"Glenelg and The Sound Of Sleat (Scotland.)" Glenelg by nickandchris

Glenelg Travel Guide: 18 reviews and 76 photos

Paradise Found......

Glenelg is one of those places you never want to leave (or that's how we felt, anyway.) It's situated in remote Ross-shire in Scotland, just a stone's throw from south eastern Skye and is not one of the easiest places to get to. The heights (1100 ft.) and hairpins of the Rattagan Pass have to be negotiated before you can reach the delights of Glenelg. This in itself is a stupendous experience, the views down to Loch Duich and the Five Sisters are incredible.

Simply Stunning....

One of Glenelg's beachs

Knowing we were travelling in this area in our motorhome, with no definite or set destination, I decided whilst looking at the map that this area looked very promising. Right on the coast,narrow roads well off the main holiday routes with plenty to explore on the motorbike. I gained a little information from motorhome forums as to the suitability of the roads and places to free camp. Yes, it all sounded ideal and when we arrived on a beautifully sunny morning, we fell in love with the place. Plenty of places to camp on the beaches, suitable for our boat and with glorious views across the Sound of Sleat to Skye.

The Area..

On the road to Arnisdale and Corran

Glenelg is a strung out place with houses scattered around the beaches and the main street consisting of a few old cottages, the village shop, a gift shop and the Glenelg Inn. There is a brand new village hall, (complete with toilets open to the public) helped paid for by contributions from people wild camping on the beaches. Here, musical events are held regularly for both locals and visitors and is the hub of the village.

Glenelg was always the main route to Skye, the small ferry crossing the notorious Sound of Sleat with it's fierce currents, until the road was built to Kyle of Lochalsh in 1819 when the ferry fell in to disuse. Today, the small turntable ferry has been resurrected by a private concern and operates from Easter until the end of October, once again giving access to south eastern Skye.

The village accommodates visitors in the luxurious Glenelg Inn, the odd B&B place and a few holiday lets. There is also camping allowed on the beaches on the way to the ferry.

If you are in Glenelg, DO NOT miss taking the road south of the village to the tiny hamlets of Arnisdale and Corran. A truly stunning drive, offering superb views of the Sound of Sleat and Loch Hourn, before ending at these couple of remote, pretty places with the peaks of Beinn Sgritheall (3194 ft.) creating a towering backdrop. A most magnificent sight.

A few miles south of Glenelg, a road following the river passes a couple of iron age dwellings, brochs, with a third one at the end of the road. Worth a visit. Also in the village are the ruins of Bernera Barracks, built in 1723 to defend the area and for troops to muster.

And last but not least, a couple of days we were entertained by dolphins frolicking in the channel. We rushed to get the boat out and within minutes of being sea-borne, they were all around us, leaping and standing on their heads. I actually thought one might capsize us with their playfulness.A most memorable occasion and the highlight of my holiday.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Well off the beaten track and hardly any facilities
Cons:None
In a nutshell:Simply the most spectacular scenery in a little known area

Last visit to Glenelg: Aug 2007
Intro Updated Sep 7, 2007
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Reviews (16)

Local Boundaries Local Customs (1)

Aha, this was a story and a half!!!! One of our fellow motorhomers, camped on the beach with us, told us the tale of... more travel advice

Loch Duich Favorites (2)

Loch Duich is a strikingly beautiful loch, stretching for aprox five miles, from Shiel Bridge at the head to Loch Alsh... more travel advice

Fantastic Experience Restaurants (3)

Simply an unforgettabe experience!!!! How many people can say thay have enjoyed a cup of tea in the company of a couple... more travel advice

Dolphins.....!!!!!!! Favorites (2)

I had read that sightings of dolphins, porpoises and minke whale were quite common in the Sound of Sleat. Every day I... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
See All Kyle Rhea Ferry To Skye
Things to Do (6)
See All A short trip to Skye

Hotels (2)
See All CL on Rattagan Pass
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Comments (9)

globetrott Mar 13, 2010 at 11:29 AM Report Abuse

an excellent page bringing back great memories of this remote sidetrip in Scotland !
balhannah May 6, 2009 at 4:18 AM Report Abuse

What a hidden gem you have found, so pretty. I remember reading the sad story of Ring of Bright Water, a good book. Had to check this page out because of Glenelg in Sth. Aust. glad I did.
scottishvisitor Mar 10, 2008 at 2:25 PM Report Abuse

Glad I took a peek here to see the stag = we were going to tour here but stayed on Skye :) came back for the rest & was impressed - even the gloomy weather can't overide the spectacular beauty!!
yumyum Feb 3, 2008 at 4:41 AM Report Abuse

Very beautiful scenery! I wondered about the name Glenelg as I've been to the Australian name sake.
Nemorino Nov 28, 2007 at 9:44 AM Report Abuse

A great-looking place for a stag party! And for camping. Fine photos of the scenery.
vesna04 Oct 11, 2007 at 2:56 PM Report Abuse

Beautiful nature...loved it!
robertgaz Sep 27, 2007 at 9:05 PM Report Abuse

Simply stunning Scottish scenery!
SWFC_Fan Sep 26, 2007 at 3:56 AM Report Abuse

Super tips and photos as always! One thing the Glenelgs have in common seems to be the weather - sounds like we both had lots of rain but managed to find photos of blue sky for our main page pics! :-) To be honest, I've no idea what boysenberries are! ;-)
LoriPori Sep 7, 2007 at 9:35 AM Report Abuse

Sorry if I visited too soon. Enjoyed the tips you've done so far esp. the beach camping. The scenery is absolutely beautiful here.