5 Bells Diving, Lochcarron, Wester Ross, NW Scotland

Things to See & Do

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. 

Lochcarron is an excellent centre for touring, with many places to see, both in the near locality and further afield. 

To the right is a view of Strome Castle, just 3 miles west of Lochcarron, with the Cuillins on Skye in the background.

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.

This road climbs from sea level to a height of 2,053 feet, and provides some spectacular views along the way. 

A 20-minute walk from the car park at the summit affords some even more magnificent views in all directions, especially towards the Isles of Skye and Raasay to the west.

The photo to the left shows the view down towards Kishorn from the Applecross tops.

After negotiating the rugged high-level countryside on the approach, one's arrival back at sea level gives the feeling of reaching a haven of peace and tranquillity. Applecross village is a very pretty little place, and there are some superb views across the Inner Sound to Raasay and Skye.

A little further to the north and west are the Torridon Hills, always a favourite area for walkers and climbers, and the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.

Further north still are beautiful Loch Maree, and Gairloch with its lovely white sandy beaches and links' golf course.

Travelling further up the coast from Gairloch one reaches Inverewe Gardens which, despite being on a latitude more northerly than Moscow, contain exotic plants from all over the world, courtesy of the Gulf Stream.

To the south and west are Loch Alsh and the new Skye Bridge, and the magnificent scenery of Glenelg (with its Pictish brochs) and Kintail. The Skye Bridge, now toll-free much to everyone's relief, provides easy and quick access to the whole of the Isle of Skye, and day trip tours to the various parts of the island are easily achievable from Lochcarron. For those who prefer the idea of a traditional crossing from the mainland to Skye,  Glenelg still has a ferry service crossing over the sea to Skye, running during the summer months.

A little further south around the coast from Glenelg, the view below shows the entrance to Loch Hourn as seen from the road leading round to Arnisdale. This road also passes the track leading down to Sandaig, the former home of Gavin Maxwell and his otters, Mijbil and Edal, made famous in his book "Ring of Bright Water".

Nearer to Lochcarron are the pretty villages of Shieldaig and Plockton, the latter being the location for the "Hamish MacBeth" TV series. To the surprise of many people, palm trees can be seen growing on the water front in Plockton, courtesy of the warming effects of the Gulf Stream.

Lochcarron is surrounded by superb countryside with magnificent views - an ideal spot for walkers, photographers, and artists. And, the scenery can be just as spectacular in the winter-time - as the photo below demonstrates. This shows the view from Lochcarron golf course with the bulk of "Wellington" in the background, and was taken on a superb still day towards the end of November.