This is an outstanding walk to the furthest north point of Skye. From the end of the point I have seen dolphins, whales and a basking shark, all at close range. The walk is around 6 kilometres return, with fairly easy going for most of the way. A steep section down an inland cliff looks more daunting than it is, but it will test those with no head for heights.

Begin by the telephone box on the main road between Duntulm and Kilmaluag, at NG421743. A stile crosses the fence here and a path runs pretty much due north. In places there are forks in the path, but they are just braids that come back together again. To your left are views over the abandoned settlement of Erisco to Duntulm Bay and Tulm Island. At NG413755 you reach a gate in the fence. At times this area can be treacherously boggy, but it is always passable with care. Once through the gate, keep straight ahead on the path that climbs the hill, avoiding the valley route to the left. Soon the path reaches the summit of Meall Tuath and the wonderful old Coastguard Lookout Hut. The hut is now a bothy, looked after by the excellent Mountain Bothies Association.

Old Coastguard Hut

Looking down to Rubha Hunish from the Coastguard Hut

From the hut, head west down a path. This soon descends steeply into a valley above the cliff. At NG410761, a path goes down steeply just to the left of a large boulder. This is the only way to get to Rubha Hunish itself. Follow the path down to the bottom of the cliffs and then head right to the east side of the peninsula. Here you will find a couple of impressive sea stacks just off the cliffs. Ropes and other climbing gear left on them testify to the fact that they have been climbed - certainly by braver souls than me.

The path down the cliff

One of the sea stacks at Rubha Hunish

Follow the coastline from here out to the point. It is easy walking on short grass all the way. At the point, keep a watch on the water. You could well be lucky because the sharks and whales tend to be close to the shore here as they round the top of the island.

Return to the bottom of the cliff by completing a circuit of the point along its west coast. When you reach the top of the steep section, there is no need to return to the Coastguard Hut. Keeping to the left side of the valley you will pick up a path heading straight ahead. At the end of the valley bear left, slightly uphill, to rejoin the outward path at the boggy gate.

Cliffs on the coastline of the point

Looking back up to the Coastguard Hut on top of Meall Tuath