'The Smokehouse Trail'

The Garden of Skye Smokehouse is at the very heart of some of the finest scenery in Scotland,  situated at the south end of Skye and shadowed by the magnificent Cuillin Mountains. Getting to us is an experience in itself, travelling via the Ord-Tarskavaig loop road, some 14 miles of narrow winding single track road, with stunning views at every turn.

This unique drive has given us the inspiration to create the 'Smokehouse Trail', which we hope will make your journey to the Smokehouse an  experience to last a lifetime. So below is a guide to enjoy the journey, with some of the highlights along the trail leading to our Smokehouse. And for those who can't  do the trip themselves then of course we are happy to provide a 'produce by post' service at any time.

 The ‘Smokehouse Trail’ starts at the junction of the Broadford to Armadale Road at the Ord Road, three miles south of Isle Ornsay, home to the Eilean Iarmain Hotel and picturesque fishing port overlooking the Sound of Sleat. Alternatively the trail can be started from the southern end of Sleat, just two miles north of the Armadale Ferry terminal.

Leaving the main road, signposted Ord, Tokavaig and Tarskavaig, the trail passes through the Brae Ord forest before the magnificent Cuillin Mountains come into view at Loch Meodal, a small loch framed by rolling hills and the winding road on to Ord. Be sure to stop and take pictures of the jagged peaks of the Cuillin often reflected in the calm blue water of the loch. By now you are just seven miles from the ‘Smokehouse’. The road to Ord passes through the Coille a’ Ghasgain, an ancient woodland leading down to the valley and home to many sheep and cattle. If they are on the road, slow down and they’ll pass along, but in their own time! This is a great place for watching Golden Eagles, soaring high above the ground, and one of the great icons of Scotland.

 Leaving Ord the trail heads towards Tokavaig, home to the ruins of Dunscaith Castle and a rocky beach. Tokavaig is an old Viking settlement and was the site of many battles between the clans. The castle sits proudly on a promontory, looking west to the ‘Small Isles’, and now just home to seabirds and seals, and is just a short walk from the road along the beach. Just two miles to the ‘Smokehouse’!

 

 The road follows through stunning scenery with a new vista at every turn. Watch out for fellow travellers, often a little uneasy on the winding single track, with its twists and turns. The trail passes Loch Ghabhsgabhaig, a small lochan surrounded by heather covered hills, and often a great place for the big sunsets, so often seen from this wonderful corner of Skye. Turn right at the junction to Tarskavaig (Norse for" bay of the cod"), home of the ‘Smokehouse’, and one of Scotland’s prettiest villages, and now you are just a step to the finest range of smoked foods on Skye. Aaahh, you can smell it from here! If time allows, pop by to the ‘Blue Studio’, a small art gallery in a blue shed!  

 A warm welcome awaits you at the ‘Smokehouse’, where we are delighted to meet visitors, and are usually open from 10.00am to 7.00pm Monday to Friday and 12.00pm to 4.00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Why not buy some goodies for your picnic?  It's just a short short walk to Tarskavaig Point, or a stroll on the often deserted beach at Gillean Bay with magnificent views across to the Cuillin, the islands of Soay, Canna and Rum.  On a clear day  the distant hills of South Uist and Eriskay are visible.  What better place to picnic on a beach with a glass of wine and some smoked cheese, salmon and maybe a little venison!

 From Tarskavaig the trail passes the crofting township of Achnacloich (Stone Field) before the road runs close to Loch Dhughaill, a popular spot for fishing.

 From high above the loch you can stop and look back toward the mighty Cuillin in the distance and enjoy one of the great views of Scotland. The trail now descends back towards the main road at Ostaig, but if time allows, you can take the path to the deserted coastal settlement at Dalavil, ‘a glen of silence’, where you will often be the only visitor for miles around. Be prepared though, it is a rough path some 3 miles long, and all uphill on the return.  On wet days some of the streams become raging torrents, but if you're properly kitted out it's well worth the walk!

The ‘Smokehouse Trail’ ends at the junction with the Armadale Road at Ostaig and site of Scotland’s Gaelic College,’ Sabhal Mor Ostaig’ (the Big Barn of Ostaig), and the very heart of Gaelic culture, education and the arts. The college runs short courses through the summer teaching Gaelic to all levels, music, poetry and even digital photography!

 Talking of photography, don’t forget to bring your camera. You will have just passed along one of Scotland’s most scenic routes, where at every turn there’s a stunning view, leaving you to return home with memories to last a lifetime. 

 But your journey doesn’t end here!! Enjoy the experience!