Armchair inspiration

If you’re itching to explore more of Britain then let us inspire you with our latest blog series where we share some of our favourite places . These are the spots that have really resonated with us, and our guests, over the years that we’ve been running Large Outdoors. It could be beauty spots that are still relatively untouched by tourists; the cafes that are pretty special whether it’s for the quality of the cake being served, the sheer quirkiness or just for the banter being bandied around; or the pubs that are the stars in our eyes after years of research!

 So first up is Elgol.

 As the founder of Large Outdoors I am always being asked about my favourite location, trip or walk.. well Elgol is, without doubt, my number one!

Many of you will never have heard of this tiny hamlet harbour in Scotland but once you have visited I can guarantee it will be firmly imprinted in your memory bank. 

The hamlet is about 10 miles from Broadford on the Isle of Skye, reached by a single twisting lane which crests the brow of a hill and suddenly presents you with the most stunning view.  

Whenever we run trips to Skye, I’m itching to return and just sit quietly on the beach looking across the turquoise blue water to the Cuillin mountains and the islands of Rum, Canna and Soay. In fact I often forego the group’s Aqua Explorer daytrip (see below) just so I can spend four hours drinking in the views and peaceful atmosphere. 

Other reasons for visiting Elgol: 

a.)  Island wildlife adventures 

Elgol acts as a stepping stone to the neighbouring islands, courtesy of the Aqua Explorer, a grin-inducing speedboat trip that is a must-do. 

When you reach the Isle of Soay (once owned by Ring of Bright Water author Gavin Maxwell) the speedboat engine drops to a quiet idle to survey the wildlife. 

From here you head over to Canna and see the seabird colonies such as puffins and guillemots and, if you’re really lucky, glimpses of Sea or White Tailed Eagles. Stepping ashore you get a real sense of the fantastic islander spirit on Canna as you devour a cracking bacon butty and a cup of tea in the community café before visiting the shop which operates on an honesty payment system. 

Back on-board you travel round to the resident seal colony before crossing the channel to the shores of Mull. 

Now it’s worth saying that sometimes the wildlife doesn’t play ball and there can be a no-show. However on the many times I’ve been on the Aqua Explore trip, I’ve gawped at Minke Whales, harbour porpoises and scores of dolphins including one occasion when we were surrounded by a super pod of 200+ dolphins. The team at Aqua Explore have even seen an Orca whale on one trip. 

b.)  Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Boarding Paradise:

I have been paddling for many years and nothing compares to the adventure I had one day from Elgol along the coastline to Camasunary Bay and back. 

I paddled up to remote beaches where I was often the only person on them. I enjoyed watching inquisitive seals becoming braver and getting closer to the board to say hello, and everywhere I looked I was accompanied by the most fantastic and remote landscape. 

It was just one of those days that I didn’t want to end. 

c.)  Elgol is perfect for a wedding!  

Who knew that when Jeni and Adrian met on a Large Outdoors weekend in Wasdale wedding bells would follow a few years’ later. The most spectacular and romantic wedding location they chose was Loch Coruisk, a boat trip from Elgol. Myself and Daphne (the van) were invited along to share these truly special few days on the Isle of Skye and it was just wonderful with views, company and some lovely food – so I thoroughly recommend it as a venue for tying the knot!

How you can visit Elgol with Large Outdoors

Both the Isle of Skye - Adventure & Explore and our harder Walking the Mountains of Skye week include the four-hour option of a trip on the Aqua Explorer. 

Our Wild Swim – The Scottish Highlands trip from Elgol not only offers guests a chance to swim from the harbour but also to then jump aboard the Bella Jane boat for a further swim in Loch Coruisk. 

Have you been to Elgol? Share your memories and pictures in the comments below: