Glen Sligachan

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views

This trail pairs spectacular scenery with awesome technical singletrack as it crosses from the south to the north of the Isle of Skye. It's all singletrack with some fun rocky sections and a few boggy areas, although not as many as some of the other trails in the area.

It starts essentially at sea level near the Camasunary Lodge. The beautiful Cuillin Mountains lie to the west as you travel towards Glen Sligachan. The first mile climbs gently to Loch na Creitheach, and then the trail follows the western shore of this remote lake. This takes you into a quiet valley in the interior of the Isle of Skye. A creek runs from the hills to the east and spreads out into multiple branches in the valley—get ready for some boggy crossings.

The trail takes you to the shore of another small lochan at about three miles before you start climbing over a pass where there are a few more lochans. Beyond the second small lochan, you might begin to see a few more people as several trails branch off from this route into the Cuillin Mountains.

The climb is a gentle grade, but the trail is rocky with some small steps. You'll reach the high point (308 ft) around the four-mile mark, where you've got a good look down the River Sligachan. The descent features rocks of all manner: big, small, loose, embedded, and gravelly. Overall, it's quite a fun trail with some technical sections. The view continues to be awesome with several waterfalls that can be seen in the many small tributaries to the River Sligachan along the route.

The trail ends at the Hotel Sligachan after you cross an old stone bridge over the river. There is a major trailhead at the hotel, so expect to see a lot of runners nearby.