If you are looking for an adventure on the Isle of Skye and want to visit on of the most beautiful and remote locations, Camasunary Bay is for you. Embark on a journey to the hidden gem of Camasunary Bay, nestled along the breathtaking coastline of the Isle of Skye, Scotland. This beautiful location in Scotland is where you will find a mesmerising beach with pristine white sands and turquoise waters, an endearing and scenic hike through diverse landscapes, and the opportunity for staying in one of Scotland’s remote bothies.
As you explore this picturesque area on the Isle of Skye, you will be captivated by the dramatic backdrop of the Cuillin Mountains and the serene tranquility that can only be found in such a remote and unspoiled setting.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the essential information, tips, and insights you need to plan and enjoy an unforgettable adventure at Camasunary Bay.
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A Complete Guide to Visiting Camasunary Bay, Isle of Skye
- Planning for your trip to the Isle of Skye
- What is Camasunary Bay?
- How to get to Camasunary Bay?
- Camasunary Bay Hike
- Camasunary Bay Beach
- Camasunary Bay Wild Camping
- The Bad Step
- Things to do near Camasunary Bay
- Tips and Advice for Visiting Camasunary Bay
- Before you leave for the Isle of Skye
Planning your trip to the Isle of Skye
What is Camasunary Bay?
Camasunary Bay is a secluded and picturesque cove situated on the Isle of Skye, one of the largest and most captivating islands off the west coast of Scotland. Renowned for its natural beauty, the bay is nestled between the majestic Cuillin Mountains to the north and the rugged coastline of the Sleat Peninsula to the south. With its pristine white sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife, Camasunary Bay offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Isle of Skye is part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago and is well-known for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant Gaelic culture. Camasunary Bay is easily accessible from the island’s main towns, Broadford and Portree, which are both approximately an hour’s drive away. The bay’s remote location and stunning surroundings make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the island’s natural beauty through hiking, wildlife watching, or wild camping.
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How to Get to Camasunary Bay
To reach Camasunary Bay, you’ll need to follow the road from Broadford to Elgol, the B8083. Parking is available around 11 miles along a single track winding road from Broadford. You will see a car park at the side of the road with room for around 10 cars.
Across the road from the car park you will see a gate and a small sign leading to a well-trodden path that leads you through picturesque moorland and past an ancient graveyard before ascending the pass of Am Mam.
As you make your way along the trail, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, eventually descending towards the tranquil haven of Camasunary Bay.
The trail has a few hills and river crossing and can be a bit unstable under foot at somepoints, the steepest point being the downhill towards the bay.
Camasunary Bay Hike
The hike to Camasunary Bay is an exhilarating adventure that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes the Isle of Skye has to offer. This moderate 4-mile round trip should take around 2-3 hours to complete, making it a perfect day hike for walkers of all abilities. The well-maintained and easy-to-follow path ensures a pleasant and enjoyable experience as you traverse the diverse terrain.
As you get further into the hike, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Cuillin Mountains, the largest and most dramatic mountain range on the Isle of Skye. As you continue along the trail, you’ll catch glimpses of the tranquil waters of Loch Scavaig, a sea loch that provides a picturesque backdrop for your hike. The nearby island of Soay, once home to a thriving herring industry, can also be admired from various points along the route.
Camasunary Bay Beach
The beach at Camasunary Bay is a true hidden gem that offers an idyllic escape from the world. With its pristine white sands stretching along the shoreline and the crystal-clear (and freezing!) waters gently lapping at your feet, you’ll find it hard not to be captivated by the serene beauty of this bay.
As you stroll along the beach, take a moment to appreciate the unbelievable views of the surrounding mountains, including the imposing Cuillin range, as well as the nearby island of Soay. It is honestly one of the most incredible sceneries in the world.
As you explore the shoreline, keep an eye out for the playful seals basking on the rocks or frolicking in the water.
There is also the chance that you will see various seabirds that call this area home, including oystercatchers, guillemots, and kittiwakes.
If you are looking for a good bag for your trip, we can highly recommend the Wandrd Bag PRVKE 41L if you are carrying camera equipment. If you are looking for a smaller backpack, The Nest by Tropicfeel is one of the most comfortable bags I have ever owned and perfect for a short hike.
