Glen Shiel

Glen Shiel is a steep-sided glen in the Northwest Highlands, running nine kilometres from Loch Cluanie down to Loch Duich at sea level. The northern side belongs to the Kintail and Morvich estate managed by the National Trust for Scotland. The lower glen, from the site of the Battle of Glen Shiel to Dornie, forms part of the Kintail National Scenic Area. The A87 road follows the glen, climbing to 271 metres above sea level near the Cluanie Inn. Traces remain of the military road built between 1750 and 1784 by William Caulfeild, successor to General Wade. The river Shiel flows through the glen and gives it its name.

The glen is framed by two ridges of rugged peaks. On the north stand the Five Sisters of Kintail and higher summits such as Sàileag and Aonach Meadhoin. On the south rise Creag a’ Mhàim, The Saddle and Sgùrr na Sgine, reached by side glens like Allt Mhalagain. John Macleod described the descent as a classic Highland scene of foaming burns, crags and frequent rain. The glen holds remnants of hasty fortifications from the 1719 battle and a stone dyke where Jacobite munitions were stored. Sgùrr nan Spàinteach recalls the 200 Spanish troops who fought there and then retreated over the peak.

Visitors find native woodlands of alder, birch, oak and rowan, with conifer plantations on the upper northern slopes. Orchids, butterwort and mountain azalea grow among the grasses. Red deer and wild goats graze the flanks, while the road offers sweeping views of the ridges and the river’s cascades. At the glen’s mouth stands Shiel Bridge beside Loch Duich, where the mountains meet the sea. The slopes also hold Prince Charlie’s Stone, where Bonnie Prince Charlie hid in 1746 before being sheltered by the Seven Men of Glenmoriston.