Discover Glenelg: Ferry, Brochs and History

Glenelg is known for its distinctive ferry connection to the Isle of Skye, historic sites from different periods, and a circular route through moorland and a coastal village. If you are looking for a holiday destination where a memorable crossing, archaeological remains and exploring the landscape can all be part of your plans, Glenelg offers a range of highlights to consider.

A distinctive ferry connection to Skye

The MV Glenachulish operates between Glenelg and Kylerhea on Skye from April to October. The ferry from Glenelg to the Isle of Skye is the world’s last remaining manually operated turntable ferry. Check the specific sailing dates before your trip if you plan to make the crossing.

The road connection from Glenelg to the Isle of Skye is an alternative to the Skye Bridge over Loch Alsh. You can reach Glenelg via the A87 by turning off at Shiel Bridge and taking the Old Military Road. This gives you a clear choice when planning your route: would you like to include the seasonal ferry service or take the alternative route over the Skye Bridge? This decision can give your search for a holiday rental in Glenelg a clear direction.

Brochs in Gleann Beag

Gleann Beag is home to Dun Telve and Dun Troddan, two well-preserved brochs. Together, they are among the three best-preserved surviving brochs in Scotland. At Dun Telve, about a third of the wall remains, standing over ten metres high. The two sites therefore share a broader historical context, alongside a particularly striking detail at Dun Telve.

The Gleann Beag circular route lets you explore the remains of Iron Age brochs, the open moorland above Gleann Beag and the coastal village of Glenelg. If you would like to include the landscape and village in your plans as well as the historic structures, this offers a different perspective from focusing on a single monument. Route conditions can change; check the latest information before setting out.

Bernera Barracks: a different period

Bernera Barracks was built in 1722 following the uprisings of 1715 and 1719 and remains a Scheduled Monument. Alongside the Iron Age brochs, it creates a contrast in time: Glenelg’s historical highlights span from the Iron Age to a clearly dated 18th-century building. If you are interested in history, you can consider these different periods as distinct themes when planning your trip.

Use your travel interests to guide your choices

For families looking to bring different interests into their shared plans, the options are easy to distinguish: the ferry offers an exceptional connection to Skye, the brochs and barracks provide historical points of interest, and the circular route takes in open moorland and the coastal village. You do not need to give every highlight equal space in your holiday. Consider whether you would like your trip to be shaped more by the ferry connection, the historic sites or exploring the landscape.

This decision can also help structure your search for a holiday rental in Glenelg. Start by deciding which experiences will shape your itinerary, then compare specific options that suit your plans based on their location. This way, you can begin choosing accommodation with the character of your trip in mind, rather than with a general list of amenities.

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