Waternish Point

21 April 2010 - a nice sunny day
Start: OS Landranger 23 GR229616; start of track on corner at Trumpan

Set off: 1315
Return: 1600
Duration: 2hrs 45mins. Distance: 12km
Total Height Climbed: 100m

A nice walk along tracks and moorland but close to cliff edges - Note walking close to the edge of cliffs can be dangerous, these details are for info only.

We parked at the right angled corner in Trumpan before the road heads towards the old church. Through the gate and the farm track is great to walk on and was dry most of the way although there were some very boggy patches which needed skirting round! The track rises up giving great views back to Trumpan and the coastline as well as Dunvegan Head and cliffs. You'll soon see the first of 2 cairns way up on the right, the second is 1km further along and is next to the track. They were erected to commemorate the deaths of John MacLeod of Waternish (the first one) and his son, Roderick in their many battles with the MacDonalds in the 1530s. You then pass 2 ruins of brochs with the first, although further from the track, is in better condition that the second with one curving wall still fairly upright! Just passed the second we broke left off the track that leads to Unish and followed the numerous sheep tracks towards the coastline and cliffs - worth the detour.

Follow the coastline now, resisting the temptation to chase the rabbits and sheep, and enjoy the lovely views to the outer Isles and around the coast. Waternish Point and the lighthouse are about 1km further north from here and it is a gentle stroll over grassy meadows when the lighthouse soon comes into view. We passed a few other people and another doggie before reaching the lighthouse and settling down on the other side to some lunch and to enjoy the lovely view! After some of Steve's sarnie and biscuits we enjoyed the sun and the scenery for a wee while before setting off again east towards Creag an Fhithich before making our way back in land towards the ruin of Unish House which was soon reached and explored.

 

From here it is a short walk back onto the track and then heading back to the start point, avoiding the boggy bits and it wasn't long before we were back in the car and heading home. A lovely straight forward walk with lovely views and some lovely cliffs.