Tarskavaig: Coastal Paths and Crofting History

Tarskavaig is a crofting community that stretches across a flat valley to Tarskavaig Bay. The coastal and moorland landscape, geological features, walking routes and settlement history each offer a different focus. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Tarskavaig, the specific routes and themes can help you plan your stay around your interests.

Coast and Geology

The Bàgh Tharsgabhaig SSSI includes a stretch of coast and an area of moorland. The Tarskavaig Thrust is exposed in the coastal cliffs. In the 516.9-hectare protected geological area of Bàgh Tharsgabhaig, the Tarskavaig Thrust separates the Tarskavaig and Kishorn nappes; the deposits are dated to a mountain-building event around 430 million years ago. The GeoGuide to Sìthean Mòr focuses on mylonites and sedimentary structures in psammites of the late Proterozoic Moine Supergroup.

Walks around Tarskavaig

At Tarskavaig Point, a moorland walking route runs along the cliffs and offers views of the Small Isles of Canna, Rum, Eigg and Muck, as well as the Cuillin Hills to the north. The route passes the now-ruined Tarskavaig Church; its condition may change.

Another walk runs through Coille Dalavil. It starts on the road between Kilbeg and Tarskavaig; the stated out-and-back distance is 7¾ miles. The route passes through native woodland, offers views across a loch and leads to the ruins of the blackhouses at Dalavil. The walk can be extended along the coast to Tarskavaig. These coastal sections are rugged and require care. For planning your time, the stated out-and-back distance for the Coille walk provides a concrete guide; at Tarskavaig Point, the focus is on cliff and island views. As local trail conditions can change, check the current situation before setting out.

Crofting History

Tarskavaig is a crofting settlement from the post-medieval period, 1560 to 1900. When crofting was introduced on Lord Macdonald's lands in 1811, 31 small crofts were established here. In 1882, the settlement had 61 roofed buildings, two partly roofed buildings and six unroofed buildings. A Free Church chapel was built near the shore south of the crofting settlement. The dates highlight different historical aspects: 1811 concerns the introduction of crofting and the establishment of the crofts, while 1882 concerns the buildings and their roofing condition.

Getting There, Wildlife Watching and Events

The road to Tarskavaig is single-track and has no street lighting. Take both features into account when planning your journey. The Tarskavaig–Ord Loop Road is an unclassified road with views of the Cuillins. There are seasonal, non-guaranteed opportunities to spot golden eagles, hen harriers or merlins from your car.

Tarskavaig Communities Hall hosts small concerts and events; the programme may vary. If an event is a key part of your stay, check the specific dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Torlundy, Whitefield, Tain, Cononbridge, Muir Of Ord, Dingwall, Duntulm, Grantown On Spey

For the regional travel overview: Highland.