The Isle of Skye. Terry Marsh
on the island, ascents which, although classed as ‘walks’ remain arduous and demanding. The point of division can best be explained as the moment when hands cease to be used simply for balance and security, and become necessary as an aid to progress. On this basis, Inaccessible Pinnacle remains inaccessible, but Sgurr Alasdair, the highest summit of the Cuillin, is included, in spite of the latter’s toilsome scree slope and airy situation.
Where a walk is substantially available to non-scramblers, the route is described up to the difficulties. For example, the ascent of Sgurr nan Gillean is described as far as the topmost hundred feet or so; beyond that point the walker enters the realms of the seasoned scrambler. When a walk is one that only competent scramblers or rock climbers could realistically attempt, no more than a brief description is given in orange text illustrating that the walk is not suitable for walkers.
All parts of the island are visited, and the chosen walks will provide an excuse for many visits to Skye, and allow walkers to evade inclement weather in one part of the island by taking on walks in another.
Each walk description begins with a short introduction, and provides start and finish points, as well as a calculation of the distance and ascent. The walks are grouped largely within the traditional areas of Skye, and, within those areas, in a reasonably logical order – allowance should be made, however, for the author’s idiosyncratic brand of logic!
Peak bagging
This book has not been written to facilitate peak bagging; in any case, some of the Skye peaks cannot be reached by walkers. But, for the record, Skye has 12 Munros and 2 Corbetts. And if you collect Marilyns, then you have 51 to contend with on Skye and the adjacent islands.
Distances
Distances are given in kilometres (and miles), and represent the total distance for the described walk, that is from the starting point to the finishing point. Where a walk continues from a previously-described walk, the distance given is the total additional distance involved. When a walk is to a single summit, the distance assumes a retreat by the outward route.
Total ascent
The figures given for ascent represent the total height gain for the complete walk, including the return journey, where appropriate. They are given in metres (and feet, rounded up or down). Where a walk continues from a previously-described walk, the ascent figure is the total additional height gain involved.
No attempt is made to grade walks, as this is far too subjective, and depends on abilities that vary from person to person. But the combination of distance and total ascent should permit each walker to calculate roughly how long each walk will take using whatever method – Naismith’s or other – you find works for you. On Skye, however, generous allowance must also be made on most walks for the ruggedness of the terrain and the possibility that any streams that need to be crossed may prove awkward, or indeed completely impassable at the most convenient spot, necessitating long detours or even a retreat.
Access
Walkers in Scotland have always taken access – by custom, tradition or right – over most land and water in Scotland. This is now enshrined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which came into effect in February 2005. The Act tells you where rights of access apply, while the Scottish Outdoor Access Code sets out your responsibilities when exercising your rights. These responsibilities can be summarised as follows:
take responsibility for your own actions
respect the interests of other people
care for the environment.
The sea cliffs of Oronsay (Walk 3.24)
Access rights can be exercised over most land and inland water in Scotland by all non-motorised users, including walkers, cyclists, horse riders and canoeists, providing they do so responsibly. Walkers and others must behave in ways which are compatible with land management needs, and land managers also have reciprocal responsibilities to manage their land to facilitate access, taken either by right, custom or tradition. Local authorities and national park authorities have a duty and the powers to uphold access rights. People may be requested not to take access for certain periods of time when, for example, tree-felling is taking place, or for nature conservation reasons. It is responsible to comply with reasonable requests. Access rights also extend to lightweight, informal camping.
Access rights apply in or on:
hills, mountains and moorland
woods and forests
most urban parks, country parks and other managed open spaces
rivers, lochs, canals and reservoirs
riverbanks, loch shores, beaches and the coastline
land in which crops have not been sown
the margins of fields where crops are growing or have been sown and along the ‘tramlines’ or other tracks which cross the cropped area
grassland, including grass being grown for hay or silage (except when it is at such a late stage of growth that it is likely to be damaged)
fields where there are horses, cattle and other farm animals
all core paths agreed by the local authority
all other paths and tracks where these cross land on which access rights can be exercised
grass sports or playing fields, when not in use, and on land or inland water developed or set out for a recreational purpose, unless the exercise of access rights would interfere with the carrying on of that recreational use
golf courses, but only for crossing them and providing that you do not take access across greens or interfere with any games of golf
bridges, tunnels, causeways, launching sites, groynes, weirs, boulder weirs, embankments of canals and similar waterways, fences, walls or anything designed to facilitate access (such as gates or stiles).
Farmyards are not included in the right of access, but you may still take access through farmyards by rights of way, custom or tradition. Farmers are encouraged to sign alternative routes if they do not want people passing through their farmyard. If you are going through a farmyard, proceed with care and respect the privacy of those living on the farm.
Access rights do not apply to houses or other buildings, or to the immediate surrounding areas including garden ground. Access rights apply to the woodland and grassland areas within the ‘policies’ of large estates, but not to the mown lawns near the house.
The above does not purport to represent a complete statement of the law as it applies in Scotland, and is no substitute for a comprehensive understanding of the situation. However, it is an outline indication of the rights of access as they apply in Scotland.
For more information and to download a copy of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, see www.outdooraccess-scotland.com or www.ramblers.org.uk/scotland.
ABOUT DOGS
Dogs must be kept under proper control, and should not be taken into any field with young animals in it, or into fields of vegetables or fruit unless there is a clear path.
There is concern among sheep farmers on Skye about the presence of dogs. With increasing frequency you encounter notices that ask you to keep your dog on a lead, or under close control. There is always a good reason for doing so, usually because the walk covers ground close by sea cliffs that is grazed by free-roaming sheep, and over which startled sheep might fall. It is advisable, not to mention considerate, to keep your dog on a lead at all times.
Safety
The fundamentals of safety in the hills should be known by everyone heading for Skye intent on walking, but