Coruisk, Skye, Sept 10th '04

After five days walking the high tops we felt we deserved an easier day. We had never visited the outfall of Loch Coruisk, partly because the usual coast "path" includes a "bad step" of intimidating reputation. So, starting from Kilmarie via Camasunary, we decided to approach over the ridge between Sgurr na Stri and Sgurr Hain. This is further and higher but was not scary!



Coruisk seen from Sgurr nan Eag on the main Cuillin ridge (taken in May). Loch Coruisk itself is on the left, and flows into Loch Scavaig via a short river. We approached over the ridge centre left. The "bad step" is by the small islet in Loch Scavaig, centre right.



By the shore of Loch Coruisk, Cuillin main ridge in the background.



Panorama of the Coruisk basin. Loch Scavaig left and Coruisk on right.
Click to enlarge.

After exploring the outfall area, as the weather was so calm and sunny we decided to look at the bad step after all. It was still intimidating, but "we have ways":


Ursula passes the bad step while I take two trips to ferry the gear across. The crack in the foreground is the "path" and involves an awkward step down when going this way, especially when you have the swimmer's boots slung round your neck!



Looking back after passing the step, which is on the rocks above Ursula. We both enjoyed a good swim here.



But by the time we had passed Camasunary on the way out, the clouds had covered the sky to give a mysterious evening. After dark the rain came and we were glad it was the last day of our holiday!