Loch Coruisk on Skye, is breathtakingly beautiful. A contender for one of the most spectacular places we’ve ever been! It is a remote loch ringed by the highest peaks of the Cuillin mountains. Accessible only by boat trip from Elgol (as we did) or via an arduous 5.5 mile hike from Kilmarie. This was a real highlight of our time on Skye.
The Isle of Skye is famous for its local music and culture. Probably the most famous song which mentions the island is “The Skye Boat Song”. Few people however, realise that there is a direct connection between the Skye Boat Song and Loch Coruisk. It was whilst being rowed along the loch on a trip to the Isle of Skye during the 1790s that Miss Annie MacLeod first heard the Gaelic tune “Cuchag nan Craobh” being sung by the rowers. Miss MacLeod wrote down the music as she remembered it and the lyrics were later added by Sir Harold Boulton. Loch Coruisk is also the scene of one of JMW Turner’s paintings, and a focus of the writings of Sir Walter Scott. They were both struck by the beauty of the area while they travelled the Scottish Hebrides.
GETTING TO LOCH CORUISK
There are two options to get to Loch Coruisk. The first involves a difficult trek from Kilmarie, the other a boat ride across the sea from Elgol, a small village on the west coast of Skye. We chose the second option as the hike is not suitable for children.
From Elgol we took Misty Isle boat trips who we would most definitely recommend. They’ve been running for many generations. Seumas Mackinnon is a local skipper, born and bred in the village of Elgol with a lifetime of experience at sea. Tickets generally need to be booked in advance. They run a number of trips each day, depending on the season. Their standard trip is for three hours and includes approximately 1.5 hours at Loch Coruisk.
The boat trip itself is totally worthwhile with wonderful views of the Cuillins and surrounding islands. Seals are usually seen, and frequently porpoise can be sighted. The boat moors at a landing stage in Loch na Cuilce, in the shadow of the mountains.
Once ashore there is a short walk to Loch Coruisk itself. The Scavaig, one of the shortest rivers in Scotland, cascades into the sea over rock slabs to your right. Continue along the river until you see Loch Coruisk.
Here you cross the river using the stones.
From here your time is your own. You are free to sit and enjoy the views, have a picnic, or take a hike. Our advice would be to head across the river and uphill a little way. The view of Loch Coruisk from this point is magnificent. We sat and had a picnic while enjoying the view…and what a view!
It was here that we saw four deer grazing on the hillside.
HIKING AROUND LOCH CORUISK ON SKYE
A fantastic walk into the heart of the Cuillin mountains without any need to scale the heights. The full circuit around the loch is 7 km and takes 3.5 to 4 hours. The path is rough and very boggy, with numerous river crossings. If the full circuit is too much, then it is certainly worth doing a short section to experience some amazing views of the loch and its surrounding mountains.
Begin the walk by ascending inland. The path then climbs a short distance to give the most magnificent view of Loch Coruisk. In our opinion one of the best views on Skye.
Follow the path a little way before heading back down to the shore.
Follow the path around the loch, sticking close to the shore, crossing a number of small rivers on stepping stones. The going can be very boggy, particularly after rain.
Eventually, the end of the loch is reached and the path down to the waiting boat for the return to Elgol.
Remember to have booked separate boat rides if you are doing the full circuit, rather than a standard three hours trip. You would typically need to go out in the morning and return in the afternoon, if hiking around Loch Coruisk. Hot drinks and biscuits are served on the boat ride back to Elgol.
Don’t miss Loch Coruisk if you’re heading to the Isle of Skye. It’s one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been!
FOR MORE ON SKYE:
Top 6 Family Family Friendly Hikes on the Isle of Skye
Hiking to the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye
Hiking the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye
Top 12 Things To Do on the Isle of Skye with Kids
8 Comments.
Thanks for telling me about the Skye Boat Song – I didn’t quite know where it came from. But – wow. I’m not surprised your family think it might be the most breathtaking place. I’m desperate to see it for real, now.
We didn’t know before our visit either! It was a stunning spot Nell.
What an amazing place! To be honest I never heard about this place before, however the pictures make me wanna go, I’ll put it in my bucketlist thanks!
You really should. Skye is a breathtakingly beautiful place and Loch Coruisk is one of the best spots!
Those views and seeing the deer so close – what an experience. I didn’t know that about The Skye Boat Song. It’s always been my mother-in-law’s lullaby for her babies and mine 🙂 #MondayEscapes
This sounds amazing! The photos are stunning, such clear skies and beautiful waters. #Fearlessfamtrav
I have loved following your adventures here. The scenery reminds me so much of NZ, especially with those gorgeous blue skies – just breathtaking. And I had no idea the link with the Skye Boat Song!
Thanks for linking up to #FearlessFamTrav
Thanks Jen. Skye reminded us a lot of NZ too. Such beautiful scenery – breathtaking as you say.