Highland
Drovers' Trail Walking Holidays
As
its name suggests, the Highland Drovers' Trail follows
part of a route taken by the Highlanders of the Isle of
Skye between the 15th an 19th Centuries as they 'drove'
their cattle every Autumn across the Western Highlands
to the markets in the Scottish Lowlands.
A
60-mile (96km) trail starting near Fort William and leading
to the Isle of Skye, the Highland Drovers' Trail takes
in some of Scotland's most splendid mountain and coastal
scenery and some of the most remote areas in the Western
Highlands.
Following
woodland paths that line Loch Lochy, the Trail moves on
past the majestic castle ruins in the beautiful hamlet
of Invergarry, from where it leaves the Great Glen and
follows forestry and drovers tracks past Lochs Garry and
Quoich. At Loch Hourn, one of Scotland's most beautiful
sea lochs, a short journey across the water take you to
the fishing hamlet of Arnisdale, looking across the Sound
of Sleat to Skye.
At
Arnisdale the trail continues along the coast, past the
Iron Age Glenelg Brochs to the quiet hamlet of Glenelg
itself. Here, a short ferry ride takes you to Kylerhea
on the Isle of Skye, but in centuries gone by thousands
of cattle were forced to swim across this water as their
Highland masters took them to market.
At
Kylerhea the trail bears southwards for the first time,
and as you follow the coast towards your finishing point
at Sleat you have breathtaking views to National Scenic
Areas on either side of you - either looking left inland
to the Isle's rugged Cuillin Hills, or right, across the
Sound of Sleat to the mountains of Knoydart on the mainland.
The
Highland Drovers' Trails is proudly varied walk, offering
great insight into the culture and way of life in the
Western Highlands and giving plenty of opportunity to
witness the area's rich variety of wildlife, from otters,
seals and red deer to golden eagles.
Meanwhile,
starting near Fort William, it makes for superb extension
for anyone planning to walk the West Highland Way and
wishing extend their stay in this unforgettable corner
of Britain.
Total
distance: 60 miles (96km)
Starting point: Fort William Finish: Sleat
