The road to Elgol
A visit to the small fishing village of Elgol on the south of the Isle of Skye is high on the 'must visit' list for just about every visitor to the island. Rightly so, its a stunning location, with grand views across Loch Scavaig to Sgurr Na Stri and the Black Cuillin. During summer months its also possible to go on wildlife spotting trips or take a boat over to Loch Coruisk in the heart of the Cuillin.
Personally I think the drive along the single track road from Broadford is just as stunning, the views of Blabheinn from Loch Cill Chriosd and Loch Slapin are some of the best mountain scenes you will come across. The rocky face of the mountain, especially when dusted in snow is more akin to something you'll see in the Alps.
The drive itself is about 17 miles, it should take about 45 minutes or so, without stops, But if you're anything like me it will probably take hours, if the weather/light is good. There are just too many locations to stop and take photos. The first of these comes about 3 miles after leaving Broadford, when you come to the ruins of Cill Chriosd and graveyard, and just beyond is Loch Cill Chriosd, or the Hairy Loch as its often referred too, because most of the loch is covered in tall grasses. Both locations give grand views of Blabheinn and Beinn Na Caillich.
Some views of Blabheinn from Loch Chriosd ....
A mile or so further along the road, it forks, the Elgol road goes to the right, the left hand track take you down to rocky beach at Camas Malag, which gives some good views over Loch Slapin. However, unless they have repaired it I wouldn't recommend it except in a 4x4 as it was a mile of water fill pot holes last time I drove along it.
IMHO the best views of Loch Slapin are from the shore line of the loch just after the village of Torrin. I always stop of a coffee here, even if the weathers bad. Its such a relaxing place and the views across the loch to Blabheinn are stunning.
You're roughly half way to Elgol, the second half of the drive is slightly less scenic, in terms of stunning mountain views. There's some nice waterfalls along the burn coming down from Blabheinn and if you don't mind a walk, park up just past Kirkibost and walk along the track, heading NW, for about a mile and a half and you will be treated to a stunning view over the Black Cuillin and Loch Scavaig with the sandy beach of Camasuary below.
Elgol is a very popular spot, espeically if you are visiting during the summer months. There's two small car parks, one up the hill near the toilets and the other down by the harbour. The views of the Black Cuillin over Loch Scavaig are one of the classic views, its one you'll time and time again in books and travel magazines.
In terms of photos, well you're spoilt for choice, just about everywhere you look there's a stunning view. If the tide is out its possible to walk out along the rocky shore line and around the cliffs onto the rocky slabs, but be careful with the tide times!
Personally I think the drive along the single track road from Broadford is just as stunning, the views of Blabheinn from Loch Cill Chriosd and Loch Slapin are some of the best mountain scenes you will come across. The rocky face of the mountain, especially when dusted in snow is more akin to something you'll see in the Alps.
The drive itself is about 17 miles, it should take about 45 minutes or so, without stops, But if you're anything like me it will probably take hours, if the weather/light is good. There are just too many locations to stop and take photos. The first of these comes about 3 miles after leaving Broadford, when you come to the ruins of Cill Chriosd and graveyard, and just beyond is Loch Cill Chriosd, or the Hairy Loch as its often referred too, because most of the loch is covered in tall grasses. Both locations give grand views of Blabheinn and Beinn Na Caillich.
Some views of Blabheinn from Loch Chriosd ....
A mile or so further along the road, it forks, the Elgol road goes to the right, the left hand track take you down to rocky beach at Camas Malag, which gives some good views over Loch Slapin. However, unless they have repaired it I wouldn't recommend it except in a 4x4 as it was a mile of water fill pot holes last time I drove along it.
IMHO the best views of Loch Slapin are from the shore line of the loch just after the village of Torrin. I always stop of a coffee here, even if the weathers bad. Its such a relaxing place and the views across the loch to Blabheinn are stunning.
You're roughly half way to Elgol, the second half of the drive is slightly less scenic, in terms of stunning mountain views. There's some nice waterfalls along the burn coming down from Blabheinn and if you don't mind a walk, park up just past Kirkibost and walk along the track, heading NW, for about a mile and a half and you will be treated to a stunning view over the Black Cuillin and Loch Scavaig with the sandy beach of Camasuary below.
Elgol is a very popular spot, espeically if you are visiting during the summer months. There's two small car parks, one up the hill near the toilets and the other down by the harbour. The views of the Black Cuillin over Loch Scavaig are one of the classic views, its one you'll time and time again in books and travel magazines.
In terms of photos, well you're spoilt for choice, just about everywhere you look there's a stunning view. If the tide is out its possible to walk out along the rocky shore line and around the cliffs onto the rocky slabs, but be careful with the tide times!
A lovely album I must say. I have done that route and can vouch for the views. You must take the boat trip to Coruisk - well worth it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Paul, I have a phobia about boats so the only trip I'll be taking to Loch Coruisk will be on foot! :O)
Delete