Loch Coruisk circuit (access via Elgol by boat)
THE RED HILLS, BROADFORD, ELGOL AND RAASAY
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1. Loch Coruisk can be accessed via a long walk from Sligachan, or from Kilmarie or Elgol via the notorious 'bad step'. All these options are long walks in themselves and unlikely to leave enough time to make a circuit of the loch without an overnight camp. Instead, the usual option is to take a boat trip from Elgol in the morning and return on the afternoon boat trip. This gives wonderful views from the sea as the Cuillin are gradually approached across the sea-loch, Scavaig. Seals are usually seen from the boat, and there is a chance to see porpoise, otters or dolphins. The boat moors at a constructed landing stage in Loch na Cuilce, the bay in Loch Scavaig that is closest to the mountains.
2. Begin the walk by ascending the roughly constructed steps which lead inland. The River Sligachan – one of the shortest of rivers – cascades into the sea over rock slabs to your right, whist further out to sea can be seen the bold outline of the Isle of Rum, and neighbouring Eigg. Continue near the river almost to where it issues from Loch Coruisk. Here, assuming the weather hasn't been too wet, cross the river using the piled stones – this can usually be done with dry feet.
3. Once across the river the path climbs a short distance and gives a magnificent full length view of Loch Coruisk. As the path continues round, head back down towards the shore; the higher path climbs over the pass towards Glen Sligachan. Soon you will reach the foot of the Allt a'Choire Riabhach. This is most easily crossed where it runs across the flat section with stones close to the loch shore; again the path climbing up the east bank leads towards Glen Sligachan. Soon after the stream there's a pebbly beach.
4. Beyond this, the slopes of the Druim nam Ramh soon close in on the right and the route keeps close by the loch. At one point the path passes through an area littered with giant, grey boulders; these came down in a rockfall around ten years ago, though the colourings make them look much more recent. Continue by the loch shore; there are a couple of rocky sections to negotiate as well as the bogs.
5. Pass an unexpected area of rowan trees before reaching the head of the loch. The easiest place to cross the stream is usually just before a large rocky outcrop topped with a prominent boulder. Before doing this, take a good look around from the outcrop. The central, most prominent peak at the back of the corrie, with two dome-like summits, is Sgurr a Ghreadaidh. To its right are the four jagged summits of Sgurr a Mhadaidh. To the left is the smaller peak of Sgurr Thormaid, with four rocky teeth to its right, whilst further left still is Sgurr na Banachdich, which has several rocky tops of its own to its left. The great peak that dominates the west side of Coruisk with a great ridge descending almost to the loch is Sgurr Dubh Mor - the ridge is the Dubhs Ridge and is one of Britain's longest rock climbs.
6. Cross the stream and continue back down the far side of the loch. There are areas of flat slabs that make for easier walking. The dark rocks around Coruisk (and throughout the Cuillin) are Gabbro – a volcanic rock with a remarkably rough surface. It is this rock that provides the excellent grip that make the Cuillin so superb for climbing – but watch out for areas covered with slimy moss by the loch as this can be slippery! This side of the Loch is often in shadow, being so close to the high ridges – and it is just as boggy as the other side. As the foot of the loch comes near, the bogs become particularly bad, and it is better either to keep right to the shore of the loch, or cross the slabs just above the bogs to the right. Eventually the cascades of the River Sligachan are reached once more, with the waiting boat (presuming you haven't walked too slowly!) to take you back to Elgol.
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