Loch Coruisk
Loch Coruisk
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Loch Coruisk (Gaelic Coire Uisg/the 'Cauldron of Waters') is an inland fresh-water loch lying at the foot of the Black Cuillin on the Isle of Skye. Loch Coruisk is reputed to be the home of a water horse. After staying at Dunvegan Castle, Sir Walter Scott visited the Cuillin and Loch Coruisk in 1814 and described it thus: 'Rarely human eye has known A scene so stern as that dread lake, With its dark ledge of barren stone...' The loch is accessible by boat from Elgol or on foot from Sligachan (approximately 7-8 miles distance). It is also possible to walk from Elgol, but one section of the path known as the 'Bad Step' presents some potential difficulties for the nervous or inexperienced walker. The northern end of the loch is ringed by the Black Cuillin, often wreathed in cloud. From the southern end the Scavaig River, only a few hundred yards long, discharges into a sea loch, Loch Scavaig. The loch is nearly two miles long, but only about 400 yards wide.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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5.0
200 reviews
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169
Very good
25
Average
5
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1
Terrible
0
Gaz065
Exeter, UK66 contributions
July 2024 • Friends
We travelled with the very friendly Misty Isles boat to the Loch. We saw seals on the way. The Loch was stunning and we were blessed with great weather. This is an amazing location and any visit to Skye should include a visit.
Written 27 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GneissDay
Santa Rosa, CA109 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
Bring a little sack lunch and just enjoy being there. We saw many seals and even otter on the boat back. The mountains, the sky, the blue waters and many greens everywhere are all so wonderful. Just take a bit of a walk in and enjoy being in a place without swarms of tourists that feels like it could be another world.
You can modify your stay in the loch area to be 1+ hours based on returns available. The standard is a 1 hour stay, and we found this fine and what every person on our trip chose... even though I'd consider staying longer if you wanted to do some real hiking. Allow maybe 3 hours for the whole excursion, although it may only be 2. There is no tour once there. You get a boat ride over, some fun tips on the area and then tea or coffee on your return boat. Watching the Cuillins grow on the way there and shrink on the way back is wonderful.
This is an especially great experience if you feel active at heart, but not up to bagging a munro. The stairs at the dock and climbing on and off the boat are a little challenge for those less able, but this location is a great way to get off the beaten path and be in nature without hiking up a steep boggy trail. (which I also love to do!) It is worth it to try to walk in the little bit to get a deeper view of the loch. But even a picnic looking at the sea near the destination dock is worth it!
Tips -
- It was quite easy to get tickets at the pier. Just ask whomever you see or walk in a kiosk. Time is easily killed waiting for a boat with a walk on the rocky beach or up to the cafe.
- Bring layers. The boat ride is cool and windy (hat, jacket and gloves are useful), walking around the semi-protected loch is much less.
- There are no toilets, even at the ticket booth - be warned.
- There is a cafe up the steep hill that has a wc and hot soup and snacks. It was a great find after the boat back. It doesn't look like much, we only found it while trying to seek out Prince Charlie's cave on the even smaller road to the south from the pier. It is to the right at the fork at the top of the steep grade above the parking.
- The beach by the pier has beautiful views if you walk out towards and past the giant rock face. We unexpectedly sat there for an hour or so taking photos and watch boats. It was lovely!
- There is some pier parking in Elgol. We drove. The road was typical tiny scottish single track and a long way out. I loved the challenge of it, but it is exhausting. You must stay alert and pull over often. The GPS mobile app "maps.me" got us to the Elgol pier just fine outside of cell range (download the area maps first and have a mobile charger to use.)
- There are some caves and interesting beaches on the south side of the point. If you feel like a second adventure in the immediate area - go look for Prince Charlie's cave. Just don't get stuck!
You can modify your stay in the loch area to be 1+ hours based on returns available. The standard is a 1 hour stay, and we found this fine and what every person on our trip chose... even though I'd consider staying longer if you wanted to do some real hiking. Allow maybe 3 hours for the whole excursion, although it may only be 2. There is no tour once there. You get a boat ride over, some fun tips on the area and then tea or coffee on your return boat. Watching the Cuillins grow on the way there and shrink on the way back is wonderful.
