Kyleakin
Kyleakin Forest Notices
COVID-19 has changed lots of things we do. And as we re-open the majority of our facilities and welcome more of you back in Phase 3, we need your help to do it safely. Please check what’s open before you travel; enjoy your visit safely by following NHS and Scottish Government guidance; take your litter home with you; and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
At this location:
- The car park is open and normal charges (if any) now apply.
Please bear with us and check back regularly for updates. You can also find more information by visiting our COVID-19 page and our FAQs.
Wander woodland trails for sweeping views across Skye
Two trails lead to the summit of Cnoc a' Mhadaidh-ruaidh (the hill of the fox), where there are superb open views over the island and Raasay all the way to the Cuillin mountains.
It's an easy walk here from Kyleakin village or across the Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh. If you want to get close to nature and see Skye, this is a great place to start!
From Cnoc a' Mhadaidh-ruaidh you have excellent views of Eilean Bàn – the tiny island where writer and naturalist Gavin Maxwell once lived. The island is managed by the Eilean Bàn Trust. You can find out more at the Bright Water Centre in Kyleakin or by walking over the Skye Bridge to see the place yourself.
Our guide to the Isle of Raasay
Walking trails
Cnoc Trail
A satisfying woodland climb to the top of Cnoc a' Mhadaidh-ruaidh with fantastic views over Eilean Bàn .
A short but undulating path with short steep sections. Smooth gravel surface, narrow, rocky and uneven in places.
Allow 1 hour
The most direct route to the summit takes you through pleasant mixed woodland and conifers. As you climb there are views over Stevenson's lighthouse and the Skye Bridge, and from the summit viewpoints you can also see Raasay, the Red and Black Cuillins and the mountains of the mainland.
Anavig Trail
This trail winds round the hill over heather covered hills, giving great views out over the sea towards Raasay, Applecross and the Inner Sound.
An undulating and winding trail, with some steep long sections. Can be narrow, rough and rocky in places. Includes uneven wooden steps and slab rock sections.
Allow 1½ hours
Facilities & access
Parking
There's limited parking at the start of the trails, but plenty in Kyleakin village less than a mile (1.6 km) away.
Life's essentials
The nearest public toilets and eating places are in Kyleakin (less than a mile / 1.6 km) away or over the Skye Bridge in Kyle of Lochalsh (1½ miles / 2.4 km) away.
Getting here
From the Skye Bridge go straight over the first roundabout and continue uphill. Almost immediately on your right you'll see parking for two or three cars and the start of the trails.
Using SatNav?
IV41 8PH is the nearest postcode.
Public transport
Buses stop in Kyleakin and connect with Fort William and Inverness. You can also take a train to Kyle of Lochalsh from Inverness. Regular buses run from Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin, or you can walk the 1½ miles (2.4 km) from the railway station to the trails. You'll find timetable details at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
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