Circuit of the Elgol Peninsula

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Long but fairly easy going walk with wonderful views of the Cuillin and islands, taking in beautiful sandy bay of Camasunary.

Terrain

A long but straightforward circuit on good paths, tracks and minor roads. Two sections along the coast path are near a steep cliff edge and may not please vertigo sufferers.

Public Transport

Bus 50B and Post Bus from Portree and Broadford. Get off at Kirkibost.

Start

Parking area at foot of Am Mam track. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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 Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 19km / 12 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 8 hours
Ascent: 700m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG545172

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a parking area on the B8083 Elgol road where a rough track heads off the road leading to Camasunary. Park here and walk 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 Sgurr 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 Sgurr na Stri behind, itself backed by the main Cuillin Ridge. Continue on the track, which makes a wide zig-zag to the right, until the bridge over the river. You might want to detour from here to walk on the beach or visit the open cottage at the far side of the bay. Returning to the bridge, follow the path to the south along the shore, which is a little boggy at first but soon improves and climbs the grassy slopes.

Stage 3

The path 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, before descending to the safety of the bay at the foot of Glen Scaladal.

Stage 4

Beyond the glen, the path climbs again to a similarly 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. There is a tea-shop on the left hand side; just beyond this the route takes the minor road off to the left (signed Glasnakille) and passes 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, continue on slightly downhill on another track. 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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