Isle of Scalpay

The Isle of Scalpay lies just off the west coast of Skye, north of Broadford and south of the easily accessed Isle of Raasey. The channel between island and Skye, the Kyles of Scalpay, is a mere half kilometer wide at high tide and much less when the tide is fully out. Nevertheless it is awkward of access and privately owned so we were delighted to join a party of keen Marilyn baggers, on Easter Saturday 2000, to visit the island and climb its highest 396m summit as well as some of the lesser tops.


promise of a good day - early morning reflections in Loch Slapin


.. and a millpond sea at Broadford


from the boat - Beinn Dearg Mhor and Glamaig in the middle - Scalpay on the right


disembarking from Family's Pride at Scalpay harbour


on the way up the first hill, Beinn Loch a'Mhuilinn


fantastic views in all directions from the top


.. this is eastwards towards the mainland


.. south towards Skye


.. and west to the Red Cuillin with many thanks to Phil Cooper who organized the trip


rough going and many lochans en route to the highest summit


the summit of the Marilyn, Mullach na Carn


the snow-flecked Cuillin, Beinn Dearg Mhor and Glamaig from the top


south-eastwards from the summit


11 Marilyn baggers (and another behind the camera!) with an average of more than 1000 hills each


.. and this was Bert Barnett's 1000th Marilyn - an excuse for a dram and a brew up


heading for the north of the island


.. and more refreshment on Beinn Reireag Bheag, with Dun Caan on Raasey beyond


back at the harbour


.. the tide is too far out for the boat to come in


.. so we transfer by dinghy


.. and return to Broadford on a beautiful evening

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