Eriskay.

Start. Baile (Am Politician Bar).

Route. Baile - Eriskay Cemetery - Rubha Chlaidh - Eilean na Coillieg - Coilleag - Loch Cracabhaig - Beinn Sgiathan (lower slopes) - Eriskay Post Office - St Michael's Drive - Baile.

Notes. Eriskay is the island where Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot on Scottish soil, more recently where the SS Politician ran aground laden with a cargo of whisky, inspiring the novel and film Whisky Galore. This walk crosses Coilleag a’ Phrionnsa the Prince’s Strand then traverses the lower slopes of Beinn Sgiathan, gifting us with superb views over the Sound of Barra.

We found a convenient parking space next to the Am Politician Bar, named after the ill-fated ship. After studying the map we headed south passed Eriskay Cemetery before rounding Rubha Chlaidh a grassy headland between the sea and a large guest house, we then crossed the Prince's Strand before ascending to the narrow road leading to Coilleag. With tarmac under foot we ascended the hill to reach a road junction, we turned right, after two hundred yards a stoney track emerged from the left, this we followed to a water treatment plant.

The track ended at the plant, fortunately a green trod continued up the slopes to Loch Cracabhaig, from the shore of this fine hill lochen we picked our way north hunting for a gully that would guide us down. There are marker posts to follow but the ground was somewhat boggy, forcing us to opt for an obvious ridge of rock and peat before dropping into the gully. Once found it was an easy descent to the road, after turning right we wandered on to the Community Store and Post Office, there we joined St Michael’s Drive, this deposited us back at the parked car. conveniently next to the Am Politician Bar.

view route map.

home.

Above the scattered community of Baile, rising into a grey sky Beinn Sgiathan.

Seen on the skyline over the many skerries in the Sound of Barra the island of Lingeigh.

Looking to South Uist with Easabhal under the blanket of cloud.

Sue strides out on this wonderful stretch of coastal path.

The prospect north over the Eriskay coast.

Strolling over Coilleag a’ Phrionnsa, the Princes Strand.

Viewing Rubha Chlaidh across the Princes Strand.

Above the small community of Coilleag enjoying grey views over the Sound of Barra.

Sitting in the palm of the mountains rocky hand Loch Cracabhaig.

On the slopes of Beinn Cracabhaig looking to the Eriskay Causeway and Easabhal.

We were picking our way around the 295ft contour but the views over the Sound of Barra to Barra itself are grey but stunning.

No rows of terraced housing here, the scattered township of Baile.

I guess this was once a view indicator, it's a pity it gifts the lucky rambler with super vistas over the Sound of Barra.

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