Tarskavaig brings together crofting history and a distinctive coastal landscape. The crofting community stretches through a flat valley to Tarskavaig Bay. This puts three specific themes at the forefront when choosing a destination: walks, geological features and traces of the historic settlement. Coastal cliffs, moorland and views of the Small Isles make up the landscape; ruins and local history passed down over time offer further points of interest for visitors.
Coast, Cliffs and Geology
The Bàgh Tharsgabhaig Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) includes a stretch of coast and an area of moorland. The Tarskavaig Thrust is exposed in the coastal cliffs. In the 516.9-hectare protected geological site, this thrust separates the Tarskavaig and Kishorn nappes; the deposits are dated to a mountain-building event around 430 million years ago. The area, rock structure and approximate age describe different aspects of the same geological feature: how the landscape is structured and how it formed.
Walks with Different Highlights
At Tarskavaig Point, a moorland walking trail runs along the cliffs. From there, the trail offers views of the Small Isles of Canna, Rum, Eigg and Muck, as well as the Cuillin Hills to the north. This combination of a coastal route and far-reaching views gives the walk a distinct focus. Local trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out.
For a longer walk, the route passes through Coille Dalavil to the ruins of the blackhouses at Dalavil. It starts on the road between Kilbeg and Tarskavaig; the round-trip distance is 7¾ miles. Along the way, the trail passes through native woodland and offers views across a loch. Unlike the cliff route at Tarskavaig Point, Coille Dalavil combines woodland and traces of historic settlement. The route can be extended along the coast to Tarskavaig; its rough coastal sections require caution.
The Tarskavaig–Ord Loop Road offers another perspective. This unclassified road provides views of the Cuillins; seasonal opportunities to spot golden eagles, hen harriers or merlins from the car are available along the route. Sightings are not guaranteed.
Crofting History and Village Life
Tarskavaig is classified as a crofting settlement dating to the post-medieval period from 1560 to 1900. When crofting was introduced on Lord Macdonald’s lands in 1811, 31 small crofts were established in Tarskavaig. In 1882, the settlement had 61 roofed buildings, two partially roofed buildings and six unroofed buildings. These figures provide specific points of reference for the local history, from the start of crofting to the later building count.
The Tarskavaig Communities Hall is also part of the local scene. Small concerts and events are held there; the programme may vary. Tea, coffee and homemade baking are occasionally available in July and August. Check event dates and seasonal offerings in advance.
Getting There and Planning
The single-track road to Tarskavaig has no street lighting—a specific road characteristic to consider when planning your arrival.
Discover more destinations: Strathan, Strome Ferry, Ballachulish, Isle Of Raasay, Portskerra, Kyle Of Lochalsh, Breakish, Keiss
For the main travel overview: Highland.
