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MacLeod's Maidens

Tuesday 18th August 2015

19kms

8hrs

Day 3 of our Skye spectacular dawned bright and blue once again, could this last? After yesterdays exertions along the ridge, it was decided to have an "easy" day, if 19 kilometres can be classed as "easy"; and so a coastal walk to the sea stacks bearing the fabled name of "MacLeod's Maidens" was the chosen walk for today.

We set off from Orbost House and around the shores of Loch Bharcasaig, which in reality is actually a small bay within the much larger Loch Bracadale, but is never-the-less a very beautiful setting for the start of a walk. Initially, the track wound up through a mixture of forest and open hillside, lined with bracken, which at times was almost shoulder high, but, as with all coastal walks, cliffs and sea provided spectacular views as we meandered up and down the hillside above the shoreline.

This area of the coastline bares the scars of by-gone inhabitants, with a number of ruined dwellings at various stages along the hillside, and it was to one, large such site that we headed towards for a break and just to soak up the sun and views on what was a glorious day weather-wise. The ruins of Idrigill lie just outside of the now forested area, a clearing, grass covered with the remains of dwellings clearly visible, and some significant wall structures still in existence. It was a beautiful place, and, we stayed some time, even longer once we had spotted a sea-eagle gliding along the nearby cliffs before it was unceremoniously driven off by some gulls that dived and swooped around it until it finally departed the area.

The forest and bracken gave way to grass topped cliffs as we approached our destination, the tall sea stacks that arise a short distance from the main cliffs and tower upwards from their base. And yet again, we were treated to the spectacle of a sea eagle gliding between the stacks and the cliffs, so near to us that you then appreciate just how large a wing-span of these birds have.

Coastal walks in Skye never fail to impress, especially on a bright, sunny day - A great walk, not that "easy" but a lovely relaxing day, great views, and watching those sea eagles was just a wonderful experience.

Great day - Great company.

MacLeod's Maidens - Photo Gallery

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