Torrin Tour
From Portree, we will travel to Broadford, about 25 miles south, to start the tour at the picturesque crofting village of Torrin. We will stop briefly enroute to look at the evidence of glaciation on Skye and discuss some of the older geology of the area.
Once in Torrin, we will take the time to explore the area in a little more depth on foot. Starting with magnificent views of Blaven, arguably the most beautiful of the fabulous Black Cuillin mountains, we will learn about some of the volcanic history of the island. We will then pass limestone pavement and magical contorted hazel woods to arrive at a hidden bay. Here we will find out about raised beaches, the impact of ice ages, and as we arrive back in Torrin, the impact humans have also had on the surrounding landscape.
We will then wind our way back north, stopping to explore on foot High Pasture Cave, and touch on the prehistory of the area, as well as the more recent impacts of man by investigating the “marble line” and quarry.
At some point we may manage to squeeze in a café stop!
Duration: A full day, 9.00 until approx. 17.00
Activity Level: Moderate. Up to 3 short walks, each no more than 2 miles. Walks will depend on the group and weather conditions and I can alter the day accordingly.
Terrain: Rough, uneven ground, boggy in places, some steep sections. Loose beach rocks to negotiate. Mostly on marked path.
Cost: £300 (up to 6 people)
Braes Exploration
After picking you up in Portree, we will take a short drive to Braes beach. Enroute we will take in wonderful views of the Inner Sound, Raasay, and the mainland, providing the perfect opportunity to discuss the volcanic and glacial history of the wider area.
Our first walk will be down to Braes beach, to explore the area and learn about the impact of sea levels on the coastal landscape and the formation of raised beaches, cliffs, caves and blowholes. From the beach we will have spectacular views of Ben Tianavaig and the Trotternish Ridge of North Skye, and discuss Skye’s volcanic past, looking at the great depths of the remanent lava flows, and the glacial legacy of the largest landslide in the UK. There are also fascinating historic ruins to investigate; a dun and a Viking settlement alongside more recent crofting history.
We will then head back along the Braes road, pausing briefly at the monument to “The Battle of the Braes” before starting our second short walk. This will take us through natural woodland, past waterfalls, before crossing open moorland with wide ranging views across Skye and to the mainland. Here we will have the opportunity to discuss peat formation, soil profiles and the history of woodland on Skye past and present.
Finally, we will visit the sheltered township of Camustianavaig and explore the wonderful coastline and woodlands whilst looking at the more recent human impact of crofting on the landscape.
Duration: A full day 9.00 until approx. 17.00
Activity Level: Moderate. Up to 3 short walks, each no more than 2 miles. About 300m of steep, uphill walking. Walks will depend on the group and weather conditions as I can alter the day accordingly.
Terrain: Rough, uneven ground, boggy in places, some steep sections. Loose beach rocks to negotiate. Mostly on marked path, but some rough moorland.
Cost: £300 (up to 6 people)
Deep Time
Take a trip through deep time – by exploring Skye’s incredible geology, from 2 billion year old Lewisian Gneiss to the recent glaciation, just 12,000 years ago. We will travel to a variety of different locations across the island and explore some fabulous locations from Sleat in south Skye, via the Cuillins mountains, to the more recent landscapes of North Skye.
This trip gives us opportunities to investigate limestone caves, explore rock exposures in beautiful coastal locations and visit dramatic mountain landscapes.
Activity Level: Low. Short walks up to 1km, with limited height gain. Walks will depends on the group and weather conditions as I can alter the day accordingly.
Duration: A full day, 9.00 until approx. 17.00.
Terrain: Some uneven ground, boggy in places, some loose beach rocks to negociate. Mostly on marked paths.
Cost: £300 (up to 6 people)
Skye Geography Tours 