Camasunary Bay Wild Camping
For those wanting to rest their tired legs after the walk out to Camasunary Bary, wild camping at Camasunary Bay or staying in the Camasunary Bay Bothy is an excellent option. The bay offers several suitable spots for pitching a tent, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the area and enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.
Please note that wild camping in Scotland operates under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which encourages responsible camping practices. This means you should leave no trace of your stay, take all rubbish with you, and avoid causing any damage to the environment.
DON’T FORGET
Your trip to Scotland will be a lot more comfortable with a midge net and midge spray. These little biting bugs can be enough to ruin a trip if you don’t have the equipment to protect yourself from them. A repelling candle can also be helpful if you are sitting oustide.
The Bad Step
For the more experienced and adventurous hikers, the Bad Step is a challenging and exhilarating addition to your Camasunary Bay experience. The Bad Step is a section of the coastal route between Elgol and Loch Coruisk, which involves a tricky scramble along a narrow ledge above the sea.
Please note that the Bad Step is not suitable for inexperienced hikers or those with a fear of heights, as it requires a certain level of skill and confidence. However, for those who are up to the challenge, it offers a thrilling experience and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Things to do near Camasunary Bay
While visiting Camasunary Bay, be sure to explore the nearby attractions on the Isle of Skye. The village of Elgol offers beautiful views of the Cuillin Mountains and a chance to take a boat trip to Loch Coruisk. Additionally, the Blue Shed Café at Torrin is a great spot to enjoy a delicious meal with a view.
Tips and Advice for Visiting Camasunary Bay
- The best time to visit Camasunary Bay is during the spring and summer months when the weather is more favorable, and the days are longer.
- Be prepared for changeable weather conditions though by dressing in layers and bringing waterproof clothing.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for the hike to Camasunary Bay as the terrain is rough and can be wet.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks for your hike, as there are no facilities at the bay.
- If wild camping, ensure you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and leave no trace of your stay.
Before You Leave on Your Trip to the Isle of Skye
Before you leave on your trip to the Isle of Skye there are a few things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. These include how to get there and around the island, what to pack and where to stay, all of which are discussed below.
How to Get to the Isle of Skye
Drive
The Isle of Skye is connected to mainland Scotland by the Skye Bridge, a free road bridge, from Kyle of Lochalsh to the village of Kyleakin on the island. In high winds, the bridge will close to high vehicles and on days of particularly extreme weather, the bridge may close to all vehicles.
Ferry
Another option is to get the ferry over to Skye which typically takes around 30 minutes, leaving from Mallaig on the mainland to Armadale. You can check the timetables online as there is typically only a morning and afternoon ferry running.
Bus
If you are travelling to Skye without a vehicle, buses run from Scotland’s major cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh direct to Isle of Skye’s capital, Portree. Buses to the Isle of Skye run from other areas in Scotland and you can plan your bus journey to Skye here.
Once you are on the island, you can book onto a tour that departs from Portree and takes you around the best sights that there are to see on the island. Read more about this tour and book your place right here.
What to Pack for the Isle of Skye
When it comes to packing for a trip to Scotland there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your trip to the Isle of Skye in winter, you can expect rain at some point. Due to this, the number one item on your packing list is a good waterproof jacket.
Second to that, another item to not leave home without is a good pair of warm and, if possible, waterproof boots. A lot of the best sights on Skye require a bit of walking to reach them and the conditions underfoot can become very muddy. You do not want to ruin a good pair of white trainers so pack some sturdy boots.
You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the winter months as the wind chill can be bitter.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around the Isle of Skye, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Shure VP83 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 9 Black and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socket
What is the Best Travel Insurance for The Isle of Skye
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your guide to visiting Camasunary Bay on the Isle of Skye. If you are visiting this incredible place and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was! Did you get a clear day to see the sights? Did you manage the trip without getting caught in the rain? Let us know in the comments below!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning walk.
If you are planning a Scotland trip soon then check out our other Scotland content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
Read Now:
- Visiting the Isle of Skye in Winter – All You Need to Know
- Isle of Skye – The Best Things to Do in Skye
- Isle of Skye Itinerary – One Day on the Isle of Skye
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