The breathtaking Kyle Rhea Straits
Glenelg is a tiny village on the west coast of mainland Scotland. Overlooking the Isle of Skye across the Kyle of Rhea, Glenelg is a great escape for anyone looking for an undiluted Highland experience. Take in the stunning Highland scenery, diverse sea life and wildlife, and find out quite why Glenelg is twinned with the planet Mars!
The surrounding countryside in the Glenelg area is a magnet for wayfarers, bird spotters and those looking for somewhere to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of work and city life. Local landmarks include the Shiel Bridge and the Mam Ratagan Pass viewpoint. The stunning views are very much part of the many reasons that visitors to return again and again for their holidays in Glenelg.
Glenelg Bay faces across the Kyle of Rhea to the eastern coast of Isle of Skye and down the Sound of Sleat with fabulous views to the Sandaig Islands, Isleornsay, Rum and Eigg. Sandaig is where author Gavin Maxwell wrote the best-selling novel, Ring of Bright Water. Follow the road south of Glenelg to Arnisdale and then onto the tiny village of Corran – this drive is considered by many to be one of the most scenic in Scotland. You can visit the Corran Heritage Centre to learn a bit about the area during your time there too. Close to Glenelg is the mainland embarkation point for the Skye Ferry. The MV Glenachulish is a manually operated turntable ferry – this once-popular type of vessel was once commonplace throughout Scotland. It is now thought to be the last of its kind. With daily crossings across the spectacular Kyle Rhea Straits, you may see seals, porpoise, otters and sea eagles on the wing. It’s a truly magical experience if you love boat trips.
“Take one of Scotland’s most scenic drives from Glenelg to Corran…”
Glenelg is home to a scattering of amenities such as a village shop and a pub that is a hub for the local community. Stop in at the Glenelg Inn for a pint and an evening meal. There’s also a very pleasant café, Way Out West, and a BBQ hut called The Shed that offers takeaways during the summer months. Glenelg has a micro-climate that tends to run contra to what’s happening up the road, the sunny days in West Scotland are something special, and with the lack of light pollution, the stars are so clear, so bring or borrow a telescope if you can. The dark skies are not to be missed.
Relaxing Glenelg's fantastic views
We have a superb collection of holiday accommodation in Glenelg, all perfectly located for sightseeing in this unique part of Scotland. Browse our collection of self-catering cottages in Glenelg today.