A footbridge on the old drove road (top track) has to be temporarily closed due to being found unsafe, however diversions are in place which still allow access to the Leitir Fura village. In particularly wet weather this route is not recommended as the diversion may be impassible and we recommend using the lower forest road to access Leitir Fura village.
Kinloch forest is being returned to native woodland so there's lots of wildlife to see and hear, as well as dramatic views over the Sound of Sleat towards the mountains of Knoydart.
You can follow an old drove road to the abandoned farming township of Leitir Fura, once home to many Gaelic-speaking families who worked on Kinloch farm. They made their living from the land and the sea – including smuggling! You can hear some of their stories and songs on listening posts in the forest.
Our guide to Kyleakin & the Kinloch Hills
Our guide to the Isle of Raasay
A footbridge on the old drove road (top track) has to be temporarily closed due to being found unsafe, however diversions are in place which still allow access to the Leitir Fura village. In particularly wet weather this route is not recommended as the diversion may be impassible and we recommend using the lower forest road to access Leitir Fura village.
Follow an old drovers road to reach the abandoned township of Leitir Fura. There are magnificent views across the Sound of Sleat to Knoydart.
Long steep slopes for up to 600m. Largely firm but uneven gravel surface. Some grassy and potentially muddy sections. Includes two bridges, shallow fords and some low branches.
Allow 3 hours
The people of Sleat drove their cattle along this route to the narrows of Kylerhea, where the animals swam the short distance to the mainland. The old drove road continues, without waymarkers, along the coast beyond Leitir Fura to the crossing point. Take a map, food and waterproofs if you'd like to explore.
The nearest place for public toilets or a cup of tea is Broadford, about 7 miles (11.2 km) away.
From the Skye Bridge head towards Broadford on the A87. Take a sharp left turn at Skulamus, about 5¾ miles (9.2 km) from the bridge, and follow the A851 for 4¾ miles (7.6 km). The entrance to the car park will be on your left.
IV43 8QY is the nearest postcode.
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?