This is an especially great experience if you feel active at heart, but not up to bagging a munro. The stairs at the dock and climbing on and off the boat are a little challenge for those less able, but this location is a great way to get off the beaten path and be in nature without hiking up a steep boggy trail. (which I also love to do!) It is worth it to try to walk in the little bit to get a deeper view of the loch. But even a picnic looking at the sea near the destination dock is worth it!
Tips -
- It was quite easy to get tickets at the pier. Just ask whomever you see or walk in a kiosk. Time is easily killed waiting for a boat with a walk on the rocky beach or up to the cafe.
- Bring layers. The boat ride is cool and windy (hat, jacket and gloves are useful), walking around the semi-protected loch is much less.
- There are no toilets, even at the ticket booth - be warned.
- There is a cafe up the steep hill that has a wc and hot soup and snacks. It was a great find after the boat back. It doesn't look like much, we only found it while trying to seek out Prince Charlie's cave on the even smaller road to the south from the pier. It is to the right at the fork at the top of the steep grade above the parking.
- The beach by the pier has beautiful views if you walk out towards and past the giant rock face. We unexpectedly sat there for an hour or so taking photos and watch boats. It was lovely!
- There is some pier parking in Elgol. We drove. The road was typical tiny scottish single track and a long way out. I loved the challenge of it, but it is exhausting. You must stay alert and pull over often. The GPS mobile app "maps.me" got us to the Elgol pier just fine outside of cell range (download the area maps first and have a mobile charger to use.)
- There are some caves and interesting beaches on the south side of the point. If you feel like a second adventure in the immediate area - go look for Prince Charlie's cave. Just don't get stuck!
Written 26 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scotlandmac
Glasgow, UK14,381 contributions
Apr 2015 • Solo
I've been into Loch Coruisk many times now but never in quite such wonderful weather.
The drive to Elgol itself is a must on Skye in decent weather .This whole area is a 'must see' as much as the old Man of Storr /Quiraing. This is coastal landscape at its most magnificent - anywhere, not just in Scotland.The views of Blaven rising out of Loch Slapin are astonishing too.
That view of the Cuillin from Elgol is a complete stunner - always a little different looking given season and light.Some famous writers on landscape have hailed it one of the WORLD'S best in the right light.
Travelled via the Bella Jane again (£4 dearer than Misty Isle but the times suited me better).Best to book in advance in peak season though they are good at advising you if you phone ahead re what is possible.Boats go out all day.
Because of really low tides we had an hour's detour up by Soay and along the coast - in a flat calm shimmering sea, it really was sublime. Big craggy Gars Bheinn rearing 3000 precipitous feet out of the ocean beside us.
A sea eagle even flew past.Dolphins had cruised round the bay in the morning (drat, missed them).
Loch Scavaig itself is as impressive , to me, as Loch Coruisk - the colours in the shallows are deepest greens and emerald.Some tiny white beaches at low tide.Big, brooding ancient mountains tumbling into the sea around you.Wild raw yet beautiful landscape doesn't get much better than this!
It's ideal to walk on the south shore of the loch(the side you get off the boat) to get the great view closer up of the arrow-shaped Dubhs Ridge emerging like a wedge from the loch shore.That spot is about a 20-30 minute wettish walk away .Keep close to the loch itself for the easiest path.
The far side of the loch over the river is rougher again and I don't think gives better views as such.It's a bit of a clamber right round the loch which I'm not convinced is entirely worth it.
What would be best if you are experienced is to climb Sgurr na Stri for possibly the best views over the whole Cuillin range.But you'll need a good few hours for this so arrange that with the boat operators, who are very flexible.
If you can , after the boat trip, factor in the hour or so's walk(each way) into Camasunary Bay from Kirkibost/Kilmarie car park. It is possibly the finest shortish coastal walk (with some slogs)in the North West Highlands.On a good day, you won't want to leave.
A life affirming experience, the whole trip.
