MacLeod's Tables are among the most distinctive landmarks on the Isle of Skye, their unusual flat-topped summits dominating the skyline above Dunvegan and visible from miles around. Known in Gaelic as Healabhal Mhòr and Healabhal Bheag, the two hills offer one of the most rewarding walks in north-west Skye, with breathtaking panoramic views stretching across Loch Dunvegan, the Cuillin mountains, the Outer Hebrides and the surrounding coastline on a clear day.

The walk is considerably more challenging than it first appears. Although the summits are under 500 metres high, the route crosses rough, often boggy moorland before climbing steep grassy slopes onto the famous "tables" themselves. The effort is well rewarded, however, with an enormous sense of space and some of the finest viewpoints in the area. Many visitors are surprised by just how flat the summits are once reached, giving the hills their distinctive name.

There are several local legends surrounding the Tables. One tells of a Clan MacLeod chief boasting to King James V that he possessed a grander table than the King himself, later hosting a banquet on the summit to prove it. Another legend claims that St Columba flattened the mountaintops through divine intervention so he could rest upon them during his travels.

The most commonly used starting point is from the Orbost/Osdale side of the hills, a short drive from Dunvegan. Parking is limited and consists mainly of roadside spaces, so visitors should take care not to block passing places or access tracks.

For maps, route information and detailed walking guidance, visit:

• Walkhighlands – MacLeod’s Tables Route Guide

Distance: Approx. 11km return
Time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Terrain: Rough moorland, boggy ground, steep grassy slopes
Suitable for: Experienced walkers with good footwear and a reasonable level of fitness.