Dunvegan Castle, The Fairy Pools and Elgol
An 800-year-old clan stronghold, magical fairy pools, a wee dram, the 60,000,000 (sixty million!) year old Cuillin Mountains and arguably the prettiest loch and some of the most dramatic views you have ever seen.
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle is “the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland” and we love to visit here – it is a special place. Sitting majestically on its rock overlooking Loch Dunvegan, it’s been home to the Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. The gardens and woodlands are beautiful and we regularly stop here for lunch.
With fairy folklore ingrained in the island’s history, there’s a strong link here at Dunvegan with Am Bratach Sith (The Fairy Flag of Dunvegan). This treasured silk flag was used as a talisman for the MacLeod’s when in battle as it was believed to have miraculous powers.
Fairy Pools and Glenbrittle
Situated in the South-Central area of the Island, Glenbrittle stretches to the west along the back of the Black Cuillin. This is one of the two main access routes to the Cuillin ridge for experienced walkers and climbers. It is also a wonderful Glen for photography. The Fairy Pools sit on the River Brittle at the foot of the Cuillin and are one of the most popular attractions on the Island. There are many pools and small waterfalls that make this a wonderful place to visit wandering up the river and its crystal clear waters. Some also take a dip but be warned it is very cold!! There is a car park and it is about a 20 minute walk to the first pool and waterfall.
Talisker Distillery
Talisker occupies a beautiful waterfront location and is the oldest working distillery on Skye, situated in the tiny village of Carbost on Loch Harport. Talisker Whisky is renowned the world over, it’s a full-bodied single malt with a beautiful sweetness. As they say at Talisker “a single malt that is so easy to enjoy, and like Skye itself, so hard to leave” – we’d have to agree with that on both counts! You should be aware that during the peak season the distillery shop can be very busy with lengthy queueing and we would advise a pre-booked distillery tour. They are excellent and we are happy to book one of these in as part of your tour.
Sligachan and Elgol
Sitting at the head of Loch Sligachan and situated centrally on the island, this has been a well-known resting place for the walkers and climbers of the Cuillin ridge for decades. With its hotel, it’s now a popular stopping place and provides for an excellent photo opportunity sitting beside the famous triple arched bridge over the river. A must see when the river is in spate! There are also superb views of the ridge with Sgùrr nan Gillean, one of the hardest climbs sitting proudly at its North end. To the South West of the island, Elgol sits on the shore of Loch Scavaig on the Strathaird Peninsula. The peninsula has been the homelands of the Mackinnon Clan for centuries and Seamus MacKinnon, born and bred in Elgol, has been running boat trips from the village shores to Loch Coruisk for over 50 years. Coruisk is a freshwater loch that sits at the foot of the Cuillin Hills and the views of the ridge are simply breathtaking. For photographers and those interested in the islands history, wildlife and glorious views, this is an excellent addition to your tour.
"The light was so good and the Cuillin Mountain just stunning with its snow capped ridge … pass on our thanks to Donald, his knowledge and guidance has given us some of the best photographs that we’ve ever taken… hope you like the pictures and please share with Donald."
Fran and Norman – London UK – January 2023