| Loch Sligachan and Glen Sligachan (picture by Peter Watts) |  |
Loch Sligachan and Glen Sligachan
Loch Sligachan and Glen Sligachan
Panorama from the beginning of Glen Sligachan overlooking Loch Sligachan on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.This panoramic photograph shows some of the high peaks in the area. The prominent conical hill to the right of Loch Sligachan is Glamaig (775m), one of the Red Hills (also called Red Cuillin). From this point the River Sligachan winds it's way back up Glen Sligachan. Next to Glamaig is Beinn Dearg Mhor, Marsco (736m), Garb-bheinn (806m) and Bla Bheinn (also called Blaven) (928m) on the left of the large glen.
Each summer, Glamaig is ascended by dozens of fun-runners who depart from the small foot bridge visible in this panorama, race to the top of Glamaig and return - in less than 30 minutes!
To the right of the valley are some of the high peaks of the Black Cuillin range, including the dramatic Sgurr nan Gillean (965m) Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh (973m) and Bruach na Frithe (958m). These are 3 of the 12 Munro peaks on Skye. It is for such mountains and scenery that many people flock to Skye for walking and climbing holidays. Sgurr Na Gillean (meaning "the hill of the young man") dominating the skyline forms the right hand side of the glen, it's imposing peak momentarily visible through a heavy shroud of cloud.
There is also a walk from Glen Sligachan through the glens and the heart of the Cuillins to Elgol, passing by the feet of Blaven, Sgurr Alasdair and many other Munros (mountains over 3000ft). Taking approximately 12 hours for an experienced walker, this offers an alternative challenge of endurance for those less keen on vertical climbs, but none the less scenic and enjoyable.
At the junction of the A87 and A863 is a hotel (you can see the coach parked there in this panoramic image). Next to this hotel is a great bar and restaurant which serves, amongst other things, very good venison burgers and is famous for stocking over 200 varieties of whisky.
Behind there to the north lies Ben Lee (445m). The A87 continues north from here to Portree. Broadford lies to the south. At this junction the A863 traverses Glen Dynoch towards Dynoch itself before continuing along the coast along Loch Harport to eventually arrive in Dunvegan and Loch Dunvegan (from the monument viewpoint).
Travel and Getting There:
Sligachan is the meeting point of three major roads on Skye. It lies 25 miles north of Kyleakin, approx 33 miles north of Armadale and 30 miles south of Uig via Portree (9 miles north). It can also be approached from Dunvegan, 25 miles away to the north west.