Macleod's Tables
DUIRINISH, WATERNISH, DUNVEGAN AND CENTRAL SKYE
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1. Take the B884 Glendale road and turn onto the minor road to Orbost at the first corner. After a kilometre and a half the round bends to the right, before bending left again in another half kilometre. Park on the verges near the second bend, avoiding blocking any passing places. The walk starts along the far bank of the little stream just before the bend, soon curving to the west and passing along the edge of a ravine. Above the ravine, head southwest and then south towards the indistinct top of Beinn Bhuidhe, keeping to the height of the land. [Photo shows Macleod's Tables from across Loch Dunvegan].
2. From Ben Bhuidhe continue across the moor, still keeping to the height of the land to reach An Cruachan to the southwest. From here, the way ahead to Healabhal Beag, the higher of Macleods Tables, is clear. Continue across the moor to reach steeper grassy slopes. The way up to the Table appears to be barred by a line of crags, but there is a broken section to the right of the prominent nose. Head for this, and it is easy to pass between the crags before heading left to the top of the nose. Continue on southwest, passing a cairn to reach the Trig point.
Photo ©John Allan and reproduced under this licence
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3. Healabhal Bheag is the higher of the Tables though Bheag means little and Mhor means big. The reason is that Healabhal Mor has a much greater bulk when seen from the glens. There are a number of legends associated with the Tables. According to the most popular, the Chief of Clan MacLeod was invited to a banquet by King James V in Edinburgh. Hearing the taunts from the assembled dignitaries, Macleod boasted that he had a grander table and more beautiful candles on Skye. When some of these dignitaries came to Dunvegan, Macleod led them up Healabhal Mhor where he had laid out a great feast, with clansmen standing round the edge of the plateau holding torches. An older legend relates to St Columba's arrival on Skye. At this time the hills had pointed summits, but when Columba was not offered a bed by any locals, divine intervention led to the levelling of the hilltops, providing Columba with a bed and table.
Photo ©Walter Baxter and reproduced under this licence
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4. Whichever legend you prefer, you'll agree the view is magnificent, especially across Loch Bracadale and its islands to the distant Cuillins. For the descent, head northwest across the plateau and then down the steep grass slope, avoiding any rocky sections to the left. To continue to Healabhal Mhor, it is possible to skirt the slopes of Beinn na-Uamha by following a shelf to its right. Beyond a further descent precedes the increasingly steep climb to the second table. Walking up the final perfectly even grass slope to the plateau feels like you are preparing for take off!
Photo ©Adam Ward and reproduced under this licence
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5. The summit of Healabhal Mhor is slightly to the left near the start of the plateau, which is surprisingly a little boggy. The view is slightly less fine than than from Healabhal Bheag, except for a beautiful vista of the complex shores of Loch Dunvegan and its many islands. Continue east to the far side of the plateau.
Photo ©John Allan and reproduced under this licence
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6. The descend is another steep, mostly grassy slope. When the ground begins to level off, it is best to head off southeast down to the Osdale River. Cross this when you can, and head across country for the shallow bealach (pass) between Creagan Dearga and Beinn Bhuidhe (careful navigation may be required), where you will rejoin your outward route and the ravine leading back to the start.
Photo ©Donald Thomas and reproduced under this licence
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