Sligachan sits at the crossroads of Skye, where the road from the bridge divides for Portree and for the west, and it is the best place to see the Cuillin mountains without climbing them. The old stone bridge over the River Sligachan, built in the nineteenth century, frames the jagged Black Cuillin on one side and the rounded Red Cuillin on the other, and it is one of the most photographed scenes on the island. A local legend says that if you hold your face in the river beneath the bridge for seven seconds you will be granted eternal beauty. Beside the bridge, a bronze statue commemorates two pioneers of climbing in the Cuillin, and the Sligachan Hotel has a bar and restaurant. It is free and open at all times.
The view
The Black Cuillin, the most dramatic mountain range in the British Isles, is a horseshoe of jagged gabbro peaks around Loch Coruisk, and from Sligachan you look straight up Glen Sligachan towards Sgurr nan Gillean and its neighbours. To the east, the Red Cuillin are smoother, granite hills that glow pink in low sun. The light changes constantly, and the river in the foreground, with its waterfall below the bridge, makes an easy composition. The modern road bridge sits alongside, so the old bridge is now for walkers.
Walks from Sligachan
The path into Glen Sligachan leaves from beside the bridge and follows the river south between the two ranges. You can walk as far as you like on a fairly level path and turn back; the full route continues for many miles to Camasunary and Elgol or to Loch Coruisk, which is a long, serious day for experienced walkers. The Cuillin summits themselves are for experienced mountaineers, as the ridge involves scrambling and exposure, so most visitors enjoy them from below. Wear boots, as the glen path is boggy in places.
Practical details
Sligachan is about nine miles south of Portree, roughly fifteen minutes by car, on the main A87 road, and buses between Portree, Broadford and the mainland stop here. There is a car park by the hotel. A stop of half an hour is enough for photographs and the legend, or allow a couple of hours for a walk into the glen. Sligachan pairs naturally with the Fairy Pools and Talisker Distillery, which are both a short drive west, making it a good first stop on a Cuillin day.
What to expect
The experience
A free roadside stop at an old stone bridge with mountain views, with the option of a level walk up Glen Sligachan from the same spot.
Best time
Early morning or evening, when low light catches the Cuillin and the Red Cuillin turn pink.
How long
Half an hour for the view, up to two hours with a walk into the glen.
Tips
Bring boots for the glen path, leave the Cuillin summits to experienced mountaineers and combine the stop with the Fairy Pools and Talisker.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to see the Cuillin up close without a mountain day.
- Families
- An easy stop with a river to look at and a legend children enjoy, but keep them away from the water's edge after rain.
- Couples
- Stop for the view in the evening light, then dinner at the Sligachan Hotel next door.
- Pair with
- The Fairy Pools, Talisker Distillery and a night at the Sligachan Hotel.
- Time needed
- Thirty minutes to two hours.
Good questions
What is the legend of the Sligachan bridge?+
Local tradition says that holding your face in the river beneath the bridge for seven seconds grants eternal beauty.
Is it free?+
Yes. The bridge, the viewpoint and the walks into the glen are free and open at all times.
Can I climb the Cuillin from Sligachan?+
The Black Cuillin summits involve scrambling and exposure and are for experienced mountaineers or those with a qualified guide; most visitors walk a short way into the glen instead.
How far is Sligachan from Portree?+
About nine miles south, roughly fifteen minutes by car, and buses stop here.
Is there parking?+
Yes, there is a car park beside the Sligachan Hotel and the bridge.
