Glenbrittle Campsite & Cafe
Highland
Under the Black Cuillin on Loch Brittle beach, a short drive from the Fairy Pools
About Glenbrittle Campsite & Cafe
Glenbrittle is the classic Skye mountain campsite, spread along the machair behind the beach at the head of Loch Brittle with the Black Cuillin rising directly behind. Founded in 1961 and now part of the Dunvegan Castle estate, it has been named the UK's best campsite by more than one national title, largely on the strength of a location that puts climbers and hillwalkers at the foot of Britain's most demanding ridge.
There are around 120 pitches tucked into natural hollows in the ground, which matters when the wind comes off the Atlantic, plus 36 electric hook-up pitches for caravans and motorhomes. The toilet and shower block has washing-up facilities, a washing machine and a dryer. The shop, cafe and reception building opens from early morning until early evening, serving hand-roasted Highland coffee, bread and pastries baked to order, homemade soup and stone-baked pizzas through the afternoon, and stocking basics, gas and outdoor odds and ends.
The Fairy Pools car park is about fifteen minutes back up the glen, and paths from the site lead into Coire Lagan, Coire a' Ghrunnda and the Sgurr Alasdair stone shoot. The single-track road in from Carbost is narrow and winding, so allow more time than the distance suggests. Dogs are welcome on leads. The site opens from late March to mid-October and has traditionally operated on a first-come, first-served basis, so aim to arrive early in peak season. Loch Brittle beach is a few steps from the pitches, with sand at low tide and safe paddling on calm days, and there is no light pollution at all once the cafe closes.