Near the southern end of the Isle of Skye lies Loch Skarvaig. Open to the sea, the sheltered Loch penetrates the rounded granite hills of Skye. Heather moorlands grow on the hill slopes, with purple flowering heathers providing colour, starting in Spring and climaxing later in summer. Common Seals, otherwise known as Harbour Seals, are frequently seen swimming in the coastal water at high tides. Only their heads are visible as they take breaths between diving for a meal of fish, crustaceans or molluscs. At low tides the seals are easier to see, resting on the foreshore rocks. When ashore, Common Seals often lie on one side with their hind flippers and heads raised in a shallow U shape like oversized spotted grey bananas. There are about 300 Common Seals living in and around Loch Coriusk.
Skye also has a population of larger Grey Seals with long straight noses. Although all seals are protected now, they were once hunted for their skins, which were used to make clothes and for sporrans to accompany kilts.
Considered the shortest river in Britain, Scavaig River or River Coruisk empties into Loch Scavaig. At only a few hundred metres long, it connects to the freshwater of Loch Coruisk. This freshwater loch collects run-off from the hills and overflows down the bends of the river to the sea of Loch Scavaig. Lying close together, the two lochs can look similar at high tide but they have totally different life. The saltwater kelps and shellfish of Loch Scavaig’s shores are revealed at low tide.
Tour
Loch Coruisk, at the very heart of the Cuillin, is the most magnificent of all Scottish freshwater lochs. One is likely to get wet feet from the boggy terrain but this is a small price to pay for the stunning mountain scenery along the way. We met the local guides ashore and begun the hik, passing the River Scavaig, one of the shortest of rivers, which cascades into the sea over rock slabs. Further out to sea the bold outline of the Isle of Rum, and neighbouring Eigg wass seen. Once across the river the path climbed a short distance and there was a magnificent full length view of Loch Coruisk.
"There's some breathtaking scenery to take in, the central, most prominent peak at the back of the corrie, with two dome-like summits, is Sgurr a Ghreadaidh. To its right are the four jagged summits of Sgurr a Mhadaidh. To the left is the smaller peak of Sgurr Thormaid, with four rocky teeth to its right, whilst further left still is Sgurr na Banachdich, which has several rocky tops of its own to its left. The great peak that dominates the west side of Coruisk with a great ridge descending almost to the loch is Sgurr Dubh Mor - the ridge is the Dubhs Ridge and is one of Britain's longest rock climbs. Continue along the shore to either complete the circuit or retrace your steps after reaching the far end of the loch. Please note: this tour involves a 7km (4.3 miles) moderate to strenuous hike (approximately 3 hours) over mainly flat terrain but very boggy in places".
We chose to turn back at the end of the loch. Apart from getting across a pretty difficult bog, we made it with no problems
Click on any thumbnail photo and get a larger photo
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