Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Cuillin and Red Hills
hey have razor-edge ridges, the slopes plummet in to scree fields and the lonely lochs
are imbued with an almost tangible magic. Small wonder that for many people, the
spectacular
Cuillin
range are the sole reason to visit Skye. When - if - the cloud
disperses, these spectacular peaks dominate the island. here are three
approaches
:
from the south, by foot or by boat from Elgol; from
Sligachan Hotel
to the north; or
from Glen Brittle to the west of the mountains. Glen Sligachan is one of the most
popular routes as it divides the granite of the round-topped
Red
Hills
(sometimes
referred to as the Red Cuillin) to the east from the Cuillin themselves - sometimes
known as the
Black Cuillin
on account of the colour of their coarse-grained jagged
gabbro. With twenty Munros between them, these are mountains to take seriously.
here are around five fatalities a year here and many routes are for experienced climbers
only. If you're unsure, hire a guide.
13
Elgol, Loch Coruisk and Glen Sligachan
he road to
ELGOL
(Ealaghol) at the tip of the Strathaird peninsula is one of the most
impressive on Skye, swooping into the heart of the Red Hills to culminate in beautiful
views to the Small Isles above Elgol pier.
he chief reason for visiting Elgol is to take a boat, whether for a wildlife cruise or a
trip across Loch Scavaig to visit
Loch Coruisk
. his isolated, glacial loch lies beneath the
highest peaks of the Cuillin and is a superb trip; about an hour by boat then up to a
half-day ashore.
Walkers
use the boat simply to begin hikes in the Red Hills or over the
pass into
Glen Sligachan
. Alternatively, you can walk round the coast to the bay of
Camasunary
, over two miles to the east - a di
cult walk that involves a tricky river
crossing and negotiating “he Bad Step”, an overhanging rock with a 9m drop to the sea -
and head north to Glen Sligachan. Conversely, a time-honoured approach into Glen
Sligachan is from the north via the
Sligachan Hotel
(see below), a popular hikers' base.
Glen Brittle
Yet another route into the peaks is from
Glen Brittle
on the west side. he valley edges the
most spectacular peaks of the
Cuillin
, a semicircle of mountains which ring Loch Coruisk,
before it runs to a beach at Loch Brittle. One of the easiest walks is a five-mile round-trip
(3hr) from Glenbrittle campsite (see below) up
Coire Làgan
to a lochan squeezed among
stern rock faces. An equally good reason to come are the
Fairy Pools
, one of Britain's most
celebrated wild swimming destinations. he scenery is superb as the river tumbles
beneath peaks - the downside is water temperature of 8-10˚C at best. he pools are
signposted from Glumagan Na Sithichean car park, five miles from the Glen Brittle turn.
ARRIVAL AND TOURS
THE CUILLIN AND RED HILLS
By bus
Elgol is accessed most easily from Broadford (Mon-
Fri 5 daily, Sat 2 daily; 30min). Sligachan is a stop on the
Portree-Broadford route (Mon-Sat 6-7 daily; Broadford
35min, Portree 20min).
Boat trips
From Easter to Oct, two operators offer superb
trips from Elgol to Loch Coruisk, taking 1hr each way, with
up to half a day ashore: the
Bella Jane
(daily; £14 single,
£24 return;
T
0800 731 3089,
W
bellajane.co.uk),
and the
Misty Isle
(Mon-Sat; £12.50 single, £20 return;
T
01471
866288,
W
mistyisleboattrips.co.uk). The owner of Bella
Jane also runs wildlife-watching and walking trips to the
Small Isles in a fast RIB as Aquaxplore (Easter-Oct daily;
from £16).
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
Ì
Coruisk House
Elgol
T
01471 866330,
W
coruiskhouse.com.
A taste of Skye on unfussy super-
fresh menus - squat lobster in hazelnut butter, a famous
fish pie, Soay lamb or rich Mull beef stews - with two
courses from £20. Above are two beautiful cottage rooms
of understated luxury: expect dinner, a relaxing night and
an awesome b
reakf
ast. Perfect. Reservation essential.
Daily 7-10pm
.
£100
Glenbrittle Campsite
End of road, Glenbrittle
T
01478 640404.
With sea views and the beach in front,
and mountains behind, this spacious, natural site is the
best of both worlds. The bad news is midges-thousands
