Things to See and Do

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Sea kayaking

There are two sea kayaks and a child-friendly sit-on-top kayak in the garage. Please feel free to use this equipment, although note that you do so at your own risk. You will need to provide your own life jackets and wetsuits.

Kayaking lessons/guides can be found in Applecross and Plockton.
http://www.applecross.uk.com/msg/about-us
http://www.seakayakplockton.co.uk

Cycling

Road cycling - There are some great cycling circuits nearby including the two annual sportif events of Bealach Beag and Bealach Mor, both take you over the 600m Bealach na Ba which is Britain’s longest continuous cycle ascent (featured in Simon Warrens “100 Greatest Cycling Climbs”).

Mountain biking – There are many off-road and mountain biking routes within easy access of the house. Favourites include the track to Ben Dronaig accessed via Attadale and the more challenging single-track classic Coulin circuit to Achnashellach. We have recently teamed up with GO-WHERE who are running a fantastic course based from the house. If you are interested in joining one of their courses check out their website.
http://www.go-where.co.uk

Hill Walking

In addition to many beautiful short coastal and inland walks, there are 9 Munros (peaks over 3,000 feet high) and 8 Corbetts (hills over 2,500 feet high) within a 10 mile radius of Lochcarron. Details can be found in the “Lochcarron Out and About” guide which can be ordered online (there is a copy in the house).

Additionally the Walk Highlands website shows details, gradings and maps of local routes.
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/lochcarron.shtml

The experienced mountain guide Martin Moran runs mountaineering courses as well as a local guiding service.
http://www.moran-mountain.co.uk/index.html

Fishing

Permits for fishing on the river in front of the house can be obtained from Roddy ‘Butcher’ MacLennan in Lochcarron.

A list of places to fish and rules around the catch can be found at http://www.lochcarron.org.uk

Whisky Tasting

Whisky tasting is available at the Carron Restaurant which is within walking distance from the house. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere while John draws on his considerable knowledge to explain the important processes and factors that contribute to a whisky’s character.

Sherry casks have been used to age Scotch whisky for well over 200 years. But what are distillers looking for when choosing casks, and how are they able to produce specific flavours? Does the type of wood also play a role? Become an expert and taste different whiskies from different areas. Be sure to book ahead.
https://www.carronrestaurant.com

Climbing

There are various crags close by for beginners. The famous multi-pitch climb of Cioch’s Nose is located on the road to Applecross

Sailing

There are some fantastic sailing opportunities close by. For those with a small boat it can be launched on the beach in front of the house. There are two islands in the loch which can be easily explored with a good chance of seeing seals, otters and the two resident Lochcarron dolphins “Gin and Tonic”.

Pony-trekking

There is an excellent, friendly pony-trekking centre at Ratagan (40 minutes by car) which caters for riders of all capability. See www.highlandcarriage.co.uk for more information.

Swimming

For those occasional rainy days there is a swimming pool, steam room, sauna and fitness suite at the Lochalsh Leisure Centre in Kyle of Lochalsh.

Train to Kyle of Lochalsh

The Kyle line is one of the most scenic railway trips in the world, the line passes close to the shore giving passengers the chance to see seals, herons and otters among the many islands scattered off the shore. During the summer the Royal Scotsman and the occasional steam train are visitors on the line. Why not take the train and alight at Duncraig (a request stop so let the driver know) and walk along the footpath to Plockton, then after lunch you can return by train to Strathcarron.

Lochcarron Highland Games

Each year the Lochcarron Highland Games are held at Attadale gardens. They are well worth a visit to see contestants tossing the caber, highland dancing, pipe bands and some local produce. There is also an all-comers hill race.

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Places to visit

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Pottery

The Carron Pottery, Craft Shop and Gallery located 200m along the road towards Strathcarron, is open Monday-Saturday. The local potter can be seen making the stoneware on site. There is a craft shop and gallery on site. See www.carronpottery.com/index.htm for more information.

Attadale Gardens

Attadale Gardens is further along the road towards Kyle of Lochalsh, it has a sculpture collection, water gardens, sunken garden, Japanese garden, kitchen garden, fern garden, and a DIY tea room. Visit www.attadalegardens.com for more information.

Applecross & Shieldaig

The road to Applecross passes over the Bealch na Ba (pass of the cattle) and boasts impressive views of the Cullin mountains of Skye. Applecross has fantastic beaches and some great places to eat, including the Applecross Inn and the Applecross Walled Garden. Driving north around the Applecross coast road leads you to Shieldaig with its Caledonian Pine trees. The beautiful Shieldaig Island is managed by the National Trust for Scotland.

Plockton

Plockton is a pretty village boasting palm trees on its shores. It was featured in the TV series Hamish MacBeth for those that can remember that far back. It has some great coral beaches, places to eat and is the departure point for Callum's boat trips to see seals.

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan is an iconic Scottish castle, featured in various films and TV programs and is well worth a visit.

Glen Elg

Glen Elg is the location of some impressive ancient stone Broch’s (Dun Telve and Dun Troddan). Sandaig Bay where Gavin Maxwell wrote “Ring of Bright Water” and a small manual turntable car ferry (takes 6 cars) which crosses the Kylerhea straights to Skye. There is a good chance of seeing seals, otters and possibly a sea eagle.