Camasunary Beach Isle of Skye
A remote, picturesque bay on the Isle of Skye, famed for its dramatic Cuillin Mountain backdrop and basic hiker's bothy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Longer daylight hours
Camasunary Beach Isle of Skye
Best Time
Longer daylight hours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote, picturesque bay on the Isle of Skye, famed for its dramatic Cuillin Mountain backdrop and basic hiker's bothy.
"The views I will remember forever."
Pack for All Weather 🌦️
Scottish weather is famously changeable. Waterproofs and layers are essential for a comfortable visit to Camasunary Beach.
Bothy Etiquette Matters :sleeping_accommodation:
Arrive early to secure a spot in the bothy. Be respectful of other visitors and keep noise down, especially at night.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 20 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Camasunary Bay Beach
Isle of Skye
A secluded, picturesque bay with stunning views of the Cuillin Mountains. Perfect for wild camping and photography.
Camasunary Bothy
Camasunary Bay
Basic shelter for hikers and wild campers. A communal space with a unique atmosphere, offering refuge from the elements.
Cuillin Mountain Views
Overlooking Camasunary Bay
Dramatic and challenging mountain range providing a breathtaking backdrop to the bay. A photographer's dream.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Bothy Etiquette & Camping
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for All Weather 🌦️
Scottish weather is famously changeable. Waterproofs and layers are essential for a comfortable visit to Camasunary Beach.
Bothy Etiquette Matters :sleeping_accommodation:
Arrive early to secure a spot in the bothy. Be respectful of other visitors and keep noise down, especially at night.
Leave No Trace ♻️
If camping, take all your rubbish with you. Help preserve the natural beauty of Camasunary Bay for future visitors.
Sturdy Footwear is Key :athletic_shoe:
The walk to Camasunary Beach can be rough and involve river crossings. Good hiking boots are a must.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for All Weather 🌦️
Scottish weather is famously changeable. Waterproofs and layers are essential for a comfortable visit to Camasunary Beach.
Bothy Etiquette Matters :sleeping_accommodation:
Arrive early to secure a spot in the bothy. Be respectful of other visitors and keep noise down, especially at night.
Leave No Trace ♻️
If camping, take all your rubbish with you. Help preserve the natural beauty of Camasunary Bay for future visitors.
Sturdy Footwear is Key :athletic_shoe:
The walk to Camasunary Beach can be rough and involve river crossings. Good hiking boots are a must.
Bring Your Own Supplies 🍽️
There are no facilities at Camasunary Beach. Carry all food, water, and essentials you'll need for your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery and the wild, remote beauty of Camasunary Beach, often calling the walk rewarding despite its challenges. The Camasunary Bothy offers a unique, communal experience for hikers, though it can get crowded. Some find the walk strenuous and the bothy conditions basic, but the unforgettable views and sense of adventure are consistently praised.
"Hi I began my walk from Elgol, to the bothy and back. Unfortunately was a treacherous day but a pretty easy walk. I would 100 percent do this walk if up in Skye, I was told by a seasoned pro to do this rather than another walk I was debating. The views i will remember forever."
Lee Shepherd
"We turned up there a little past 10pm and found about 25 people already in the Bothy. The most I’ve ever met in a Bothy. Different groups. Very little sleeping place left but everyone was friendly and understanding. We found a spot to stretch our legs for the night. Warm inside and the next morning it was lovely to meet fellow hikers and wild campers on their journeys. Would recommend turning up earlier. Because everyone was already sleeping we couldn’t have dinner unless we had it outside and it was raining so that was not an option. 25 people sleeping in one place with soggy wet clothes though is not for the faint hearted…the aromas are somewhat “strong” and sounds aplenty during the night."
Ivanna Matsyupa
"Had an amazing night stay at the bothy on the bay. Wanted to camp in the bay but the weather was not in our side so decided to sleep in the bothy. It was just the two of us. The view was breathtaking, the deers were a surprise."
Foyez Ahmed Polash
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Camasunary Beach is via a walk from Elgol or Sligachan. The walk from Sligachan is approximately 8 miles on well-defined but occasionally rough tracks, with potential river crossings after heavy rain. It takes about 2.5-3 hours each way. Some visitors also use off-road vehicles, but this is less common and may require specific permissions.
Parking is available at Elgol or Sligachan, which serve as starting points for the walk to Camasunary Beach. These car parks can get busy, especially during peak season.
While the description mentions off-road vehicles, direct driving access to Camasunary Beach is generally not feasible for most visitors due to the terrain. The primary access is on foot.
The walk is described as a 'treacherous day' but a 'pretty easy walk' by some, while others note it can be rough with river crossings. It offers incredible views and is recommended even for beginners.
The walk from Sligachan to Camasunary Beach typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours one way, depending on your fitness level and the conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or entry fees required to visit Camasunary Beach. It is a natural, publicly accessible area.
Camasunary Beach is a natural landscape and is accessible at all times. However, due to its remote location and potential for challenging conditions, it's best visited during daylight hours.
The Camasunary Bothy is a basic shelter and does not have an entrance fee. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for hikers and wild campers.
No, you cannot book a spot in the Camasunary Bothy. It's a first-come, first-served shelter, and it's advisable to arrive early, especially during busy periods.
While wild camping is generally permitted in Scotland under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, it's essential to practice Leave No Trace principles. This means pitching your tent away from the bothy, leaving no trace of your stay, and taking all rubbish with you.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Camasunary Beach is ideal for scenic walks, photography, and enjoying the dramatic landscapes. You can explore the bay, visit the bothy, and take in the views of the Cuillin Mountains.
The walk to Camasunary Beach can be challenging due to rough terrain and potential river crossings, making it more suitable for families with older children or those experienced in hiking.
Visitors have reported seeing deer near Camasunary Bay. The coastal environment also supports various seabirds.
No, there are no facilities at Camasunary Beach. You need to be self-sufficient and carry all your food, drinks, and any other necessities.
The views are described as breathtaking, with wonderful vistas out to the Small Isles and surrounded by the glorious Cuillin Mountains.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Camasunary Beach. You will need to bring all your own food and drinks. The nearest options would be in villages like Elgol or Portree.
Yes, a picnic is a great idea for Camasunary Beach! Just be sure to pack everything you need and take all your waste with you afterwards.
Pack plenty of water, high-energy snacks, and a packed lunch. Consider items that are easy to eat on the go and don't require cooking.
The Camasunary Bothy is a basic shelter and does not have cooking facilities. If you plan to cook, you'll need to do so outside, weather permitting, or have pre-prepared meals.
After your visit, you can find dining options in nearby villages. Portree offers the widest selection of restaurants and cafes on the Isle of Skye.
📸 📸 Photography
Camasunary Beach offers incredible photographic opportunities, from the dramatic Cuillin Mountains to the rugged coastline and the unique atmosphere of the bothy. The bay itself is stunning, especially during sunrise or sunset. 
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, can provide magical light for photographing the bay and mountains. However, the dramatic Skye weather can also create stunning, moody shots at any time of day.
While a drone can capture unique aerial perspectives of Camasunary Beach and the surrounding landscape, it's not essential. Many stunning photos can be taken with a regular camera or even a smartphone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. Don't forget waterproof protection for your gear!
The entire bay offers fantastic viewpoints. Walking along the beach and exploring the surrounding hills will reveal different perspectives of the Cuillins and the coastline.
Social
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