Sligachan Valley to Loch Coruisk

The walk from Sligachan to Loch Coruisk is a long, wild trek through the heart of Skye, following Glen Sligachan beneath the towering spires of the Black Cuillin to reach one of Scotland's most remote and dramatic lochs — an ice-age freshwater loch ringed by jagged peaks and reachable only on foot or by boat.

The route starts at the Sligachan Hotel, crossing the Dunvegan road and the old stone bridge built by Thomas Telford before heading up Glen Sligachan on a clear path. The going is initially straightforward, though increasingly stony and boggy in places, with fine views of Sgùrr nan Gillean to the right and the Red Hills and Marsco to the left. The path crosses numerous small streams, including the larger Allt na Measarroch, before an almost imperceptible watershed is reached after several kilometres, with two small lochs coming into view.

At a large cairn, the path forks — the right branch climbs towards Sgùrr na Strì, a superb viewpoint and an alternative approach to Coruisk, while the main route continues towards the loch itself, eventually descending to reach its northern end. The reward for the long walk in is spectacular: Loch Coruisk sits in a magnificent rocky amphitheatre, its dark waters scattered with rocky outcrops, with the full jagged sweep of the Black Cuillin rising sheer on every side — a scene that has drawn artists and writers, including Turner and Walter Scott, for over two centuries. It's worth exploring along the loch shore for the finest views, including a detour to see the dramatic Dubhs Ridge and the distant profile of the Inaccessible Pinnacle.

Most walkers retrace their steps back to Sligachan, given the considerable extra distance and river crossings involved in reaching Elgol or continuing further into the mountains; some choose to camp overnight near the loch to break up the long return journey.

This is a serious undertaking through remote terrain — the path can become boggy and difficult to follow after rain, several stream crossings can become genuinely dangerous in spate, and a good level of fitness and navigation skill is essential, particularly given how quickly weather can close in around the surrounding peaks.

Parking at Sligachan is free, with a hotel offering food and accommodation; a bus service runs from Portree and Broadford to Sligachan.