Loch Sligachan

TROTTERNISH, PORTREE AND THE BRAES


Summary :	The footpath along the north shore of Loch Sligachan was once the main route north to Portree; today it gives a pleasant, peaceful walk with good views; you can have a drink at Sligachan before heading back.
Terrain :	Good path until the final section near Sligachan; the route is boggier here and there are two streams to cross which may be awkward in wet weather.
Grade :		Distance :	11km/6.75 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	4 - 5 hours
Start :	Car park at end of the Braes road.	Grid ref :	NG525330
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 410 - Portree online	Ascent :	175m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more Open all walks in Google Earth Tell me more
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	Bus number 59 has a daily service, two on Fridays. Get off at Peinachorrain where the bus turns round. Alternatively, do the walk from the Sligachan end which is served by more regular buses.[Click for timetables - choose Area 4]

1. Park at the end of the Braes road; there is a parking area just beyond the turning area. The walk starts at the signpost for Sligachan; slope uphill on this first section and you'll soon reach a much better path at a slightly higher level. There are great views across to the pier at Sconser across the water and you might see the Raasay ferry pulling in and out. The path soon descends to a large cairn on the shore.

2. Beyond the cairn, the path reascends and generally keeps about fifty feet above the water from here on. The route crosses several small streams, the first of which is wooded above the path and has a fine waterfall.

3. The route continues for about three kilometres in a similar fashion. Glamaig looks impressive across the water, its steep northern slopes of broken rock and scree looking quite unassailable, whilst the view of the Cuillins ahead improves with each step. Eventually the steep slopes on the right lessen and a bigger stream is reached beneath a prominent waterfall. It is possible to cross this using stones unless the water is in spate. Beyond the path is less clear; keep the salt flats just to the left and the moorland to your right.

4. After crossing several small streams, a larger one is reached just four hundred metres short of the campsite. The bridge marked on the OS map here is a figment of the mapmakers imagination. There are stepping stones across but these may be covered, in which case it is easier to cross slightly to the left where the water is shallowest. Beyond, the path soon reaches Sligachan campsite; continue through this to reach the main road and the hotel if needed. The return is the same way.

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Hotels in Portree, Trotternish, Braes
B&B in Portree, Trotternish, Braes
Cottages in Portree, Trotternish, Braes
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