Kinloch

Listen for woodland wildlife, or Gaelic stories and songs

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.

Walking trails

Kinloch route card (PDF)

Walking

Leitir Fura Trail

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.

4 ½ miles / 7.2 km

Allow
3 hours

More information

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.

Facilities and access

Walking

Parking

Viewpoint

Life's essentials

The nearest place for public toilets or a cup of tea is Broadford, about 7 miles (11.2 km) away.

Getting here

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.

Using SatNav?

IV43 8QY is the nearest postcode.

Get directions

Find out more

• Forests on Skye and Raasay