A walk to Dun Ardtreck leads to a gallery dun at Ardtreck Point; Portnalong also tells the story of a crofting settlement whose early families made tweed for sale. The landscape and archaeological history are as much a part of a visit here as the traces of the weaving trade.
Walking to Dun Ardtreck
The walk to Dun Ardtreck and Ardtreck Point begins at the car park at the end of the road by Portnalong pier. Dun Ardtreck is on Ardtreck Point on the Isle of Skye and is described as a gallery dun or semi-broch. Charcoal from its foundation platform was radiocarbon-dated to 115 BC.
Along the way, the walk offers views across Bracadale. In clear weather, Macleod’s Tables can be seen in the distance; there are also views back across Loch Harport. At Ardtreck Point, an automated beacon guards the entrance to Loch Harport. These different views give the route both a scenic and a maritime dimension, without requiring an additional route to be planned.
Portnalong’s settlement and weaving history
Portnalong is a historic crofting settlement. Here, 67 formerly landless families from Harris and Lewis settled. The early settlers from Harris made tweed for sale. A historic map from 1881 shows eight roofless buildings and a section of the crofting settlement’s boundary wall.
The figures refer to different aspects of the place: the 67 families tell the story of settlement, while the map shows buildings and part of the boundary wall. Together, these details give the history of the place a concrete context, without equating the situation shown on the map with the present-day appearance of the settlement.
Wool and weaving also featured prominently in special events on local history at Minginish Community Hall in Portnalong. A coat and a cap made from Portnalong tweed were exhibited there. Lamb to Loom was also an event at the hall; it celebrated Portnalong’s weaving heritage as well as Skye’s contemporary artists and craftspeople. The history of tweed can thus be connected both with its earlier production for sale and with later exhibitions and cultural events.
Art and wildlife
Loch Harport Gallery, 7 Portnalong, displays oil paintings, watercolours and etchings by Jean Thomas. The subjects depict Skye’s landscape and wildlife, adding an artistic perspective to the historical themes. If you plan to visit the gallery, check its current opening hours before travelling.
Along the coast at Portnalong, you can look out for otters or a white-tailed eagle on quiet mornings. Whether either animal appears is unpredictable. Wildlife watching is therefore a possible addition to your stay, not something that can be scheduled with certainty.
Getting there and planning
A bus to Portnalong stops about one kilometre from the start of the walk to Dun Ardtreck and Ardtreck Point. This is an approximate distance; you can check current bus services before travelling. You should also confirm the local parking arrangements at the end of the road before setting out, as access to the path and conditions in the area can change.
A stay in Portnalong can therefore focus on a range of interests: the walk and its views, the history of settlement and tweed, art and possible wildlife sightings. The historical themes can be explored independently of a visit to the gallery; for the gallery and your journey, however, it is worth checking the latest conditions.
Discover more destinations: Drumnadrochit, Glenmore, Aird Of Sleat, Torlundy, Lairg, Muir Of Ord, Bunchrew, Rosemarkie.
For the main travel overview: Highland.
