Beach camping near Broadford
With its stunning setting, Broadford is the perfect base for exploring the Isle of Skye.
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4 top beach campsites near Broadford
Beach camping near Broadford guide
Overview
The second-biggest settlement on the Isle of Skye (after Portree), the centrally located village of Broadford is not far off the Skye Bridge from the mainland and offers a good base for exploring the rest of the island, as well as plentiful options for eating, sleeping and shopping for both the essentials and offbeat souvenirs. More than just a homebase, the village itself is beautiful, set around two pretty harbors and loomed over by the Red Cuillin mountains. On a clear day you can even look over the bay to the Applecross mountains on the Scottish mainland.
Where to go
Around Town
Staying in Broadford puts you within easy reach of some of the Isle of Skye’s best attractions, such as the Spar Cave, Blackhilll Waterfall and the Fairy Pools. On the northern edge of the village, and within a short walking distance of the shops and restaurants, Camping Skye has a peaceful woodland setting where campers can make use of hard-standing motorhome pitches, as well as tent pitches. Caravanners have an additional option five miles north where the adults only Lochside Caravan Site offers a handful of hand-standing pitches with views toward the island of Scalpay.
Sligachan
Fifteen miles north of Broadford, the small settlement of Sligachan attracts travelers with its sweeping views of the Black Cuillin mountains and draws climbers who wish to tackle them. However you spend your time, you can reward yourself afterward with a drink in cozy Seumas' Bar, the Sligachan Hotel’s pub. Set close to a river, in the shadow of the magnificent mountain range, Sligachan Campsite has hard-standing and grass pitches that can accommodate tents, campervans, caravans and motorhomes.
Torrin
There are several sites suited to wild camping around the Isle of Skye. One of the closest to Broadford is around Loch Slapin, near Torrin on the road from Broadford to Elgol. The loch’s flat, grassy shore makes for a perfect camping spot. Walkers wishing to ascend the mountain of Blà Bheinn can follow the well-maintained path from the loch’s shore, which follows a fairly steep route (with a small amount of scrambling) to the top from where you can take in views of mountains, sea and islands from all sides.
When to go
Summer on the Isle of Skye can be glorious, but it can also be uncomfortably crowded with tourists. If you are not intimidated by cooler temperatures and the consistent threat of rain, consider visiting in a quieter month, such as April/May or September/October. A winter visit guarantees a crowd-free experience but some businesses may be closed.
Know before you go
- Some campsites in the area are seasonal: check opening dates before traveling.
- If you choose to wild camp, be sure to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- While you can get around Skye by bus, having your own transport offers far more flexibility.
- You can stock up on groceries in Broadford’s stores. For bigger camping supplies, try Portree.
- The weather is always unpredictable. Even in summer, you should bring warm, wet weather gear.