Places to visit around Lochcarron

Lochcarron is an excellent centre for exploring the west coast. It's surrounded by highly varied and beautiful countryside, and the good local facilities make it a good base, yet it's peaceful enough for complete relaxation.

Shieldaig

Nearby are the attractive villages of Plockton and Shieldaig, and a little further afield is the beautiful valley of Glenelg. This isn't really a glen (normally a narrow steep-sided river valley), but rather a wide peninsula reaching out into the Sound of Sleat. There are superb views of the area as you travel from Shiel Bridge down into the valley. In the season a tiny ferry runs from just north of Glenelg village to Kylerhea on the Isle of Skye.

Attadale Gardens

The sheltered valley at Attadale lies on the south side of Loch Carron. The gardens here, recently restored and open to the public from April through October, are notable for the huge range of plants and trees collected starting in the nineteenth century from around the world, and presented in carefully landscaped and peaceful surroundings.

Inverewe Garden

Inverewe Garden, at Poolewe, is about an hour's drive from Lochcarron. We haven't actually visited it yet – it's on our list! This very large and varied garden demonstrates the mild climate we enjoy in the north-west Highlands.

Torridon

Torridon

Torridon is a centre for walking and climbing. The hills around Torridon and the Beinn Eighe national nature reserve are possibly the most spectacular in Scotland. There are many walks through the area, some to be taken with great care; one of the less demanding is the coastal path from Diabaig to Red Point.

Applecross

Loch Kishorn viewed from the eastern side of the Bealach na Ba

The direct route onto the Applecross peninsula is over the Bealach na Ba, the Pass of the Cattle. At over 2000 feet this is one of the highest roads in the UK; its hairpin bends, steep drops and spectacular views make it a memorable drive. Don't try to tow a caravan here because it's not a good place to back up any kind of trailer, and if it's wintry weather you'll probably find the road closed because conditions towards the top will normally be far worse than at sea level.

Fortunately, the coast road is available for when the Bealach is inadvisable, and it allows a circular route visiting the other settlements over this charming stretch of coastline.

Applecross itself is worth a visit for the delightful sheltered sandy bay and the excellent meals at the Applecross Inn. (Also recommended is the Potting Shed restaurant in the walled garden.)

Skye Bridge

Isle of Skye

Skye offers many activities and attractions for visitors and it's easy to reach the island from Lochcarron. The Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh is about 40 minutes' drive away. If you just want to see what kind of countryside Skye offers, it takes about a day's driving to see the entire island; but Skye repays a far closer look, and you're likely to want a more leisurely tour of the places that interest you.