The drive to Elgol itself is a must on Skye in decent weather .This whole area is a 'must see' as much as the old Man of Storr /Quiraing. This is coastal landscape at its most magnificent - anywhere, not just in Scotland.The views of Blaven rising out of Loch Slapin are astonishing too.
That view of the Cuillin from Elgol is a complete stunner - always a little different looking given season and light.Some famous writers on landscape have hailed it one of the WORLD'S best in the right light.
Travelled via the Bella Jane again (£4 dearer than Misty Isle but the times suited me better).Best to book in advance in peak season though they are good at advising you if you phone ahead re what is possible.Boats go out all day.
Because of really low tides we had an hour's detour up by Soay and along the coast - in a flat calm shimmering sea, it really was sublime. Big craggy Gars Bheinn rearing 3000 precipitous feet out of the ocean beside us.
A sea eagle even flew past.Dolphins had cruised round the bay in the morning (drat, missed them).
Loch Scavaig itself is as impressive , to me, as Loch Coruisk - the colours in the shallows are deepest greens and emerald.Some tiny white beaches at low tide.Big, brooding ancient mountains tumbling into the sea around you.Wild raw yet beautiful landscape doesn't get much better than this!
It's ideal to walk on the south shore of the loch(the side you get off the boat) to get the great view closer up of the arrow-shaped Dubhs Ridge emerging like a wedge from the loch shore.That spot is about a 20-30 minute wettish walk away .Keep close to the loch itself for the easiest path.
The far side of the loch over the river is rougher again and I don't think gives better views as such.It's a bit of a clamber right round the loch which I'm not convinced is entirely worth it.
What would be best if you are experienced is to climb Sgurr na Stri for possibly the best views over the whole Cuillin range.But you'll need a good few hours for this so arrange that with the boat operators, who are very flexible.
If you can , after the boat trip, factor in the hour or so's walk(each way) into Camasunary Bay from Kirkibost/Kilmarie car park. It is possibly the finest shortish coastal walk (with some slogs)in the North West Highlands.On a good day, you won't want to leave.
A life affirming experience, the whole trip.
Written 22 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scotlandmac
Glasgow, UK14,381 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
Painted by Turner. Raw and primeval. Yet accessible in about 40 mins by boat from Elgol which itself is one of the finest viewpoints on an island with many. If you can fit in even a half day to see this very famous loch and the weather is kind, then do it. In my view, it is one of the top places to see in Skye and a must if you love wild land and seascapes. In good light, it is superb. Scotland's mountains are some of the oldest on earth hence their very ancient quality. And of course rising 3000ft + straight out of the ocean just adds to their impact, despite their lowly height.
Loch Scavaig, where the boat anchors up, is an equally stunning spot. It's then a short walk to Loch Coruisk (loch of the corrie of the water) with the Jurassic landscape of the Black Cuillin tumbling down straight to the loch's edge. It's rough walking underfoot (and often wet) but you should at least take a wander a bit deeper into the heart of this raw landscape. One of the finest views in Scotland is from the top of the neighbouring hill of Sgurr na Stri, though you'd need a day to fit that steepish little climb in. It's quite straightforward from Camasunary. We disturbed a sea-eagle on its roomy summit on our last visit. It’s also a wonderful place for a wild camp, as is Coruisk itself.
Elgol is about 14 miles from Broadford down a mostly winding single track road so it will take a good 40 minutes to reach this spot if not more for photo stops, given the views are absolutely stunning from the moment Blaven , a Black Cuillin outlier, appears near Torrin.There's also a nice little cafe at Torrin with great views, the Blue Shed.
Skye’s peninsulas are all so different and Minginish, the heart of the Cuillin, is possibly the most impressive of all in terms of wild mountain grandeur.
Loch Scavaig, where the boat anchors up, is an equally stunning spot. It's then a short walk to Loch Coruisk (loch of the corrie of the water) with the Jurassic landscape of the Black Cuillin tumbling down straight to the loch's edge. It's rough walking underfoot (and often wet) but you should at least take a wander a bit deeper into the heart of this raw landscape. One of the finest views in Scotland is from the top of the neighbouring hill of Sgurr na Stri, though you'd need a day to fit that steepish little climb in. It's quite straightforward from Camasunary. We disturbed a sea-eagle on its roomy summit on our last visit. It’s also a wonderful place for a wild camp, as is Coruisk itself.
