Information
Information about Lochcarron, Kishorn, Shieldaig and Applecross. What to do and see.
What to see and do in the area
Lochcarron, Kishorn, Shieldaig and Applecross, Information
Things to do in the area
This is one of the most beautiful areas in West Coast Highlands of Scotland, with rugged hills sweeping down into a sea loch and the Isle of Skye's Cuillin Mountains in the distance. Many people come here just to relax in beautiful surroundings and "re-charge their batteries". Others, including walkers, climbers, sailors, cyclists, fishermen, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts want to take advantage of the many outdoor possibilities available. The Isle of Skye bridge is under and hour away, opening up endless possibilities for those wishing to get to know Skye and it's many attractions.
Walking
Serious walkers can get to Torridon, with Beinn Alligin, Liathach and Beinn Eighe (all over 3000ft) in about half an hour by car (see larger map at the bottom of the page). There are also numerous Munros within easy driving distance. There are also virtually unlimited local walks in beautiful country around Lochcarron, Kishorn, Shieldaig and Applecross. You can walk for miles and not see anyone else all day, once you get into the hills or out on the coastal paths.
Wildlife
The shores have a good population of wildfowl, waders (oyster catchers, ringed plover and turnstones are numerous) and other sea birds including eider duck, herons, mergansers, terns, etc. Seals are often visible from the shore, and otters occasionally make an appearance. In the summer months, you may well see dolphins and porpoises and hear the black-throated divers overhead as they fly to feed from their nests on the hill lochans inland. The Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve is a short drive away.
Gardens
Attadale Gardens, opposite Lochcarron, are open to the public, and well worth a visit by those who appreciate lovely gardens. The National Trust gardens at Inverewe are world famous, and are under 2 hours drive from Kishorn.
Restaurants
The Applecross Inn (about 40 minutes along a particularly scenic route) has won several awards for it's good food, and is reliably good. There are several good pubs and restaurants in Plockton (about 40 minutes) and, nearer to home, the Kishorn Seafood Café is well worth the walk.
For special occasions we are fortunate in being within driving distance of some very good and well known places to eat. The Loch Torridon Hotel (about an hour) was rated one of the UK's best ten restaurants of 2003 by the Telegraph, and the Tigh an Eilean Hotel in Shieldaig (15 minutes) is also very good. On Skye, Kinloch Lodge owned and run by the well known cookery writer Lady Claire MacDonald and the Three Chimneys Restaurant are both famous for their good food.
Shops
There is a good village shop in Kishorn, which has some surprisingly good food and craft items available - as well as bread, milk, papers and other basics. In Lochcarron (6 miles) there is a Spar mini-supermarket selling most things, a very good butcher (Roddy Maclennan) and the Lochcarron Garage which, in addition to petrol etc., sells food, fishing tackle and has a small bakery. A fresh fish van calls every week, if asked.
Map of the area:
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