterproof clothing is strongly advised, as there is little shelter from passing showers. Suncream is also recommended, and you are welcome to bring walking poles if these help you.
  • This route is not suitable for sufferers of vertigo or those uncomfortable with exposure. It is also not advisable for anyone who suffers severely from motion sickness.
  • The weather will play an enormous part in the enjoyment of this walk, so we may move the scheduled day by 24 hours in the event of poor weather being forecast on the scheduled day. High winds or persistent rain will not allow you to enjoy this mountain walk, so please be understanding if we suggest a change in the plan – it is for everyone’s benefit.
  • The Cuillin area is one of outstanding natural beauty, and we consider the conservation of the area paramount. It is important that you respect this and leave no evidence of your presence. Don’t collect anything along the way as a souvenir, and don’t leave anything behind such as litter or cigarette butts.
  • A deposit of £50 per person is requested once we confirm your trip. In the event of a trip being cancelled due to poor weather or low turnout (less than 4 people), a full refund will be issued. The maximum group size is usually 6.
  • There is no mobile reception coverage along this walk, so please inform friends or family that they will not be able to contact you until the completion of the walk.
  • For anyone interested in photography, this trip offers the perfect opportunity to see some very impressive and seldom seen viewpoints.