Scotland-Landscapes.com - Lochalsh & Knoydart

Nestled in the west between the Fort William area to the south, Torridon to the north, and the Isle of Skye to the west, is a rugged land of mountains, lochs and coastlines. The mountains are of a different character to those of Torridon to the north and Skye to the west as the geology is different – being dominated by metamophic rocks lying to the east of the Moine Thrust. In the north of the area are the settlements of Kyle of Lochalsh, Plockton and Lochcarron. The bridge to Skye is at Kyle of Lochalsh, as is the rail terminus for the line from Inverness; so Kyle is an important, if small, hub in the west and an ideal location from which to explore the area. You can search for accommodation here.

The A87 road to Kyle of Lochalsh passes along Loch Cluanie and through Glen Shiel en-route to Kyle of Lochalsh and the bridge to Skye. Either side of this road are high mountain ridges with many Munro summits; the stunning Eilean Donan castle juts out into Loch Duich close to the road at Dornie and is a very popular attraction. To the north a number of glens have paths through to the remote inland areas of Glen Affric, Loch Mullardoch and Loch Monar, and the Cape Wrath Trail passes this way through Shiel Bridge and Morvich. The Falls of Glomach are remote waterfalls with one of the highest drops in Britain of 113 metres.

Sheepfold in Upper Glen Shiel, Lochalsh & Knoydart

Steall Bhan Waterfall - Coire na Cadha, Aonach Meadhoin, Lochalsh & Knoydart

The Saddle from Sgurr na Forcan, Lochalsh & Knoydart

Sgurr nan Ceathramhnan from Mullach Fraoch-choire, Lochalsh & Knoydart

The Iconic Eilean Donan Castle in Summer, Lochalsh & Knoydart

West Down Glen Shiel, Lochalsh & Knoydart

The South Glen Shiel Ridge - A Panorama, Lochalsh & Knoydart

Aonach air Chrith from the Slopes of Meall a' Charra, Lochalsh & Knoydart

The Cluanie Inn and Glen Shiel at Dusk, Lochalsh & Knoydart

Aonach air Chrith from the slopes of Am Bathach, Lochalsh & Knoydart

West of Shiel Bridge a small road winds high over the Mam Ratagan pass and down to the tranquil village of Glenelg on the shores of the Sound of Sleat opposite the Isle of Skye. Glenelg has a rich history and is a long standing crossing point to Skye, the Glenelg-Skye ferry still operates from April to October across the Kyle Rhea narrows. Glenelg has three Iron Age brochs, Dun Telve, Dun Troddan and Dun Grugaig (a prototype semi-broch). Dun Telve and Dun Troddan are among the best preserved in Scotland. South of Glenelg the scenic road runs to lovely Arnisdale on the shores of Loch Hourn.

The MV Glenachulish, the last manually operated turntable ferry in the world, Lochalsh and Knoydart

The highest walls of Dun Telve on its west and north west side - rising to about 10 metres high, Lochalsh and Knoydart

The entrance to Dun Telve broch in Gleann Beag near Glenelg, Lochalsh and Knoydart

The Sandaig Islands on the east shore of the Sound of Sleat, with the southern peaks of the Black Cuillin distant, Lochalsh and Knoydart

The mighty Ladhar Bheinn, highest peak of Knoydart (1020m), seen across Loch Hourn, Lochalsh and Knoydart

The cottage and beach at Sandaig with a couple of ducks enjoying the peaceful water, Lochalsh and Knoydart

In the south of the area Knoydart is a celebrated wild and remote peninsula between the sea lochs of Loch Hourn in the north and Loch Nevis in the south. Knoydart can only be accessed by foot or by boat. Along with the mountains south of Loch Cuaich (Quoich) and west of Loch Arkaig, it is one of the most iconic wild areas of Scotland, the “Rough Bounds of Knoydart”.