Scorrybreac circuit, Portree
TROTTERNISH, PORTREE AND THE BRAES
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1. Scorrybreac Road is the first right turn after passing above the harbour on the road towards Staffin. There are marked parking bays on the shore just after the turning to the Cuillin Hills hotel. There are picnic tables here, and further along the route. A display board gives a map and details of this walk. The walk begins along the tarmac path close to the wooded shore, giving excellent views of the cottages around Portree Harbour. A prominent tower in the woods above the harbour is an example of an Apothecary's tower, built as a sign to passing seafarers that medical supplies and expertise are available in the village.
2. The path soon passes the boathouse which is the home of Portree sailing club before crossing a footbridge and reaching a gate signed 'Urras Clann Mhicneacail'. This is Gaelic for the Nicolson Trust - the headland beyond has been purchased by members of the Clan Nicolson from all around the world, Scorrybreac being considered the homeland of the clan. The chief's house was the first of the large white houses by the shore as you drove down the road.
3. Through the gate, the path becomes gravelled. To the left of the path is a memorial with three flagpoles and grand views across Loch Portree to the distant Cuillins. The plaque commemorates the members of Clan Nicolson who contributed to buying this land. A further gravel path and steps can be optionally climbed to reach a higher viewpoint above the cliff.
4. Back on the main path, continue beside the shore. The low lying land blocking the entrance to Portree bay is part of the Isle of Raasay, whilst the hill directly across the bay is Ben Tianavaig. White-tailed eagles nest on the inaccessible cliffs below Ben Tianavaig, so keep a keen eye out. The outcrop of rock just offshore, which can be reached at low tide, is the Black Rock, whilst across Loch Portree you can clearly see the sandy beach at Camas Ban. The loch itself is home to a number of salmon farms. The fish can usually be seen within their enclosures as they jump up from the water. Common seals can also sometimes be seen swimming by the shore.
5. The path reaches a stone seat where a view of the high coastal cliffs to the north are revealed. The going becomes stonier at this point; continue ahead on the path until it reaches a dry stone wall. Here, turn left and follow the path uphill, at first beside the wall; soon it bends left and ascends a steep series of zig-zags.
6. Above the zigzags, the route levels off and crosses more open countryside. Continue on the path, passing through a kissing gate before heading downhill to a further gate. The path now enters an attractive silver birchwood. After another kissing gate, the path descends along the edge of the wood before emerging behind the Cuillin Hills hotel. Continue down the tarmac road back to the start point.
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