• The view towards the Cuillins from the Longhouse
  • View from coastline near the Longhouse.
  • The ruined castle of Dunsgaith near the Longhouse
  • The ruined castle.
  • Blaven mountain on Skye
  • Blaven.



Association of Scottish Self-Caterers
Where is it and how do I get there?

Tokavaig is a former Viking settlement, known for its native woodland which was said to be a special place for the druids. The ancient castle of Dunsgaith is nearby, one of the oldest fortifications in the Hebrides and the subject of many myths and legends. One has it that Cuchullin, chief of Skye in the Third Century, came here to receive arms training from Sgathach, a Celtic warrior queen who ran a sword-fighting school at the castle.

Tokavaig is roughly halfway along the windy, single-track road which loops off the main A851 from Armadale towards Broadford. This is a remote spot, so you should come well equipped with your own provisions or use our link for the local grocery delivery service. Once you are here, you may not want to leave this beautiful secluded spot.

By Road

To get there via the Skye Bridge, cross the bridge and turn right at the roundabout. Travel north on the A87 towards Broadford for about 7 miles. At the junction with the A851 turn left for Armadale. After around 11 miles turn right on the unnumbered road signposted for Ord, Tokavaig & Tarskavaig. Follow that road to Ord and then on to Tokavaig. The Longhouse is on the left hand side of the road as you drive downhill towards the bay, the first house on the left after the cattle grid and the sign for Tokavaig. Look out for the white gable. There is a short approach road.

By Boat

If you come via the Mallaig-Armadale ferry, travel up the A851 towards Broadford. As you reach the Gaelic college Sabhal Mor Ostaig, turn left (signposted for Tarskavaig, Tokavaig and Ord). Follow that road to Tarskavaig and on to Tokavaig. The Longhouse is on the right hand side of the road as you drive uphill away from Gauscavaig bay. If you cross the cattle grid, you’ve gone too far.

From Easter to October you can take a small car ferry from Glenelg on the mainland to Kylerhea on Skye. It might not be the quickest route, but the drive over to Glenelg is sensational, and the ferry crossing is worth the detour.

By Train

Whether you travel from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, or from Fort William to Mallaig, you will experience a fantastic train journey. The Jacobite Steam Train runs to Mallaig from May to October, a thrill for steam enthusiasts and Harry Potter fans alike (the train puffs over the Glenfinnan viaduct, used in the Harry Potter movies).

By Plane

The nearest airport to Skye is at Inverness, about a two and a half hour drive away. Inverness is served by carriers from all over the UK, and car rental is available at the airport.

Car Rental

There are several local car rental firms, which can pick you up at either Kyleakin or Armadale.

For map readers, the Ordnance Survey Grid Reference is NG 605 117.

Click here to see Tokavaig with Multimap. On-line Map