Kilmarie is a tiny wee place on Skye that most folks simply drive past on the way to Elgol. We stopped and found a walk with amazing views that is very accessible for all abilities. As a bonus when the tide is out there is a beach to be explored as well.
Location of Kilmarie
Kilmarie is situated just off the B8083 Broadford to Elgol road. From Broadford take the B8083 to Torrin past Amy’s Place Tea Room. Follow the road around the loch and over the hill on the other side. A little more than 5 miles from Torrin, at a stone bridge there is a small turning on your left signed for Kilmarie. Take this turning and follow the road past Kilmarie House until you see a couple of parking spaces on your left. This is the start of the walk. There is room for a couple of cars here so park considerately.
The walk
Our walk lead us on the road away from Kilmarie House following the shoreline of Loch Eishort. This is a live road but we did not see any traffic at all during our walk. The road serves 3-4 houses so at least one day a week there will be the bin wagon. A couple of the houses looked like holiday lets so were empty at this time of year. Because the road is rarely used the tarmac surface is lovely and smooth. No problem for Sarah at all with her trusty rollator.
As the snow clouds we encountered on our drive round to Kilmarie lifted we were afforded fabulous views across Loch Eishort to the Sleat Peninsula. Behind us was the towering mass of Bla Bheinn with a little snow on top. A truly stunning and quiet location. When the tarmac road stops there is a gravel track up the hill to the right. This serves a couple of houses so is very compact. A little bumpier for Sarah going up here but she was captivated by the view.
This track levels off and ends at the second house. Here you find a grass path leading off ahead of you. This was a little muddy and more difficult for Sarah. We gave it a go but with snow clouds looming we called it a day and headed back to the car. Hopefully we can come back and explore further in better weather. We managed to cover all three terrains with Sarah’s rollator. The road would be suitable for absolutely anyone with walking or wheeling aids. If a vehicle did approach there is plenty of room for everyone. It is just over half a mile to the second house on the tarmac road so not a great distance to cover.
Mainly just take your time, enjoy an easy level walk and revel in the stunning views.
Things of note at Kilmarie
Kilmarie graveyard – the resting place for some of the MacKinnon clan as well as other notable local clans. It is bursting with daffodils in the Spring months.
Kilmarie House – tucked behind the high walls this was once the home of musician Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull.
Dun Ringill – for those with a bit better mobility there is a 1.75mile/3km walk to Dun Ringill on the other side of the river. Please find the details of the walk here.