Wednesday 12^th May 2010

Start Point : Elgol boat trip (Bella Jane) to landing stage at inner Loch na Cuilce

Distance : 5.1 miles Height Ascended : 270 metres

Route Map

Loch Coruisk lies at the very heart of the Cuillin, this walk around its shore gives unmatched views into the mountains.

The classic, and most interesting and scenic, way to reach Loch Coruisk is by sea, which can be done from Elgol on the

Bella Jane, a wonderful 45-minute boat ride. The boat journey crosses Loch Scavaig to a landing-stage consisting of iron steps

in a rock slab in inner Loch na Cuilce, passing en route an island on which seals bask and with good views south to the rocky

peaks of the island of Rum.

The Cuillins from Elgol - a superb day in prospect.

The Isle of Rhum from the Bella Jane on the trip across to Loch Coruisk from Elgol.

The isles of Eigg and Rhum separated by the Sound of Rhum - just visible is the small island of Muck in between.

A great scene on the trip across – Gars-bheinn, the Black Cuillin, Sgurr na Stri, the Red Cuillin and Blaven (the Blue Mountain).

Violet enjoys the boat ride.

The Bad Step from the comfort of the boat - walkers doing the Elgol Coastal Walk have to negotiate this little obstacle.

The Bad Step is the slab of rock running down into the sea blocking the way for onward progress. Negotiating it involves an easy scramble,

starting with a narrow ledge (middle left) that leads up to a tiny platform from which you balance along the edge of a wide diagonal

crack in the slab, hands on rock, back down to sea level amongst some big boulders.

Seals basking in inner Loch na Cuilce.

Shag taking flight.

Loch Coruisk.

Having safely negotiated the Scavaig River there is a magnificent full length view of Loch Coruisk.

The walk alternates between the pebbly shore and a slightly higher sometimes boggy path.

Sgurr Dhub Mor.

The grey boulders to the right are the result of a recent rockfall from the upper slopes of Druim nan Ramh.

Violet.

Sgurr Dhub Mor.

Another view of Sgurr Dhub Mor.

Climbers on the face of Druim nan Ramh (red jacket on top of the paler smooth rock face).

Zooming in - a second climber can be seen (in blue) below and to the left of the V in the skyline.

The cool clear waters of the loch.

Approaching the head of the loch.

A fantastic scene at the foot of the Black Coullin.

The River Coruisk.

Heading back down the loch.

Sgurr Dubh Mor, the central Cuillin ridge and Druim na Ramh.

Loch na Cuilce and a distant view of Eigg.

The River Scavaig - the shortest river in the UK – approximately 250 metres from loch to sea.

The River Scavaig cascades over the smooth rocks into the sea at the head of Loch na Cuilce.

Violet stands supreme.

A last look back.

Thrift.