Discover Portnalong

Portnalong combines a walk to Dun Ardtreck and Ardtreck Point with a history of crofting and weaving. At the end of the road by the pier, the route begins at the car park there; on quiet mornings, you can look out for otters or a sea eagle along the coast. When choosing a holiday cottage, it helps to consider whether you mainly want to walk, enjoy the scenery or discover the village’s history.

Walking to Dun Ardtreck and Ardtreck Point

The walk to Dun Ardtreck and Ardtreck Point starts at the car park at the end of the road by Portnalong pier. The road ends at the pier. At Ardtreck Point, an automated beacon guards the entrance to Loch Harport. Dun Ardtreck is a gallery dun, or semi-broch, on Ardtreck Point on the Isle of Skye. Charcoal from its foundation platform was radiocarbon-dated to 115 BC. This connects the walk with a specific archaeological date, not just views of the landscape.

The walk offers views across Bracadale; depending on visibility, Macleod's Tables can be seen in the distance. The route also offers views back across Loch Harport. Terrain and access can change, and you should check local parking arrangements before setting out. A bus to Portnalong stops about 1 km from the start of the walk. Check current services before travelling. On quiet mornings, it is worth looking out for otters or a sea eagle along the coast; wildlife sightings are unpredictable.

Crofting settlement and tweed history

Portnalong is a historic crofting settlement. A historic map from 1881 shows eight roofless buildings and a section of the settlement’s boundary wall. Portnalong was settled by 67 formerly landless families from Harris and Lewis. Early settlers from Harris made tweed for sale. The village’s history thus brings together its settlement pattern and a specific craft: the map records the buildings and boundary wall, while tweed-making tells the story of working with wool.

Minginish Community Hall is also connected with this weaving history. Special events about the history of wool and weaving in the region were held there. The hall also hosted Lamb to Loom, which celebrated Portnalong’s weaving heritage as well as contemporary artists and craftspeople on Skye. A coat and a cap made from Portnalong tweed were also exhibited in the hall.

Art and the coast as other travel interests

Loch Harport Gallery at 7 Portnalong displays oil paintings, watercolours and etchings by Jean Thomas depicting Skye’s landscapes and wildlife. Check current opening arrangements before visiting. The artworks offer another perspective on the landscape that also provides the setting for the walk across Bracadale and Loch Harport.

When looking for a holiday cottage in Portnalong, you can weigh up your travel interests: the walk focuses on landscape and archaeology, while crofting, tweed history and art offer a cultural and historical perspective.

Discover more destinations: Croick, Wick, Fort Augustus, Tongue, Brora, Dalwhinnie, Aultbea, Farr.

For the wider travel overview: Highland.