Sligachan Isle of Skye

A brief introduction to the locality of Sligachan on the Isle of Skye. It’s a famous stop-off for visitors to the island.

On Location: 21st April 2024

Introduction: Nearly all visitors to the beautiful Isle of Skye will at some time pass by the small hamlet (basically the hotel) of Sligachan. It lies on the main A87 road between Kyle of Lochalsh and Portree. It is a bit of a tourist hotspot as the location gives opportunity to stretch the legs and admire some stunning views. Our visit was on a bright spring day, as nice as it was, the conditions were not perfect for outstanding photographs. Hopefully they will give you a flavour of this fine location.

Parking: There are a couple of small parking areas near the old bridge. The official one which is currently free and has room for about 20 car is at GR: NG 4878 2990 What Three Words ///noting.consults.outbid

Refreshments: The obvious place for food, refreshments and accommodation is the Sligachan Hotel As I don’t think there are public toilets nearby it is likely that to use the hotel toilets you will have to make a purchase. There is also the Sligachan Campsite for those with campervans or tents. Check the website for opening times as it is seasonal (usually from April until October).

We only spent about an hour here as we were travelling across the island. It’s the sort of visit that many people make. With extra time there are more attractions and of course walks in the vicinity.

The Sligachan Hotel and the old bridge. This bridge is now closed to traffic, a more modern version runs alongside it.

The view of the old bridge and the (Black) Cuillins in the distance as seen from the new bridge. The old bridge was built to a design by Thomas Telford between 1810 and 1818.

Under the old bridge. Legend has it that you can obtain eternal beauty by washing your face in the waters under the bridge. Good luck with that!

Looking back at the old bridge. We took a short walk upstream on the river Sligachan. If you walk a little further than we did you will find some photogenic waterfalls.

We ventured out across the moor. Left of the dramatic peaks of the Black Cuillin and to the east of Glen Sligachan is the pointed shape of Marsco. This is in the Red Cuillin, made up of granitic rocks compared to the gabbro of the Black Cuillin.

The Black Cuillin have a more rugged outline, Sgurr nan Gillian is the peak on the left. This forms one end of the famous Cuillin ridge, a challenging 12km long mountaineering route over 11 Munroe’s. The white cottage is Allt Dearg House, a popular holiday cottage.

We returned to the car park via the good track that runs up to the cottage. Pools of water on the moor made for good compositions for photographs.

This short blog is only to give you an insight to the Sligachan area. here is lots to explore if you have time. Understandably it is a place that inspires photographers and artists alike. I certainly came away with quite a few ideas for sketches and paintings. Keep an eye on the website for my work in the area.

I hope that you have found this short blog an enjoyable short read. I appreciate your time.

Thanks for reading.

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