Tourist Information

This page contains a number of photos and information for visitors to Lochcarron and the surrounding areas of Wester Ross, Lochalsh and the Isle of Skye, all of which are within easy reach of Lochcarron for days out. Please take the time to scroll down the page.

Lochcarron village as seen from the viewpoint on the opposite side of the loch. In the background are the imposing mountains of Applecross.

Lochcarron is situated on the West Coast of Scotland, 63 miles due west of Inverness, and lies amidst magnificent Highland scenery, some of the finest in the British Isles.

It makes an excellent centre for touring, with many places to see, both in the near locality and further afield for day trips out.

The view above shows Lochcarron village as seen from the viewpoint near Attadale on the south side of Loch Carron. The mountains of Applecross can be seen in the background. Both Applecross and Lochcarron have featured in "Monty Halls' Great Escape" series recently shown on BBC2 television.

To the immediate north and west lies the Applecross peninsula which is approached via the Bealach na Ba, the Pass of the Cattle, one of the highest roads in Britain. The *photo above* shows this road which climbs from sea level to a height of 2,053 feet over a distance of some 6 miles and provides some spectacular views along the way.
A 20-minute walk from the car park at the summit up to the TV relay station affords some even more magnificent views in all directions, especially towards the Isles of *Skye and Raasay* to the west.
After negotiating the rugged high-level countryside on the approach to Applecross, one's arrival back at sea level gives the feeling of reaching a haven of peace and tranquillity.

The view from the very top of the Bealach na Ba looking towards the Isles of Skye and Raasay to the west.

Applecross village is a very pretty little place, and there are some superb views across the Inner Sound to Raasay and Skye. The photo below shows the Applecross Inn, a regular haunt of Monty Halls' during his stay at Beachcomber Cottage in Applecross.

The Applecross Inn, regular haunt of Monty Halls during his year at Beachcomber Cottage.

Another of the attractions at Applecross is the Walled Garden at Applecross House, which contains the Potting Shed Restaurant. As with the Applecross Inn, the Potting Shed (show in the photo below) has a good reputation for excellent food.

Another of the attractions at Applecross is the Walled Garden at Applecross House, which contains the Potting Shed Restaurant. As with the Applecross Inn, the Potting Shed has a good reputation for excellent food.

Travelling north up the coast road from Applecross village, the first few miles of road are comparatively new, having been opened by Princess Margaret in the late 1970s. Prior to that the only over-land access to this part of the coast was either on foot or by motor cycle along a rough motor cycle track. Throughout the 24 miles from Applecross around to the junction with the A896 near Shieldaig there are spectacular coastal views, initially across to the islands of Skye, Raasay, Rona and, on a clear day, some of the Western Isles. Once the road reaches the top of the Applecross Peninsula and starts to head around towards Shieldaig, there are equally superb views across Loch Torridon towards the Torridon Hills - see below.

Once the road reaches the top of the Applecross Peninsula and starts to head around towards Shieldaig, there are equally superb views across Loch Torridon towards the Torridon Hills.

Just to the north of the Applecross peninsula is the picturesque little village of Shieldaig with its row of whitewashed cottages along the Main Street. Just out to sea is Shieldaig Island which is densely covered with mature Scots pine trees thought to have been planted in the 1800's with seeds derived from the Speyside area.

The pretty little village of Shieldaig, just to the north of the Applecross Peninsula.

A little further north up the coast from Shieldaig one reaches Torridon, a favourite of hill walkers and climbers. The area is dominated by the bulk of Liathach with other Munros such as Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe nearby. The latter gives its name to the first National Nature Reserve in the UK.

The view across Upper Loch Torridon towards Beinn Alligin, as seen from the viewpoint on the A896 a couple of miles or so to the south of Annat.

From the A896 at Torridon a little side road branches off for 9 miles to the village of Diabaig. This is another road with some dramatic views along the way and well worth making the detour. The photo below shows one of the superb views on this road.

A view from the highest point of the little road which runs from Torridon to Diabaig, a spectacular drive with some magnificent scenery.

Travelling from Lochcarron to the south and west there are many places to see including Plockton, the setting for the Hamish MacBeth TV series a few years ago, and Eilean Donan Castle. A trip on the spectacular road over Mam Ratagan (see photo below) to Glenelg makes a superb day trip, where you can visit the ancient Pictish brochs and, if you are feeling energetic, walk down to Sandaig, the former home of Gavin Maxwell, author of "Ring of Bright Water".

The 5 Sisters of Kintail as seen from the viewpoint on the road over Mam Ratagan.

Also easily accessible for days out from Lochcarron is the Isle of Skye as the Skye Bridge (now toll-free!) is only just over 30 minutes' drive away from here.

The Skye Bridge as seen from the foreshore at Kyleakin on the Skye side of the water.

For those who prefer to leave the car and go walking or cycling, the possibilities are almost endless with numerous hill walks and hill tracks being found within the vicinity of Lochcarron and Glen Carron. Loch Carron itself provides many opportunities for fishing, sailing (there is a sailing club to which visitors are welcome), canoeing and kayaking. You can even learn to dive and explore a whole new world beneath the surface of the water.

If you are a golfer, Lochcarron has its own 9-hole golf course to which visitors are very welcome. The course has a superb lochside setting with magnificent views across the water.

The golf course at Lochcarron has a superb loch-side setting with superb views across the water.

And if you just want a lazy day out with someone else doing the driving whilst you sit back in comfort and enjoy the magnificent scenery, you can even book a conducted tour.

A tranquil November day looking towards the head of Loch Carron with "Wellington" in the background.

It's impossible in the space we have available to tell you everything there is to know about this lovely part of the British Isles, so why not come and stay and explore it for yourself? We are absolutely certain that you won't be disappointed!

Lochcarron, Wester Ross, Scottish Highlands

Tourist Information

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