"Glenelg and The Sound Of Sleat... " a Glenelg Travel Page by nickandchris

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.

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.

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.