Elgol, Isle of Skye

Elgol, Isle of Skye

Harbour scene at Elgol with fishing boat and Cuillin Hills in distance.
Harbour scene at Elgol

Elgol is a small and remote village (pop 150) on the Isle of Skye, Scotland which in turn lies off Scotland’s west coast, forming part of the Inner Hebrides. Nevertheless, large numbers of tourists are attracted to Elgol.

The village is accessed by a fourteen mile long, single track road, the B8083 from Broadford which is the principal town on the south of Skye. At conclusion of visit there is no option for visitors other than to return via the same road. Travelling along the B8083 is part of the experience of visiting Elgol due to the factors listed below.

View of section of road to Elgol illustrating mountainous scenery.
View of road and landscape

The road is slow-going and traverses a diversity of landscapes and scenery

Landscape view on road to Elgol

Frequently sheep and cattle are encountered on the road, sometimes including the photogenic, Highland Cows.

View of herd of cattle blocking road to Elgol
Road Hazard

The route entails passing the ruined and historically important, Cill Chriosd Church (Christ’s Church) with its ancient burial ground.

View of ancient and ruined church of Cill Chriosd an road to Elgol.
Cill Chriosd

Loch Slapin, a spectacular sea loch, forms part of the route as the road winds around the edge of this loch in a V shape.

Landscape view of Loch Slapin with mountains in distance.
Loch Slapin

Journey time from Broadford can take about forty-five minutes. Due to nature of this single-track road drivers should exercise caution and travel at a moderate speed.

Information on Elgol, Isle of Skye

This is a community focused on crofting, tourism and fishing with contingent of Gaelic speakers.

Fishing equipment at Elgol harbour, Skye.
Fishing at Elgol

Here can be found various tourist related facilities such as coffee shop and restaurant.

The location offers superb views of the Cuillin Hills.

Seascape view from Elgol with CuIllin hills in distance.
View of Cuillins from Elgol

There are connections here with Clan Mackinnon.

For the active visitor there are hiking trails and rock climbing available.

Rock climbers in action at Elgol beach
Rock climbing at Elgol

Fishing trips are available.

Visitors can avail of boat trips to Loch Coruisk.

Boat trip about to depart from Elgol harbour.
Boat trip from Elgol

Limited tourist accommodation is available..

For persons interested in Scottish history, Bonnie Prince Charlie passed through Elgol on July 4th 1746 after his defeat at Culloden.

Subject to weather conditions, the locations offer excellent opportunities for photography.

View from Elgol
View from Elgol

More information

For more information on visiting the Isle of Skye and other sites in Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4

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