Scotland Guide
Skye and the Western Isles
Elgol
The road to ELGOL (Ealaghol), at the tip of the Strathaird peninsula, is one of the most dramatic on the island, leading right into the heart of the Red Hills and then down a precipitous slope, with a stunning view from the top down to Elgol pier. The chief reason for visiting Elgol is, weather permitting, to take a boat across Loch Scavaig, past a seal colony, to a jetty near the entrance of Loch Coruisk (from coire uish, "cauldron of water"). An isolated, glacial loch, this needle-like shaft of water, nearly two miles long but only a couple of hundred yards wide, lies in the shadow of the highest peaks of the Black Cuillin, a wonderfully overpowering landscape. The journey takes about an hour and passengers are dropped to spend time ashore. From Easter to October, two boats currently offer the trip: the Bella Jane ( 
0800/731 3089, 
www.bellajane.co.uk ), and the Misty Isle ( 01471/866288, www.mistyisleboattrips.co.uk ; Mon– Sat only).
If you want a bite to eat, Elgol has a coffee shop and the excellent seafood restaurant at Coruisk House ( 01471/866330, www.seafood-skye.co.uk ; April– Oct; Price: ₤71-90), which also offers B&B in its bright and cheerful rooms. Alternatively, try Rowan Cottage ( 01471/866287, www.rowancottage-skye.co.uk ; March– Oct; Price: ₤61-70), a lovely B&B a mile or so east in Glasnakille. By far the most popular place to stay is the campsite and bunkhouse ( 01478/650204, www.sligachan.co.uk ; April– Oct; dorm beds £10) by the Sligachan Hotel on the A87, at the northern end of Glen Sligachan. The hotel's huge Seamus Bar serves food for weary walkers until 11pm, and quenches their thirst with its own real ales, and often has live bands.