Hugh’s Castle

The walk to Hugh’s Castle or Caisteal Uisdein in Gaelic is a hidden gem on Skye. On the Trotternish Peninsula just south of Uig. This walk is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the terrain near the castle . However it is an easy 3 mile walk with little undulation and fairly good underfoot after rain. Good for gaining a bit of fitness or simply enjoying your surroundings. Off the beaten track and a beautiful spot to find yourself exploring.

Parking at the start

There are two places you can park to start the walk to Hugh’s Castle. As you head north on the A87 take the left turn signed for Cuidrach (T). Follow this road down and you come to a disused quarry on the right hand side. Here you can park, just check for any signage regarding parking. At my last visit there wasn’t any so I just parked considerately. From here you walk further down the road for about 1km until you reach the track on the left. It has a green footpath sign for South Cuidrach.

Sometimes here at the start of this track there is a little place to park. If you do choose to park here please bear in mind this is the access for the households further along the track. Please do not park inconsiderately and block the track. Large farm machinery may also want to access this track. In all honesty it would be better to park up at the quarry and walk down, the view alone is worth it!

The path to Hugh’s Castle

The path starts at the track with the green signpost on the left. Primarily I would describe it as a rough landrover track. Keep to the track as it gently rises and falls with the contour of the landscape. Don’t veer off the track and down anyone’s driveways. You will see some wooden posts with Celtic symbols on them to guide you along the track. If you take a dog, please keep it on a lead as there is often livestock in the area.

The views across Loch Snizort and the bay at Cuidrach are simply beautiful on a clear day. There is a real sense of peace and quiet in this tranquil corner of Skye. You leave the bay behind and the track starts to descend. Ahead you see some poly-tunnels by the shore. Belonging to The Isle of Skye Sea Salt Company it is in these tunnels they harvest the Sea Salt you will see for sale around the island. Just after the poly-tunnels the track opens out into a green pasture field. Bear to the right here and cross the field closer to the coast, leaving the track which continues to the left. You will see the castle on the cliff top ahead of you.

If the grass is long it can be a bit wet underfoot but generally the going is good. As you get closer to the castle you will see a wire fence running up to it, there is a stile here you can cross. Go over the stile and explore your surroundings. When you have had enough simply retrace your steps back to the car.

The Story of Hugh’s Castle

As you are exploring Hugh’s Castle you will notice there isn’t a door, just a window. Let me tell you the tale of Hugh’s Castle.

Hugh’s Castle was built in the late 16th Century by Hugh MacDonald, son of the MacDonald Clan Chief. Just prior to this construction his father died in suspicious circumstances. The Chiefdom was handed over to his Uncle rather than to Hugh himself. Hugh MacDonald became an outlaw and made himself rich from piracy and cattle rustling. Hugh was pardoned in 1589, awarded the stewardship of Trotternish and built Hugh’s Castle.

The Castle is a strong rectangular style with very high walls. Today, approximately 20 feet of these walls remain but it is unknown how much higher they originally were. There was no front door at ground level. Access was through an upper door via a ladder which was pulled up and down each time. Thus giving protection from any marauders.

Despite his pardon in 1589 Hugh still blamed his Uncle for the death of his father and sought revenge, He attempted to incite rebellion within the MacDonald clan but failed. Captured by his Uncle’s men, Hugh was imprisoned in Duntulm Castle at the North end of the Trotternish peninsula. Hugh was fed salted beef and denied any water leading to death by dehydration. What a way to go! After his death Hugh’s Castle was abandoned and remains how you see it today.