About
Grade: Moderate Walk
Time: Allow 3 Hours
Distance: 8.5Kilometres/5.25 miles
Map Reference: OS Landranger 31 and Pathfinder NF71 / 81 / NF60 / 70
If travelling from South Uist,when you reach the end of the causeway turn to the right and continue along the main road up the hill, past the crossroads at Rubha Ban, down past ‘Am Politician’, past the cemetery and on to the old cemetery. There you can see the grave of Father Allan Macdonald. Continue along the track and shore until you reach Coilleag a’ Phrionnsa, the beach where Bonnie Prince Charlie first stepped ashore in Scotland. Walk right along to the other end of the beach and walk up the footpath, which will take you up to the main road.
Turn left and walk up to the junction. At the junction, turn right towards Acarsaid. Follow the road right along round a sharp bend which will take you past Acarsaid Harbour. When you reach the trees you should follow the rock face uphill for a panoramic view of the islands of Skye, Soay, Canna, Eigg and Muck and on a clear day, Mull, Tiree and Coll. Retrace your steps to the trees and continue along the track to the right. At the end of the track, follow the way markers across a stile, along the shore and up the hill fence until you see a lily covered loch hidden away in a small dip. Nearby at the end of the walk is a secluded little bay where you might catch sight of otters.
Retrace your steps back to the main road, along past the letterbox and keep going until you see a track with a gate going off to the right. Follow the track on the short climb up to Loch Crakavaig, past the water station. Head north from the loch to get to the road again. On your approach enjoy a spectacular view of Eriskay and the archipelago North and South. Return to the right back along the main road, passing on your way, The Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, erected on the site of the original Catholic church of Eriskay.
Click here for a downloadable leaflet of this walk.
Map & Directions
- Start at the Community Centre next to Eriskay Shop.
- Turn left here and follow the road.
- Follow road towards Am Politician
- Continue walking past Am Politician Bar and Restaurant towards the old graveyard.
- The old graveyard is to the right where Father Allan's grave stone can be found.
- At the road end, head down towards Coilleag a'Phrionnsa....the beach where Bonnie Prince Charlie famously landed.
- Walk along to the other end of the beach and up the path to the main road.
- Head up the footpath to the main road
- Turn left on to the main road and head up towards the junction.
- Turn right at the junction towards Acairsaid.
- Turn right and walk up the hill towards Acairsaid harbour.
- At the trees, turn right up the rock face, to the top of the hill to get a great view. Note the Catholic Stations of the Cross on the way up the rock face.
- Retrace your steps back down the hill and then turn right at the foot of the hill.
- Walk along to the end of the road, over the stile and along the shore.
- Continue along the shore and up over a hill fence.
- Keep going until you come a hidden lily covered loch.
- Nearby you will see a secluded bay where you may spot an otter!
- Retrace your steps until you you retun to the junction at the main road.
- Here turn up right towards the water station.
- Head North to get back on to the Main road. Here you will catch some spectacular panoramic views.
- At the main road, turn right and head down the hill, passing The Statue of Our Lady of Fatima.
- Start at the community hall
- Return to the Community Centre.
Along This Route
Bonnie Prince Charlie first stepped foot on Scottish soil on this beach on 23rd July…
