Bealach a Chaol-reigh Trig Point (Borve) – Panoramic Views and Neolithic Stones

Altitude	1,295 Feet
Trail Conditions	No defined trail, hill walk and minor sheep trails
Difficulty	Low
Est. Time	2-3 hours
Distance	3-4 Miles
Starting Location	Clachan Erisco Standing Stones, Borve

History of the Local Area

Dun Borve (Fort Borve in Gaelic), is steeped in folklore and mystery. According to local legend, it was once believed to be inhabited by fairies. The villagers, seeking to rid themselves of these magical residents, shouted, “The fairies’ fort is on fire!” Startled and scared, the fairies fled from their home.

When they realized it was a trick, they never returned, leaving Dun Borve to stand silent and abandoned, a monument to an era long past.

Not far from Dun Borve, just off the Borve road, lies another intriguing site: the Clachan Erisco Stones. This modest row of three stones seem unremarkable at first glance, but it holds a significant place in history. Nearby stones suggest that this trio once formed part of a larger stone circle, dating back to the Neolithic to Late Bronze Age, between 4000 BC and 551 BC. Though time has worn away its grandeur, the Clachan Erisco Stones remain a silent testament to the ancient people who once gathered there.

Gallery

The Walk

Your journey begins in the charming village of Borve, whose name means “Within the rocks” in Norse. Located just a short distance northwest of Portree, this walk starts at the Clachan Erisco Standing Stones. If you’re driving, be sure to look out for the sign directing you to Borve, as the turn-off from the main road is just over a blind summit and easy to miss.

Parking options abound in the area, including spots near the standing stones. I parked at a friend’s house, but there are plenty of locations available. Just remember to avoid parking in passing places and in front of gates or access points.

Once you’ve found a place to park, head southeast until you reach a fork in the road. Take the left fork and follow the road until you reach the base of the hill. From there, choose the easiest route to reach the various summits, as there is no defined trail to the trig point. I followed occasional sheep trails and the buried remains of some walls to avoid the bracken.

For the best experience, I strongly recommend following the ridgeline on the south side as much as possible. This route offers stunning panoramic views of Portree, Carbost, and Kensaleyre (to the south, west, and northwest, respectively).

Although the day I walked was rather dry, there were still several boggy spots to navigate. Ideally, this walk should be done after several dry days unless you’re prepared to get wet. Be aware of hidden streams throughout the area, which are easy to cross but can still get your feet wet. The entire area is covered in bracken, so it’s important to check for ticks regularly.

Enjoy your walk through Borve, where history and nature intertwine to create a memorable adventure.