Tarskavaig
A crofting village on the west coast of Sleat, looking north across its bay to the Cuillin, with Dunscaith Castle nearby.
Tarskavaig is a crofting village on the west coast of the Sleat peninsula, in the south of Skye, the largest of a string of small settlements along this rugged shore.
Its crofts are spread across a shallow valley that runs down to Tarskavaig Bay, and the road there, part of a narrow and winding single-track loop round the peninsula, is slow going.
From the bay the views north are superb: Tarskavaig Point, the Strathaird peninsula, the island of Soay and the jagged Cuillin all seem to run together into one piece of land. There is a small beach, and a little café in the village hall. On the headland across the bay stand the ruins of Dunscaith Castle, thought to be the oldest standing castle on Skye, and a little further on the road reaches Ord. At sunset the whole coast glows, and the view from the beach is one to wait for.
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Tarskavaig is reached by the single-track road that loops round the west of Sleat from the A851.
The road is narrow and winding; allow time.
- Where
- West coast of Sleat, south Skye.
- Road
- Narrow, winding single track.
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Dunscaith CastleThe ruined castle on its rock across the bay, thought to be the oldest standing castle on Skye.2 miles 4 min by road
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig – Gaelic College & Culture CentreThe Gaelic college at Sleat: a shop, a coffee, and a blether on Mondays.6 miles 9 min by road
South Skye Sea KayakPaddle the clear waters of the Isle of Skye with South Skye Sea Kayak.7 miles 10 min by road
Armadale Castle GardensThe ruined seat of the Macdonalds and 40 acres of woodland gardens, half a mile from the ferry pier on Sleat.7 miles 9 min by road
Torabhaig DistilleryThe second licensed distillery in Skye's history, in a restored farm steading on the Sound of Sleat.8 miles 12 min by road
Knock CastleThe ruin of Caisteal Chamuis, a MacLeod and then MacDonald castle, on a promontory over Knock Bay in Sleat.8 miles 12 min by road
Places to stay near the village, and when each is next free.
Coruisk House- Sleeps 4
- In Elgol
- 5 miles from Tarskavaig
Bothan Beileag- Sleeps 2
- In Heasta
- 6 miles from Tarskavaig
Bothan Buidheag- Sleeps 2
- In Heasta
- 6 miles from Tarskavaig
Stonechat Bothy- Sleeps 2
- In Drumfearn
- 7 miles from Tarskavaig
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What we have written about it and more on Skye.
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