Elgol peninsula circuit

Summary

This long circular walk gives wonderful views of the Cuillin and the islands of Rum, Eigg and Canna. It also visits the beautiful bay of Camasunary.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Mostl of the route is on clear paths, tracks and minor roads. Two short sections along the coast path are very exposed and slippery above a cliff edge, requiring great care; there have been several fatalities.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Parking area at foot of Am Mam track, Kilmarie.

Public Transport

Bus from Broadford.

Start Grid Ref

NG545172

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 18km / 11.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 8 hours
Ascent: 645m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (8)

Stage 1

There is a parking area on the B8083 Elgol road opposite where a rough track heads off the road leading to Camasunary. Park here, cross and walk past the John Muir Trust information board and up the stony track. When the Am Mam pass is reached, there is a glorious view revealed ahead of the Cuillin. The eye is drawn at first towards the jagged peak of Sgùrr nan Gillean, seen distant but dramatic at the far end of the long glen.

Stage 2

The track now begins its descent to Camasunary, a beautiful green pasture at the back of a sandy bay, with the small but very rugged peak of Sgùrr na Strì behind, itself backed by the main Cuillin Ridge. Continue on the track, which makes a wide zig-zag to the right, until just before the bridge over the river. At this point turn left to follow a boggy path to the relocated Camasunary bothy. This was built to replace a former bothy across the bay; it is maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association. Please help by removing any rubbish you find here, and always follow the bothy code.

Stage 3

Beyond the bothy the path soon becomes drier. It climbs a little across the hillside and crosses a stile over a wire fence. Looking back there are truly magnificent views across the waters of Loch Scavaig to the Cuillin - often reckoned to be the finest coastal view in the British Isles. There is a short rocky section above a steep drop, and after a couple of kilometres the path passes above another steep cliff, at times perilously close to the edge - great care is needed as there have been several fatalities. Eventually the path descends to the safety of the bay at the foot of Glen Scaladal.

Stage 4

Cross the lovely and secluded bay. From the far side the path climbs again to another slightly vertigo-inducing section, before leaving the edge of the cliffs and eventually emerging through a gate onto a path between two fences and then a lane at the top of Elgol village. Follow the lane to reach the road and turn right down the hill through Elgol. At a road junction turn left (signed Glasnakille), following a minor road and passing the community centre and shop. The road climbs over the peninsula, giving good views of the Isles of Eigg and Rum. It begins to descend again from a wireless transmitter mast, until it reaches a 'T' junction with another minor road at Glasnakille.

Stage 5

The Spar Cave can be visited from here, but only if you've timed things to perfection for the tides. Instead, turn left along the minor road. It passes several whitewashed croft houses with fine views across to Sleat and the mountains of Knoydart beyond. The road ends at a gate and continues as a grassy track, and heads into woodland. This area is very sheltered for Skye and the woods are full of primroses, wood anemone and other wildflowers in the spring, as well as many birds.

Stage 6

Once past a house the track becomes a tarmac road once more and passes some more houses. As the road swings left up the hill, turn right slightly downhill onto a farm track, passing through a couple of gates. Keep on the track towards a whitewashed house, but just before reaching its garden, a stone marker indicates a path leads off to the right. This continues round the coast until emerging on another minor road near some cottages.

Stage 7

Continue along the road, soon heading inland and passing Kilmarie House, once the home of Iain Anderson from the 60's band Jethro Tull. The minor road leads beside a stream and through the woodland, soon reaching the B8083. Turn left to reach the start of the walk in 500 metres.

Most of the peninsula visited on this walk is owned by the John Muir Trust, a charity that protects wild places. You can find out more and support their work by joining at http://www.johnmuirtrust.org/.

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