The Isle of Oronsay, Skye - reached at low tide only!

20 May 2007 - a nice but windy day
Start: Uillinish Lodge on the west coast of Skye

Note walking can be dangerous and this route involves crossing/returning at low tide and walking near very steep cliffs, these details are for info only.

This is a lovely walk for a sunny day and must be done at a lowish tide as you have to go over a causeway. The starting point is from Ullinish Lodge which can be found on the west coast of Skye. Follow the A87 to Struan and, just north of the village, take the small road signposted Ullinish. You can park by the Lodge or follow the signs for Oronsay Path and park by the farm/croft.
Go through 2 kissing gates into the field and follow the path straight across the field - it is a wee bit damp in places but very straight forward. At the other side of the field go through another gate and follow the path above a rocky/stony cove and head on up. As you go over the rise, which is boggy in places, Oronsay comes into view and looks impressive with the steep cliffs along the northern edge.
Follow the boggy path down through another gate and down a steepish path between the rocky outcrops and onto the causeway proper. Assuming the tide is out, the way across is even if a little stony/rocky. There are loads of rock pools to explore as well as a couple of sandy areas to paddle in should the tide be out far enough!
Across the causeway you soon reach the grass again and it is a pleasant meander up sheep trails - there are sheep on the island but we're not sure if they walked or swam! Over the first rise it flatens for a bit and passes close to the cliff edge where you need a head for heights as the cliff is vertical/overhanging! Steer clear with the kids and dogs!
The final rise is short lived and you soon reach the top of the Island where there are fantastic views all around Loch Bracadale including Macleod's Maidens, Wiay, Tarner and Harlosh Islands as well as Fiskavaig and Ardtreck Point. If you have time, there is a geo cache nearby (see www.geocaching.com). We enjoyed a cup of tea and bite to eat before retracing our steps back.