Revealing how accessible Skye is For All
Last week we had a lovely walk down Edinbane Old Road. It was lovely until the rain came and we got drenched! That said it is an excellent surface for everyone to use, probably better than the current road that vehicles use every day. With that in mind it would be safe and accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs, dog walkers, kids scooters and walkers alike.
The good summer weather has bypassed Skye in recent weeks so our walk was taken under leaden skies and occasional sunshine. We found a lovely farm track which crosses open land and forest between Skeabost Cemetery and the Struan road and which proved to be very accessible in so many ways. Here is how we coped on the Skeabost Cemetery Track.
According to a stone erected on St Columba’s Isle, it is the ancient burial ground and site of the Cathedral Church of the Bishop of the Isles from 1079 to 1498. Similarly ancient is the mortuary chapel of the Nicolson’s Aisle. Here according to tradition 28 chiefs of that clan are buried. Hidden away on the banks of the River Snizort it is a peaceful place, often missed by those whizzing along the main road between Dunvegan and Portree.
Tucked away down a single track road at the North end of the Isle of Skye the Fairy Glen can be missed by a passer-by. A quick check of Instagram photos and it would seem the whole world knows where it is, however there is no local signage! We managed a wonderful visit during Lockdown and found ourselves in the lucky position of being the only folks in the glen apart from maybe the Fairies!
Located at the end of Glen Brittle, the beach is one of the most beautiful on Skye especially when the tide is out. Glen Brittle beach lies in the shadow of the Black Cuillins which never fail to impress. With compact, endless sand it is a good walking surface to enjoy. Not a spot to bring a wheelchair but definitely accessible for everyone else.
Looking across Portree Harbour from the village there is a pristine piece of green land. Usually adorned with a flagpole which sadly broke in a early winter storm of 2020. This area is home to the Nicolson Clan Memorial. The walk from the village centre (Somerled Square) to the memorial is approximately 2.5km or 1.5 miles . Walking halfway on the footpath and halfway on the pathless Scorrybreac Road. Sarah found it quite tricky in places which we will describe at length below.
The Marble Line just outside Broadford is the route of the old marble quarry train. It was in use in the early 20th Century. In more recent times it has been lovingly restored by Broadford and Strath Community Company into an accessible footpath. Linking to other paths in the area the Marble Line is a popular way to see Strath Suardal, the deserted villages of Suishnish and Boreraig and Old Corry. For our walk we simply concentrated on the Marble Line itself.
Continue reading “The Marble Line”The Ord Coral beaches are a hidden gem on the Sleat Peninsula of Skye. You can truly appreciate the coral beaches at low tide so check the tide times before you go. The lower the tide the more exploring you can do. It is a short walk of approximately 3km or 1.8 miles but you can explore further if you wish. Not suitable for wheelchair users but a gentle walk for folks who don’t want to over exert themselves.
Dunscaith Castle or Dun Sgathaich in Gaelic is a ruined fortification of the Clan MacLeod. The ruins still sit atop a large rock on the edge of Loch Eishort near the small township of Tokavaig. It is a short walk to Dunscaith Castle, approximately 2km or 1.25 miles in all and the views are tremendous. Underfoot the ground is quite rough with no discernable path after the cottages & a cobbled beach area. Not a walk for everyone but achievable for many.
It is a short walk to the ruins of Dun Fiadhairt just north of Dunvegan. Here you find the remains of an Iron Age Broch some 17 metres in diameter. The structure reveals internal and external broch walls and doorways. Not a walk for wheelchair users but only a mile or so for those wanting to stretch their legs. If there has been heavy rain the ground is very very boggy so maybe visit in drier weather.
