WALK 25 New Camasunary <strong>Bothy</strong>, the ‘Bad Step’ & Loch Coruisk footbridge was badly damaged by winter gales, and all that remains today are the support struts. 1 A fantastic panorama greets you on arrival at the visitors’ car park, east of the old and new bridges spanning the River Sligachan, as it slows and forms braided channels that flow into the sea loch and out to the Sound of Raasay. Beyond the whitewashed walls of the hotel, the ragged sawtooth peaks of Sgùrr nan Gillean and Bruach Na Frìthe announce the start of the arcing Cuillin Ridge. Across the glen are the softer, less daunting outlines of Glamaig, and the Red Hills. Stepping out south towards Camasunary, the solitary outlier Marsco slowly looms larger, its impressive crags coming into view once you cross the Allt na Measarroch. 2 Here a jumble of rocks known as the Clach na Craoibhe Chaoruinn (Stone of the Rowan Tree) is a good resting point before heading on, spurred on by the promise of fantastic sea views from Camasunary Bay. A little further, the yawning mouth of Harta Corrie on the far side of the valley draws the attention. Here a huge, 30- foot boulder known as the ‘Bloody Stone’ marks the spot where fallen warrior from the feuding MacLeods and MacDonalds were laid to rest after many bruising battles. SGÙRR NAN GILLEAN After four long miles from the road, just beyond the almost imperceptible watershed, a large cairn marks the return route from Loch Coruisk, heading over the bealach on the Druim Hain ridge. 3 Persevering on, the valley sides begin to tighten through the Srath na Crèitheach. The water flow is trapped in the first of two small lochs, dramatically overshadowed by the imposing profile of Bla Bheinn. Finally the glen widens again, and you catch a glimpse of the sea, the Inner Hebridean islands of Rùm and Eigg seeming to float on the horizon. This is Camas Fhionnairigh (Bay of the White Shieling) Anglicised to Camasunary, its wide expanse of machair, shingle beach, and mudflats presided over by the striking conical hill Sgùrr na Stri. Over the years, many have been drawn to this magical spot and the old <strong>bothy</strong>, now sadly closed, holds onto memories of summer sunsets and mindexpanding conversations by the fireside. The New Camasunary <strong>Bothy</strong>, sans stove, opened in May 2016. It has a rather functional feel, but still provides a welcome refuge with fabulous views out across the bay. 4 After a well-earned lunch, it is time to contemplate the task ahead. The first obstacle is the outflow of the Abhainn Camas Fhionnairigh, just beyond the old <strong>bothy</strong> on the west side of the bay. At low tide it is possible to cross the stone bed without too much trouble, but if the tide is high you may need to wade through the channel further towards the old suspension bridge struts. Continue round the rocky headland on a faint but obvious trail, cutting inland past the grassy knoll of Rubha Buidhe, and onto the sloping 218
BLA BHEINN NEW CAMASUNARY BOTHY 219