The old road at Skeabost was once the only connection between the north and south of the Island. Later, it was turned into a single track road running over the Old Skeabost bridge connecting Skeabost with Portree. A new dual road eventually replaced the road, but as with many of Skye’s old roads it remains as a footpath.
We decided to try this walk when we did as we were looking for somewhere we would be able to enjoy the last of the autumn colours. It certainly did not disappoint.
Getting to Old Road at Skeabost
The old road runs parallel to the A850, the road from Portree to Dunvegan. As you enter Skeabost from Portree you turn right up the B8036. Then left onto the unmarked road to Skeabost Memorial Hall. There is some parking at the hall but this is a very busy community hall so we parked further up on the side of the road.
The Old Skeabost Road
The walk starts through a pair of gates. There is a small kissing gate on the left and the main gate to the right across the old road. It is possible to open this gate to allow access for scooters or wheelchairs. If you open the gate remember to close it after you in case there is any livestock grazing in the area.
Being an old road the surface is good and Sarah chose to do it with only two sticks. It would be suitable for wheelchairs and scooters. On the day we were there, the only obstacles were lots of damp leaves and a few patches of ice from the frost that morning. There were occasional patches of mud too but they were not too deep.
So much to see…
Once through the gates you find yourself on top of Old Skeabost Bridge looking down on the Snizort River. On your left the river runs under the A850 over rapids. To the right it plunges deep under the bridge and then runs into the smooth Snizort River that cradles St Columba’s Isle. Up ahead you will see the gate house and driveway leading to Skeabost House Hotel. Be careful here as vehicles do use the road to access a small number of properties along this section. Further along the old road the houses disappear and the path is no longer accessible to vehicles.
The road is lined by native trees which provide a huge canopy over head. It was a riot of colour at this time of year. We were also treated to lots of interesting fungus and occasional burst of green from ferns and rhododendrons. Twitchers will enjoy a walk here as a cheeky robin and tree creeper joined us for some of the walk.
The Rhododendron bushes we saw were displaying buds and promise to give a lovely display of very different colours in the spring. We hope to go back then to see if there are also bluebells there.
As the road passes Skeabost House Hotel grounds you can see the old golf course. Here there is a sign about the proposed rewilding project planned for this area. You may enter the grounds and walk around. We also noticed a very tempting bench that we hope to try out in warmer weather. Whilst you can still hear the traffic on the A850 the walk feels very quiet and safe. On the other side you can hear the Snizort River rushing it’s way to Loch Snizort Beag.
While we could have stayed and soaked in the beauty of Autumn all day we eventually decided to turn back and retrace our steps back to the car. This is a beautiful and accessible walk which looks like it will have something different to offer throughout the year.