Sligachan Old Bridge Isle of Skye
Iconic stone bridge on Skye, famed for its dramatic Cuillin backdrop and a legendary fairy dip.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warmer waters for the legend
Sligachan Old Bridge Isle of Skye
Best Time
Warmer waters for the legend
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic stone bridge on Skye, famed for its dramatic Cuillin backdrop and a legendary fairy dip.
"A wonderful structure, standing the passing of time and the passing of many, many generations over it."
💧 Try the Fairy Dip!
Legend says 7 seconds in the river grants eternal beauty. Brave it in summer!
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Convenient parking available, making it a great, accessible stop on your Skye tour.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 4,990 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sligachan Old Bridge
Sligachan
An iconic stone bridge with dramatic Cuillin Hills backdrop. A must-see on Skye!
The Fairy Legend
Sligachan River
Dip your face in the river for 7 seconds and legend says fairies grant eternal beauty!
Cuillin Hills Vista
Near the bridge
Majestic mountain views that change with the Skye weather. Breathtaking!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Legend
+1Timing is Key for Views
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Try the Fairy Dip!
Legend says 7 seconds in the river grants eternal beauty. Brave it in summer!
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Convenient parking available, making it a great, accessible stop on your Skye tour.
📸 Capture the Mood
Skye's weather is dramatic! Embrace moody skies for stunning photos.
⏳ Stay Longer Than Planned
You might plan a quick stop, but the beauty can make you linger for hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Try the Fairy Dip!
Legend says 7 seconds in the river grants eternal beauty. Brave it in summer!
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Convenient parking available, making it a great, accessible stop on your Skye tour.
📸 Capture the Mood
Skye's weather is dramatic! Embrace moody skies for stunning photos.
⏳ Stay Longer Than Planned
You might plan a quick stop, but the beauty can make you linger for hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Sligachan Old Bridge for its stunning natural beauty, iconic architecture, and the enchanting fairy legend. It's a highly accessible and picturesque stop on the Isle of Skye, offering a peaceful atmosphere and impressive views of the Cuillin Hills. Some find it slightly over-rated, but most agree it's a worthwhile and memorable experience.
"Nice views and a peaceful atmosphere. When it rains, the river gets quite strong — impressive to watch. Easy to walk around the area, and there’s parking available nearby. Great spot for a short scenic stop."
Zhang Bo
"While a bit over-rated, I'd admit, this is a wonderful structure, standing the passing of time and the passing of many, many generations over it. It definitely has that feel of old and the romanticism of the bridges of long passed times. Stone, as a building material, does impregnate the structures with a sort of lasting beauty and ever engaging interest!"
Radu Dumitru Nica
"Beautiful old bridge, with a lovely river below. River was very refreshing to take a dip on a warm day. We were only going to stop for 5 minutes, ended up staying 2.5 hours as it was so nice 👌"
Matthew Barrett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sligachan Old Bridge is easily accessible by car, located just off the A87 road, a main route through Skye. There is parking available nearby, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the island.
While not directly on the main NC500 loop, the Sligachan Old Bridge is a popular detour for those traveling through the Highlands and Isle of Skye, often included in extended itineraries.
Public transport options to Sligachan are limited. It's best visited with a car or as part of an organized tour that includes stops on the Isle of Skye.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Sligachan Old Bridge and its surrounding area is completely free. It's a public access point for enjoying the scenery and legends.
The Sligachan Old Bridge is an outdoor landmark and is accessible at any time, day or night. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best views and safety.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, especially with the dramatic Cuillin Hills in the background. However, Skye's weather is unpredictable, so any time can offer unique, moody shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the bridge and the expansive landscape. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the sky and water.
The area around the bridge offers multiple vantage points. Experiment with different angles, including from the riverbanks, to get the best composition with the Cuillin Mountains.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Legend has it that if you submerge your face in the waters of the Sligachan River beneath the old bridge for seven seconds and let it air dry, the fairies will bless you with eternal beauty. +1
While many visitors do, the river can be cold and fast-flowing, especially after rain. Exercise caution and be aware of the water conditions. Summer is generally more pleasant for this tradition.
Most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour here, taking photos and experiencing the legend. However, some find the atmosphere so captivating they stay for much longer.
The area around the bridge is generally easy to walk around. You can access the riverbanks for different perspectives. Wear sturdy shoes, especially if exploring off the main path.
Built between 1810 and 1818 by Thomas Telford, this three-arched stone bridge was a crucial part of the main route through Skye before being replaced by a modern bridge.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit