Portnalong on Skye: Walking, history and coast

Portnalong on the coast of the Isle of Skye brings together several themes to consider when planning a trip: the walk to Dun Ardtreck and Ardtreck Point, the history of a crofting settlement and the area’s former tweed production. This lets you weigh whether to focus on landscape and archaeology or on local and textile history.

Crofting settlement and tweed history

Portnalong is a historic crofting settlement. Here, 67 previously landless families from Harris and Lewis settled. Early settlers from Harris produced tweed for sale. These details offer two different insights into the area’s history: the settlement of the families and a craft associated with Harris.

A historic map from 1881 shows eight roofless buildings in Portnalong, as well as a section of the crofting settlement’s boundary wall. The map adds a spatial snapshot to the settlement’s history: buildings and the boundary line can be seen as tangible features of the place at the time. The year refers to the map.

Walk to Dun Ardtreck

Dun Ardtreck is on Ardtreck Point on the Isle of Skye and is a gallery dun, or semi-broch. Charcoal from its foundation platform was radiocarbon-dated to 115 BC. The dating refers to the charcoal from the platform. Anyone interested in archaeological history can consider this evidence alongside the monument’s location on the coastal point.

The walk to Dun Ardtreck and Ardtreck Point starts at the car park at the end of the road by Portnalong pier. Along the way, it offers views across Bracadale, with Macleod's Tables visible in the distance. There are also views back across Loch Harport. Visibility of Macleod's Tables depends on the weather. An automated beacon on Ardtreck Point guards the entrance to Loch Harport, adding a navigational dimension to the coastal setting.

Plan your starting point and journey

The car park by the pier is an important landmark for the starting point. The road ends at Portnalong pier. A bus to Portnalong stops about 1 km from the start of the walk. This approximate distance can help with planning, but is no substitute for up-to-date information about services. Check current bus services before travelling and check local parking conditions. Access and trail conditions may also change.

If your main aim is to do the walk, you can plan your outing around the starting point and the views described. The views across Bracadale and back across Loch Harport offer different perspectives; the distant view of Macleod's Tables is weather-dependent. So, when deciding, consider not only the archaeological destination but also the scenery you hope to see along the route.

Weaving heritage, art and wildlife

Minginish Community Hall hosted special events about the history of wool and weaving in the region. A coat and a hat made from Portnalong tweed were also exhibited there. Lamb to Loom was also held in the hall, celebrating Portnalong’s weaving heritage as well as artists and craftspeople on Skye. These events and exhibitions are historical occasions, not an indication of a current or regularly held programme.

Loch Harport Gallery at 7 Portnalong is associated with works by Jean Thomas: oil paintings, watercolours and etchings depicting Skye’s landscape and wildlife. The works portray Skye’s landscape and wildlife. If you would like to visit the gallery, check its current opening arrangements before travelling.

Along the coast at Portnalong, you can look out for otters or a sea eagle on quiet mornings. Such wildlife sightings are unpredictable. The coastal views, walk and weaving history therefore offer different points of interest when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Carbost, Tomatin, Ardvasar, Mallaig, Altandhu, Duror, Contin, Isle Of Raasay

For the broader travel overview: Highland.