Skye 2: Soay: Where to camp.

[ciaranclissmann]

Soay is the island right under the Cuillins in SW Skye, across from Loch Coruisk and not too far from the road at Glen Brittle or Elgol.

Soay has at least two full-time residents, plus some part-timers, so it is certainly a good idea to get permission to camp. All inhabitants are on the S-facing coast, where the 8-shaped island is narrowest, looking over to Elgol. A phonebox and school are shown on the OS map, but are both defunct.

Excellent camping for 2-3 tents can be had on the N-facing coast, on the headland on the left (E) as you enter the deep Soay Harbour inlet (so deep, it almost joins up with the bay with the village, mentioned above). The Harbour itself is unattractive, but offers a good path across to the village.

No water was found (but could presumably be begged in the village). Very limited firewood. Good dry ground, great rocks for cooking/chopping/sitting, excellent swimming just nearby, stunning views of the Cuillins.

We paddled around the whole island, but saw nowhere that was obviously better than the spot mentioned above. Incidentally, the S coast of Soay is well worth paddling, with great weathered sandstone formations. We saw two basking sharks (they used to hunted by the Soay Shark Fishery, prop Gavin Maxwell of Ring of Bright Water fame).

Incidentally
Camping at the Glen Brittle campsite is cheap, good pitches, good free showers, excellent shop, amazing view. Recommended, if you need an overnight.

[DaveWalsh]

Not that I am particularly an expert on Scottish islands, but ........
There is a saying in Glen Brittle on Skye (I was a climber once .....)
\"If you can\'t see Soay, thats because its raining hard. If you can see Soay, that\'s because it will soon be raining hard ......\"
DWalshPost edited by: DaveWalsh, at: 2008/07/15 05:48

[martinguilfoyle]

for those interested this is a remarkable area with great characters. Tex Geddes was maxwells partner in the shark industry and one of them wrote a book titled HEBRIDEAN SHARKER I think. I read it many years ago and found it fascinating and hilairious in places. IF anyone knows where I could get a cxopy please let me know.
T Geddes is mentioned in Brian Wilsons Blazing Paddles. another magnificent read.
Also for the hillwalkers and climbers The Cuilins of Skye, written by Humble i think, is a great read onthe first ventures in victorian times into this range.
Whats this got to do with Iska i might ask but never mind the posts brought back great memories of people and places and paddles in this area. THANKS LADS
Martin