Sgorr Horan or Beinn an Sguirr cliffs

(NB There is presently forestry harvesting happening in the area, which does not close the walk but please see info in Facebook post) 

Summary:This circular walk takes you along the dramatic escarpment of Beinn an Sguirr, where Golden and Sea Eagles can often be seen riding the thermals or perched on the inaccessible crags. At various points on the route you can see both sides of Waternish. To the east you have views of the Ascrib Isles, Uig and Trotternish. On the west side you can see to Ardmore Point, Dunvegan Head and the Western Isles. The walk is straightforward, mostly on forestry tracks. However, it can be very boggy on an open moorland section.

Distance: 5km or 10 kms

Time: 2 – 3 hours

Terrain: Forestry tracks and moorland path which can be wet underfoot. Steep cliff edges mean care should be taken. One steep downhill section.

(Walk 4 on our introduction map.)

The walk can be started from 2 places (Stein – A or Gillen – H) both with limited parking although the Stein side has probably more. I have made this walk in the opposite way to Walk Highlands, which means walking towards the views of Trotternish and I think made it easier to access the route above Sguirr Bay – E. However as said, this route is pretty boggy in places. I have been told of the extended route as marked – D, which would avoid this and hopefully this year I will try it out. It should be noted that the route is quite close to the cliff edge and care should be taken.

The route to or from C is the boggy route, although there are footpath markers on the way. D is the unknown route. F is a route down and back to Loch Losait or locally known as Sgorr Bay which is a lovely detour but is quite steep. There are ruins of a crofting community.

This is crofting land.  Please abide by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which can be found here and in particular please keep dogs on a lead where there are sheep and cattle.

Walk Highlands information page

Looking towards Ardmore

Footpath marker C

Looking towards Geary

Beinn an Sguirr from below