Elgol is about 14 miles from Broadford down a mostly winding single track road so it will take a good 40 minutes to reach this spot if not more for photo stops, given the views are absolutely stunning from the moment Blaven , a Black Cuillin outlier, appears near Torrin.There's also a nice little cafe at Torrin with great views, the Blue Shed.
Skye’s peninsulas are all so different and Minginish, the heart of the Cuillin, is possibly the most impressive of all in terms of wild mountain grandeur.
Written 29 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clive G
Worcester, UK24 contributions
May 2019
Sgurr na Stri has been on my bucket list for a few years, and here's why.
Sgurr na Stri is the small arrow head shaped peak to the right of the main Cuillin ridge when viewed across the bay from Elgol on the Isle of Skye. It is only 494 metres high, which is mere 59 metres (193 feet) higher than dear old Worcestershire Beacon back home in the Malvern Hills. However, as you can see it has some truly spectacular neighbours.
The day had not started in a very promising way, as the shot of the boats in Kentra Bay shows, but amazingly enough the weather perked up when I got to Skye - and it's not often you can say that! It was a good walk in from Kilmarie on the Elgol Road, up over the Am Mam pass and down to the remote settlement at Camasunary. From there Monty and I crossed a little river, the Abhainn Camas Fhionnairigh, and then climbed steeply over rough ground into the coire. Topping out you get tantalising glimpses of what is to come, and also back towards Blaven. I knew were close to the summit as we walked up a groove, and then we turned the last corner ...and was confronted with this. I couldn't help myself and let out a very audible '@@@@ me!!!', much to the amusement of a young Austrian couple who were already at the summit. In fact we were the only three people there, taking it in what has to be one of the finest views in these Isles. I've been climbing hills in England, Scotland and Wales for more than 40 years, and have seen many many stunning views - its why I keep doing it. However, I can honestly say there are few more breathtaking views than this.
Sgurr na Stri is the small arrow head shaped peak to the right of the main Cuillin ridge when viewed across the bay from Elgol on the Isle of Skye. It is only 494 metres high, which is mere 59 metres (193 feet) higher than dear old Worcestershire Beacon back home in the Malvern Hills. However, as you can see it has some truly spectacular neighbours.
The day had not started in a very promising way, as the shot of the boats in Kentra Bay shows, but amazingly enough the weather perked up when I got to Skye - and it's not often you can say that! It was a good walk in from Kilmarie on the Elgol Road, up over the Am Mam pass and down to the remote settlement at Camasunary. From there Monty and I crossed a little river, the Abhainn Camas Fhionnairigh, and then climbed steeply over rough ground into the coire. Topping out you get tantalising glimpses of what is to come, and also back towards Blaven. I knew were close to the summit as we walked up a groove, and then we turned the last corner ...and was confronted with this. I couldn't help myself and let out a very audible '@@@@ me!!!', much to the amusement of a young Austrian couple who were already at the summit. In fact we were the only three people there, taking it in what has to be one of the finest views in these Isles. I've been climbing hills in England, Scotland and Wales for more than 40 years, and have seen many many stunning views - its why I keep doing it. However, I can honestly say there are few more breathtaking views than this.
Written 9 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harrison F. Carter
Auckland, New Zealand12,826 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
This is a good one; one of our top 3 things to do on the Isle of Skye. We loved it. Algol is a beautiful place and the drive a beauty too. One bit of advice... after your boat trip and everybody disembarks and races off to the Loch, most people went left at the fork in the path. We chose right (anticlockwise around the Loch) as I thought the views would be better. This proved to be the case as you have the Loch in the foreground and the most impressive and jagged of the mountains in the background. You have to cross stepping stones, but if you have the mobility (and the weather), it is so worthwhile.
Written 21 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caz R
Isle of Man, UK30 contributions
June 2018 • Family
Difficult to describe as words aren’t adequate. Everyone visiting Skye should go!
We shall never forget our visit.
