ELGOL

Elgol, at the end of the Strathaird peninsula, on Loch Scavaig towards the southern end of Skye, is known for its wonderful views of the Cuillin Hills. But that's not all: from here the islands of Soay, Canna, Rum and Eigg are also visible. There are routes up to the mountains from the single road running the length of the peninsula, but for those who want to get up close and personal with the mountains but do not fancy themselves as mountaineers there are boat trips available from Elgol which take passengers to Loch Coruisk, which lies at the heart of the rocky amphitheatre formed by these majestic peaks, the most notable of which is Black Cuillin, often hidden by cloud. The loch was immortalised in a striking painting by the English landscape painter Sidney Richard Percy called "Loch Coruisk, Isle Of Skye". About a mile to the south of Elgol is Prince Charles's Cave, where Bonnie Prince Charlie spent his last night on Skye before leaving for the mainland. The Prince was reputedly fortified for the journey thanks to the kindness of Lady Mackinnon of the Jacobite clan which was dominant hereabouts: she brought the famished fugitive cold meat and wine to feast on before setting out.

Map of the area.

Elgol Jetty - geograph.org.uk - 106990. Photo by Dave Fergusson, via Wikimedia Commons.