When it opened on the 16th October 1995 the Skye Bridge linked Kyle of Lochalsh to Eilean Bàn and then further to Skye. Initially a Toll Bridge, after much protesting the tolls were finally lifted in 2004. Leaving a bridge that is free for all to use and offering great access to and from Skye and a fantastic spot for a walk with a view. The main bridge is just short of 0.4 miles or 0.6km and looks down upon Eilean Bàn which is home to The Brightwater Centre. The complete span over Loch Alsh is 1.5miles or 2.4km and includes the much more level Carrich Viaduct.
Walking on The Skye Bridge
There is a tarmac footpath running the length of the Skye Bridge. You can start in Kyle of Lochalsh village and end up at the Kyleakin roundabout on Skye with few problems. The path starts at the junction of Main Street and Station Road. Initially it goes to a pedestrian crossing at Bridge Street, where a left turn would take you up to the Co-op supermarket. Carry on over the crossing in the direction of the bridge following the tarmac path.
Here the path weaves left, right, up and down as it follows the rocky coastline of Loch Alsh. Along this section you are set further back away from the road. The turning area at the old toll booths creates a lay-by between the path and the traffic. Eventually you will pop out from the gorse lined path and be close to the Carrich Bridge, more commonly known as the Carrich Viaduct.
The Carrich Viaduct.
We haven’t yet walked this section of the route but from passing in a vehicle many times we are quite familiar with it. Here the footpath is running next to the road. It is undoubtedly a busy road with vehicles of all sizes whizzing past. The speed limit is 40mph so the traffic is slower than in other places on the A87. The path is plenty wide enough to walk two abreast or pass folks coming in the opposite direction. The Carrich Viaduct is the level crossing over Loch Alsh so it will be very easy going on the footpath. At the end of the crossing the path starts the gentle incline, eventually to the top of the Skye Bridge.
Eilean Bàn
Part way between the Carrich Viaduct and the Skye Bridge you will find Eilean Bàn. A six acre island which is home to Gavin Maxwell’s former residence, lighthouse and wildlife haven. Open seasonally between Easter and October more information can be found here. Hopefully in the near future we can visit the island and report back on how we found it. There is some hard standing here for 3-4 cars as there is also a holiday cottage on the island. The previous day we had bumped into the lady who was currently staying at the cottage for the week. We parked up here to start our walk of the actual Skye Bridge. On our way back we actually bumped into her again! It’s becoming a small world being out and about doing Skye For All walks!
The Skye Bridge
If you do park at Eilean Bàn please park considerately as there is little parking and it may need to be used by visitors paying to visit the island or even staying at the cottage. To walk from here to the Kyleakin roundabout and back again is approximately 0.9 miles or 1.5km. The more able one of us walked this full length to be able to report back in detail. Sarah found a nice level spot with a view to take the opportunity of a rest whilst Melanie went ahead to check the final stretch to the roundabout. But remember, only walk as far as you are able, it isn’t a competition. We did a short video from the top of the bridge.
Underfoot the going was easy for Sarah and her rollator. The path surface is smooth tarmac all the way. There are just a couple of bumpy sections over the bridge expansion plates at either end but nothing that caused any problems. It doesn’t need a genius to tell you the bridge is steep on both sides. You can see that as you drive towards it. So be careful if you are pushing someone in a wheelchair, keep a tight hold and use the brakes!
The views from the top are tremendous and well worth the effort. Wrap up warm as it can get quite windy up top! Also take a water proof, small rain showers move very fast over Broadford Bay and can quickly catch you by surprise. There is nowhere to shelter up on the Skye Bridge.
The nearest disabled toilets are in the car park at Kyle of Lochalsh or if you are coming from Skye, in Broadford opposite the big car park or in the Co-op. Sadly there are no benches along the Skye Bridge footpath so pace yourself and if necessary do it in small chunks as we are doing. But most of all enjoy the fresh air, you will, no doubt, bump into quite a few folks doing the same thing as you.
