Loch Fada and Borve Castle Loop

This easy loop of around 9 km / 5.6 miles is a low-level walk through one of the quieter parts of the Isle of Skye, with very little overall ascent—roughly 0 m / 0 ft in practical terms, though you should still expect small undulations, uneven ground, and the usual energy drain that comes with coastal and moorland walking. The route is best thought of as a gentle historical and scenic outing rather than a strenuous hill day, with lochside views, open moor, and the remains of an old castle adding interest along the way.

The most useful landmark for the start is Cill Chriosd (Kilchrist) ruined church and burial ground, on the Broadford–Elgol road (B8083), about 4 km / 2.5 miles southwest of Broadford. That is the nearest clear, known starting landmark for this area and is commonly used as the access point for walks in the district. Cill Chriosd is a scheduled monument, and the church ruin standing there today likely dates from the late 16th to early 17th century, though the site’s ecclesiastical history goes back much earlier; records mention the parish church in the early 1500s, and a new church was built at Broadford around 1840. (her.highland.gov.uk)

By car, Broadford is the main approach hub in south Skye. From Broadford, follow the B8083 toward Elgol for roughly 4 km / 2.5 miles to the roadside parking area opposite or near Cill Chriosd, which is the usual place walkers begin nearby routes. Roads on Skye can be narrow and slow, so allow more time than the map suggests, especially in summer. Public transport is possible in a limited way: Broadford is the nearest service centre, and walks beginning at Cill Chriosd are described as reachable by bus from Broadford, though services on the Elgol road are infrequent and should be checked carefully in advance. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

What the route feels like

Expect a mix of lochside and open-country walking with a generally relaxed profile. Even on an “easy” route, the ground on Skye can change quickly from firm track to damp grass, peaty patches, or rougher shoreline footing. Waterproof footwear is a sensible choice, especially after rain. If the loop uses sections of old path, estate track, or faint trods near the shore, progress may be slower than the distance suggests. HiiKER is the best tool to check the route line before setting out and to confirm any junctions or less obvious turns.

Loch Fada itself brings a broad, quiet Highland atmosphere rather than dramatic climbing terrain. With almost no major ascent, this is a walk where the rewards come from space, light, and the sense of moving through an old settled landscape. On calmer days the loch can feel very still; in wind or rain, the same ground can feel much more exposed, so pack layers even for a short outing.

Landmarks, history, and what to look for

The strongest historical feature in the area is Cill Chriosd, which was once at the heart of a fertile and more heavily populated district of Strath. The ruined church and burial ground are a reminder that this part of Skye supported long-established communities before population decline and later upheavals changed the landscape. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

If your loop includes or passes near Borve Castle, expect a ruin rather than an intact visitor site. In this part of Skye, the appeal is the setting: a fragment of medieval or later defensive history placed within a landscape of loch, coast, and former settlement. Many walkers find that these smaller ruins are easy to miss in poor visibility, so it helps to know in advance where the turnoff or approach lies.

This wider district also carries the legacy of the Highland Clearances. Nearby routes to Boreraig and Suisnish are among the clearest reminders of that history, with ruined townships and documented forced evictions in the mid-19th century. Boreraig, for example, was cleared in 1853, and the surrounding