We shall never forget our visit.
Written 25 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip B
Middlesbrough, UK69 contributions
June 2014 • Friends
This attraction is located about eight miles south of the Sligachan Hotel. There are only two basic ways to reach this lovely area - by boat from Elgol or on foot. We recently choose the second of these options and did a circular walk from the Sligachan Hotel to Loch Coruisk and back. There is a good path most of the way but nearer the loch this becomes very indistinct and difficult under foot. When we got to the loch we had a picnic lunch and enjoyed the serenity of its isolation and quietness. This area is definitely worth a visit even though it is quite a long walk.
Written 1 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie S
Brighton, UK7 contributions
June 2014 • Friends
I walked from Camasunary along the bottom of Sgurr na Stri to Loch Coruisk. It was wonderful, a great coastal scramble up and over rocks and the not so 'Bad Step' at the end, before reaching a lovely beach. Loch Coruisk is magical, and the sight of the Cuillin is truly breathtaking. I caught a boat back to Elgol and saw seals and their pups whilst having a nice hot cuppa. On arriving at Elgol, you can take the coastal path back to Camasunary then on to Kilmarie. You will have wonderful views of the mountains on the way back, but watch your step as the path is narrow in places!
Written 30 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rich2008Nov
Harrogate, UK53 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
8 a.m. April 27.The Black Cuillen ringed in cloud. Like a land of dragons and druids. Mists and fire. I know it sounds wanky but this place brings it out of you. Chilled out and blissful, the sun hiding up there, somewhere. Out there with work and the boss. Far away a way.
Written 30 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. Wondered if anyone could help me if possible please? Me and my Brother are taking a trip to Loch Coruisk from Elgol in a week's time and we were hoping once we were off the boat we would have time to scramble up Sgurr Na Stri as the photo's I've seen from up there look incredible! We've got 3 hours on shore before the boat back but having trouble finding any information about the route or the sort of time frame needed to do the hike! Seen one review somewhere and it sounded like we'd need more than the 3 hours we have to do it in!
Has anyone done this hike? And if so are we being too optimistic in hoping we can get up and back inside 3 hours?
Thanks in advance for any replies!
Written 5 May 2019
I would contact the Misty Isle Ferry people, we chatted to one of the guys who owns the ferry, really nice guy. Got the feeling they might be more flexible if times, if you left early and got a later boat back. Don’t rush the trip it would be a shame. There is the climbers hut there too which you can pay to stay in, Misty Isle can tell you all about that too. They are local people who know the loch incredibly well. You can walk back but take some advise on the route/timing etc.
A bit jealous, have a fantastic time, it is so beautiful.
mistyisleboattrips
tel:01471866288
Regards Sarah x
Written 5 May 2019
We are travelling with 4 children aged 6, 3, 2 and a baby. If we take the landing trip, are there any good paths where we can walk a little around near Loch Coruisk? We will have a childcarrier.
Many thanks!
Written 17 May 2017
There are areas to explore around the loch and a scrappy bit of a trail, however there are also slippery, boggy and sharp areas everywhere.
I would be concerned about these 2 things - 1. The stair up from the boat to the trail (the only option if you want off the boat) is open and metal with barely a rail and although an elderly person could make it slow and steady, I would be nervous about letting most toddlers up it. And, 2. Wrangling amongst the rocks and bogs around the loch. If you don't have the most well-behaved, body able, and careful children it may be difficult to keep them safe and dry. My niece and nephew are 3 years apart and very agile and clever and I think I could have taken them at the 3&6 age, but it would have been with fairly constant attention and I'd expect a mess returning. Even as an adult visiting without a child, I found myself constantly watching my step to make sure I didn't step on a slippery rock, wobbly rock, or in water. And, if you have quick and unruly runners in the group I would strongly suggest against going. The area where you disembark is near a small cliff over the sea. And, if they squirm away anywhere in the area it would be hard to keep up due to the uneven and slippery ground.
I hate to discourage you because the area is beautiful and it was a big highlight of my trip. I also do think children would enjoy it. It would just be difficult and a bit stressful in my opinion.
Written 17 May 2017
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