The walk from Penifiler to Inveralivaig is short and sweet from the township to the shores of Loch Portree. Only a short distance from Portree and relatively accessible for those with good mobility and a little bit of stamina.
Location of our walk
Take the A87 south out of Portree towards Broadford/Sligachan. After the Aros Centre take the next left turn signed for Braes B883. At the sharp right hand turn at the top of the hill take the road straight ahead of you to Penifiler. The walk starts at the very end of the Penifiler road, at the turning circle for large vehicles. If you have driven here, the hardest thing will be the parking. It is very limited so carefully choose a spot that doesn’t block a driveway, gateway, passing place etc.
The walk from Penifiler to Inveralivaig
The walk starts through the gate to the right hand side of the very last house in Penifiler. It is a big wide metal 5 bar gate. It was open during our visit so we left it as we found it. This track is used for access to the house on the shore so is wide and well compacted by vehicles. That said there are quite a few large rocks protruding above the surface and some very prominent drainage channels. A few times this was a bit challenging for Sarah as she had to lift and jiggle her wheels over them. She put one side of the rollator on the grass in the middle so it was a bit smoother for her.
The track slowly descends from the township of Penifiler to Inveralivaig on the shores of Loch Portree. It is steep in places so bear that in mind for on the way back up. On a clear day you have views to the Old Man of Storr and the whole of Portree ahead of you. Loch Portree is a haven for birdlife so maybe take some binoculars and a book with you to enjoy a bit of bird watching. Two small islands come into view, the first has the remains of an old chapel on it and the second is popular with seals. Keep an eye out for heads bobbing in the water. We were unlucky and didn’t see any as the water was quite choppy.
Getting to the shoreline
It is approximately 0.6km/0.4 miles to the shore from the gate and the same on the way back up. When you get to the gate and bridge at the bottom, go through and cross the burn. Here you will see the shoreside house and the shore itself. There is a small gap in the rocky foreshore near to the house gate to access the shore. If you are able to explore here is the safest place. This area is tidal so it is always quite wet and rocky underfoot so be careful. Sarah rested here and watched two Grey Herons on the shoreline.
Returning back to Penifiler from Inveralivaig
When you are ready to return simply retrace your footsteps back up the track to your car. There is a lot of shelter down by the shore at Inveralivaig so it is an ideal spot to have a picnic, bird watch or read a book. As you return up the hill look ahead and you will see amazing views of the Cuillin Ridge. The Penifiler to Inveralivaig walk gives you fantastic views in both directions. Take your time going back up as it takes a bit more strength and energy. Most importantly relax and enjoy this very quiet corner of Skye.
