The Old Man of Storr
Ben Tianavaig Walk | Isle of Skye

Ben Tianavaig is a 413m (1355ft) high mountain that dominates the Portree skyline. The walk follows the south facing ridge up from the sea level start at the small township of Camustianavaig. The summit offers incredible views overlooking Portree harbour, across to Raasay and up the Sound of Raasay to the Island of Rona. On a clear day you can see for miles.

This hill walk takes on average 2 hours to complete (with no breaks) and is 5.6km in total.
We have graded the hike as Difficult due to the rough path at the start, then the steady climb to the summit which will test the fitness of most.

Location

The walk is 5miles from Portree. Take the B883 Braes road to reach Camustinavaig, follow the road down to the seaside where there is parking for around 8 cars by the shore. If you arrive late in the day you may struggle to find parking. Do park sensibly taking care not to block the road or any private driveways.

Weather

To enjoy this walk, choose a clear dry day with light winds.
As the route take you near cliff edges it is not recommended in windy conditions or if visibility is low.
Parts of the path are wet & muddy, so walking boots are recommended.

Start

The path starts around 160m from the parking by the shore. Follow the main road in the direction of the mountain. You will reach a house on the right and see a red post box. Next to the house you will see a gate with a small sign ‘Hill Path’ and some steps.

Stage 1

On average it takes 1hr 15min to reach the top.

Follow the sign saying ‘Hill Path’ the trail takes you up between to fenced private properties. You will reach a wooden gate. Head through the gate and follow the path which turns to the right. There is bracken each side of the path which can be quite tall in the summer months.
Step around an old stone wall and continue up hill. This section can be muddy and wet in some areas. The path continues around the hillside with impressive views over Camustaianavig Bay.
There is a small stream to cross which is easy to step over. The trail moves inland slightly and continues climbing up over a grassy section. There are beautiful views over the Sound of Raasay and the Red Cuillin hills to the South.
The path levels near the top of the cliff and is marked by a large slab of rock in the ground.

Stage 2

The grass trail turns to the left and follows the cliff edge. The track then steeply starts to climb up through the heather. The path levels for a brief section to give you time to catch your breath before climbing to the next part of the hill. Continue up the trail which may be wet and boggy in some sections. To the right you will see impressive views over to Raasay and its highest hill Dun Caan.

At times path splits taking you either inland slightly or close to the cliff top edge. The path gets steeper here until you reach a small rocky hillock (1.2 km) which brings a welcome rest.

Follow the path up along the ridge, ahead you will see the top.

The final section is a steep grassy path.

The Summit

The very top is clearly marked with a ‘Trig Point’, a marker used as a fixed surveying station. These are used in surveying projects and most Scottish hills and mountains have their peak marked with a Trig Point.

North you can see Old Man of Storr.

Northeast there are stunning views up the Sound of Raasay to the Islands of Fladda & Rona and then the hills of the mainland beyond.

Northwest offers views over Portree and Skeabost, on a clear day you can see out over the sea to the Outer Isles of Lewis and Harris.

Southeast gives you views over Raasay and the Red Cuillin.

South will give you beautiful view over the famous Black Cuillin.

West is the inland hill known as Fingal’s Seat.

Stage 3

Follow the path back down the way you came up.

On average it takes 45min to come back down.

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