Allt nam Fraoch Choire, Loch na Creithich and Loch Scavaig Loop

This long, low-level circuit explores one of the wildest corners of the Isle of Skye, linking the burn of Allt nam Fraoch Choire with Loch na Creithich and the dramatic shores of Loch Scavaig. At around 30 km / 18.6 miles with roughly 500 m / 1,640 ft of ascent, it is a substantial day out despite the modest elevation gain, and the “easy” rating only really fits strong walkers who are comfortable with a very long route, rough ground, and a remote finish far from quick assistance. The route is generally associated with the Elgol area on the Strathaird peninsula, with the nearest clear trailhead landmark being Elgol Pier, Elgol, Isle of Skye IV49, at the end of the B8083 south of Broadford. Elgol sits on Loch Scavaig and is the usual access point for walks into this landscape. (en.wikipedia.org)

From the outset, expect a striking contrast between gentle gradients and serious Highland remoteness. The terrain around Elgol and Loch Scavaig is not high in the way the Black Cuillin are high, but it feels rugged, exposed, and isolated. Paths can be intermittent, boggy, stony, or braided, especially where old route lines cross open moor and wet ground. HiiKER is the navigation tool to rely on here, and it is worth treating this as a full mountain day in terms of preparation: waterproofs, spare layers, food for a long outing, and enough time to cope with slow sections. The route’s appeal lies in its changing scenery rather than steep climbing—sea loch, inland lochans, moorland, burns, and constant views toward the Cuillin skyline. Loch Scavaig is one of Skye’s most dramatic sea lochs, while Elgol is especially well known for its outlook across the water to the Black Cuillin. (scotways.com)

What the route feels like

The early miles are usually the most straightforward, with a clear sense of leaving the crofting edge of Elgol behind and moving into open country. Over roughly the first 6 to 8 km / 3.7 to 5 miles, the route trends through rough pasture, moor, and burnside ground toward the interior around Allt nam Fraoch Choire and Loch na Creithich. Elevation gain is spread out rather than concentrated, so there are no major sustained climbs, but the walking can still be tiring because soft ground and uneven surfaces slow progress. In wet weather, burns can become more awkward and peatier sections can hold water for long stretches.

Loch na Creithich is one of the key landmarks of the day, sitting in a quieter inland setting beneath larger surrounding hills. This part of the route often feels more enclosed than the coast, with the landforms drawing the eye toward Bla Bheinn and the wider Cuillin massif. It is a good place to pause, check position on HiiKER, and assess timing before committing to the longer western and southern sections. The loch is often described as a scenic alternative to the better-known Skye Trail line from Sligachan, which gives a sense of how wild and lightly trafficked this area can feel. (horizonrando.fr)

As the loop bends toward Loch Scavaig, the character changes again. The final third—roughly 10 to 12 km / 6 to 7.5 miles depending on the exact line taken—becomes more coastal and more dramatic. Here the route is defined by the meeting of dark water, rock, and the jagged Cuillin backdrop. Old path lines in this area are historically important links between Elgol, Camasunary, and onward routes toward Sligachan and Glenbrittle. ScotWays records the Elgol to Glenbrittle shieling path as a heritage route, and notes the old line from Camasunary toward Sligachan via Srath na Creitheach and Lochan Dubha. (scotways.com)

Landmarks, nature, and wildlife

The biggest visual landmark throughout is the Black Cuillin, which dominate views across Loch Scavaig and give the whole walk a dramatic mountain backdrop. Even though this loop itself is not a high summit route, it travels through one of the most iconic mountain settings in