Things to do in Lochcarron

The village of Lochcarron is one of the longest in Scotland and extends for over a mile along the north shore of Loch Carron. Along this road are the main amenities including a small number of shops, a restaurant, café, hotel, bank and two petrol stations.

The hire of cars, bikes, kayaks and fishing equipment is possible within the village.

Within easy reach are numerous attractions whether you are a hiker, a beach person or simply like to let others take care of you.

Before you visit why not get a sense of what awaits. We suggest the stunning photos on www.lochcarron.tv and why not use BBC’s iPlayer to try and catch one of the episodes of Monty Hall’s Great Escapes, based here in Wester Ross and featuring Lochcarron.

The lovely village of Applecross with it's Inn and beautiful beach is an exciting 30 minute drive away on one of the UK's most remarkable roads

Eating and Drinking

Locally we can recommend various eating places, although in the season you need look no further than our adjoining Bar and Dining Room (Visit Scotland three star). This is open to residents and non-residents and is open daily during the summer months, with live music in the bar every first and third Friday evening of the month.

Here we offer locally brewed beers, a huge selection of whiskies and most other drinks, as well as a large choice of homemade food to suit all tastes and budgets, with children’s portions available for the under-12’s. Our menu caters for special dietary requirements and if there are further specific needs our chef will willingly ensure that there is something available to satisfy you.

The majority of our menu is sourced locally and is organic where possible. Being a popular eating place, we advise booking your table during the summer months. See our sample menu, but please note it does change on a daily basis during the summer to take advantage of fresh local produce.

A good example is our salad and vegetables which are sourced from the nearby Attadale Gardens – well worth a visit and it is only a few minutes away.

Walking/Climbing

From Lochcarron it is possible to be within magnificent hills in just a few minutes; the old road to Torridon via Coulags offers an exhilarating full-day walk (requires pick-up at Torridon), whilst a gentler walk behind the village takes you to Choc Na Staing, a lovely viewpoint looking over the village and water beyond.

Behind the west end of the village loom the challenging mountains of Bealach Na Ba, presenting a seemingly impassable barrier between Lochcarron and the coastal village of Applecross. Beyond here lies the Torridon range of mountains as well as the Cuillins of Skye.

Driving

There is so much to see, all comfortably reached from the central location of Lochcarron. Applecross (over the Bealach) is a must (with care), whilst villages further north such as Sheildaig, Torridon and Diabeg all have a magical quality.

Around the loch it is easy to access Plockton with its famed palm trees and also Kyle of Localsh, the ‘mainland’ side of the bridge over to Skye. The island of Skye is full of delights with a thriving art and crafts ‘cottage’ industry as well as excellent hotels, pubs and breweries.

The bridge over to Skye provides easy access of course, but in the main season the ferry crossing from Glenelg provides a much more romantic way to arrive on the island. The drive from Lochcarron to the ferry can only be described as stunning and Glenelg itself has a lovely Inn as well as some of the best preserved Brochs in Scotland.

Inverness, Ullapool, Fort William, Gairloch, Glencoe, Loch Ness and other great Scottish destinations lie slightly further afield, but are all achievable if you want a good day out.

Activities

Again, so much is available it is only possible to touch on some aspects. Perhaps a trip to see the seals from Plockton with Calums Sealtrips – see some seals or your money back!!

For the more adventurous there are longer trips from Elgol and other locations on Skye, including gentle trips with Bella Jane, as well as fast and furious trips on off-shore RIB boats to see whales, sharks etc with Aqua Xplore.

If the sea is not for you, this part of Scotland has some amazing beaches – for example Sand near Applecross (as featured on Great Escapes with Monty Hall recently), Gairloch beaches and numerous small beaches waiting to be discovered and explored.

History is always in the air as well with fabulous places to visit and explore. Loch Ness and Urquhart castle can be reached in a day, while the most photographed Eilean Donan Castle is under an hour away. From here it is easy to visit Glen Sheil and take in the atmosphere of battles gone by, all set in the most outstanding scenery.

Finally look out for local music events – they happen nearly all the time, and during the summer watch for Highland Games and other local events.

Relaxing

Not to be overlooked! Lochcarron has a golf course, many gentle walks and fishing is possible from the village and nearby. Attadale Gardens just 15 minutes away are beautiful and offer a pleasant way to spend some time (seasonal). The local Shinty team would also appreciate your support when they play at the west end of the village.

Just a few doors down from the Rock Villa is a new and exciting Art Studio. Here you can browse some lovely paintings and chat with the artist in a lovely cottage right by the loch.

Just outside the village is a small shop called Asgard Crafts which offers a range of Celtic, Saxon, Pictish and Viking reproductions including pendants, brooches and belt fittings. These are fascinating reminders of times gone by and make ideal gifts or a treat for yourself.

Another local artist – Vicky Stonebridge – is very well known in the area and beyond for her art and pottery work. She also teaches art locally and has a wide range of items on display in local outlets.

Moving on

You may be continuing your holiday after staying with us. We are more than happy to recommend locations and specific accommodation that is known to us.

If you are heading north, why not spend a night in Gairloch at The Gairloch View Guest House or call 01445 712666, or if heading onto Skye try the Morar Bed and Breakfast (complete with indoor swimming pool), just 1 mile from the Armadale Ferry or call 01471 844378.