| Altitude | 1,026 Feet |
| Trail Conditions | Short road section followed by boggy, grassy conditions whilst heading uphill. Large patches of bracken when heading back towards Galtrigill |
| Difficulty | Low |
| Experience | 8/10 |
| Est. Time | 3 hours |
| Distance | 6-7 Miles |
| Starting Locations | Galtrigill |
History of the Local Area
Galtrigill is a largely abandoned crofting township that once comprised thirty-two roofed buildings, as shown on the 1st edition of the OS map. Some stunning examples of clearance buildings are still visible, the most notable of which is nestled among a group of alder and aspen trees. This may be the ruined house of Donald Macleod, tacksman of Galtrigill, who is said to have briefly sheltered Bonnie Prince Charlie during his escape through Skye.
The area has seen some level of occupation since the Bronze Age, with various hut circles dating back as early as 2400 BC – 551 BC.
The Manners Stone, marked on the OS map, is located in a field near the end of the surfaced road at Galtrigill, standing among a scattering of ruins that once formed a large village. It is a flat stone supported by three smaller stones and is said to bestow good manners on those who stand on it. Children of the village were also made to stand on the stone until they ‘found their manners.’
Several versions of the stone’s story exist, including one that claims sitting bare-arsed on the stone grants fertility and good fortune. Another version states that the villagers of Galtrigill came here annually to bow to the stone of the ancient gods, believing it would bring a good harvest. The place of worship theory is the most likely, as the word ‘Manners’ in the name is likely an Anglicisation of ‘Manadh,’ a Gaelic word for ‘Omen.’
On October 21, 1874, the iron steamship Dunvegan Castle ran ashore north of Uamh a’ Phrionnsa, which means “The Prince’s Cave” in Gaelic, located at the northernmost point of Dunvegan Head. It had departed from Tarbert and was bound for Glasgow.
Gallery
The Walk
This trek starts in Glentrigill, which means Pig Ravine in Norse, a small farming community located at the end of the road towards Dunvegan Head. Park in the small parking area, ensuring you don’t block any entryways.
From the parking area, look up the hill and follow the small dirt track road on the left of the main road. Continue uphill until you reach a gate. Proceed through the gate, then head directly right, following the fence downhill to the ruins of a crofting village.
Upon reaching the crofting village, head left until you reach the back corner of the field. Here, you’ll spot a small stream and a rusted red iron gate. Cross the stream, go through the gate, and head directly up the hill towards the Trig Point, which is visible at the highest point of Dunvegan Head to the northwest, directly north of Geodha na Gliongraich, meaning “Clinking Cove” in Gaelic.
Exercise caution as you approach the Trig Point, as it stands just a meter or so short of a sheer cliff face that plunges nearly 1026 feet to the sea. This Trig Point offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including stunning vistas of the Outer Hebrides on clear days.
To return, follow the well-defined sheep trails along the cliff face to the northeast. Be sure to look back occasionally to take in the scenic views of the cliffs. The track may be broken at various points, but continue to follow it around the northern tip of Dunvegan Head.
As you reach the eastern side of the route, the trek becomes less defined. Follow sheep trails where possible while making your way south. Once Galtrigill comes into view, head southwest, aiming for the rusted iron gate you passed through earlier in the journey.
The Skye 56 
Leave a reply to Beinn Bhreac Trig Point (Coral Beach): A Rare Sandy Beach on Skye – The Skye 56 Cancel reply