Glenelg, The Most Stunning Route to Skye

Glenelg, is not known to many tourist who visit this part of Scotland, many will pass by heading to Skye or the nearby tourist attractions along the route to the Skye bridge, and in my heart I want to keep this a secret all to myself. But you can’t help wanting to shout aloud about this wonderful village and the most spectacular route to the Isle of Skye via the Glenelg Ferry.

The route to Skye I am talking about is over the Mam Ratagan pass from Shiel Bridge, a great drive with hairpin bends rising to 1116 feet, and offering some of the best views in Scotland, it is a road to admire but take caution on its single track roads whilst admiring the many stunning vistas.

The village of Glenelg is not actually a glen, at least not a single glen, it is best described as a peninsula, with Loch Duich and Loch Hourn proudly sitting on either side, and stunning views over to the Isle of Skye overlooking the Kyle Rhea Narrows, the stretch of water separating these two spectacular lands, this part of mainland Scotland is the closest to the Isle of Skye, and makes sense to have a ferry located here.

The Glenelg ferry crosses to Kylerhea from the structure of the old Sandaig lighthouse, and is an attraction in itself as well as a working ferry. The ferry is run by the local community and runs between March and October. Riding on the ferry you can see seals and possibly the local White Tailed Eagles that fish in the surrounding waters.

Apart from using this road to take a trip on the ferry, you must also explore the area for its many views and historical features, none more than the Glenelg Brochs, named Dun Troddan and Dun Telve, these two brochs are the best examples of ancient buildings anywhere in Scotland. The brochs are said to have been built in the iron age, entirely by dry stone. Unfortunately it is thought that the brochs was stripped of much of its stone to build Bernera Barracks in Glenelg. apart from these more accessible brochs there is another called Dun Grugaig about 2.5k away.

Glenelg village is a lovely small place serviced by a local shop and the famous Glenelg Inn, you can feel the community atmosphere around the area, and the shop is a great place to stop to feel what village life is all about. The Glenelg Inn is a very nice traditional Scottish Highland Inn, here you can sample Scottish cuisine with wonderful views across to the Isle of Skye, accommodation is also available at the inn with prices from £85 for a single occupancy, double rooms range from £120 to £170, dogs are also welcome here.

The area around the village is ideal for walks with many walking routes available. the village is also a great location for wildlife spotting and for fishing.

So if you are planning on taking this great route to Skye, plan in a visit to Glenelg and take advantage of the villages beauty and historical and natural attractions.

 The route across the Mam Ratagan pass, from Shiel Bridge to Glenelg