Elgol to Sligachan Shieling Path Show path on map
Start location: Elgol ( NG 520 138 )
End location: Sligachan ( NG 486 298 )
Geographical area: Skye and Lochalsh
Path type: Rural Path
Path distance: 31km
Accessibility info: Suitable for pedestrians, Survey required
Route Description
Take the path from Elgol which goes north at a height of about 100m above sea-level across the steep west face of Ben Cleat. There are superb views of the Black Cuillin across Loch Scavaig from this part of the route. The path drops down to sea-level at the foot of Glen Scaladal and continues just above the shore to Camasunary. This beautifully situated spot on the machair above Camus Fhionnairigh can also be reached from Kilmarie on the B8083 (NG545173) by a track across the Strathaird peninsula. From Camasunary, the direct route to Sligachan goes north by the path up Srath na Creitheach, over the pass at only 85m at Lochan Dubha and down Glen Sligachan on the east side of the river to reach the Sligachan Hotel.
If wishing to continue onwards from Sligachan, an old shieling path leads southwest to Glen Brittle via the Bealach a’ Mhàim.
OS Landranger 32 (South Skye)
Heritage Information
This path is marked in the 1st edition OS 6 inch to the mile map, which was surveyed in the mid 19th century, but it doesn't look as if there can have been many people living along the route at that time. The National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) shows a number of hut circles and shielings on the route, such as Clach-na-Chroibh Chaorian (NG495270), but apart from the remains at Camasunary there seem to be no settlements or townships along the track. The path was perhaps used by residents of Elgol and Sligachan visiting their shieling sites annually, and also by people visiting these townships for trade or communication purposes.
Camasunary was once a township of about 10 houses at the head of Camas Fhionnairigh (NG516192). It was succeeded by a house and outbuildings closer to the shore; these buildings were associated with the sheep that replaced the people here, but in turn they too became ruined - their remains are beside the present day Camasunary Lodge (NG515187).
This old route between Elgol and Sligachan crosses land now mostly owned by the John Muir Trust. JMT staff and volunteers repair, maintain and monitor the path network - donations to their Wild Ways Path Appeal are welcomed.
