Stretching along the north shore of a deep sea loch, between the
spectacular Torridon and Kintail mountain ranges, Lochcarron is an
excellent centre from which to explore some of the most beautiful and
romantic scenery in the Highlands of Scotland. Indeed, there is
little doubt but that this area has some of the most magnificent scenery
to be found in the whole of the British Isles. As well as breathtaking
views, there is abundant wildlife, much of which can be seen from our guest
house, including otters, porpoises, and many sea birds. In many houses in
Lochcarron, a pair of binoculars is to be seen on the front window sill -
anyone visiting here will very quickly realise why!
The view above shows part of the village as seen from
the south side of Loch Carron with the snow-capped Applecross mountains in the background. Clisham
Guest House is situated in the line of white cottages stretching along
the water front, and is just somewhat to the left of centre in the above
picture.
Lochcarron is reputed to be the longest village in
Scotland and stretches out for a distance of 2 miles or more along the
north shore of Loch Carron, from which it derives its name. In days
gone by, however, the village was known as Jeantown. The village has a
population of about 900.
Although located within a large tract of fairly remote
countryside, Lochcarron village nevertheless has all necessary local
amenities: 2 food shops (one of which is licensed), a butcher's, A Post
Office, 2 hotels with lounge bars and restaurants, a bank (with
Cashpoint), 2 filling stations, 3 garage repair workshops, 2 dentists, and
a medical centre, not to mention a gift shop or two, a wood turner's,
pottery manufacturers, and a weaver's shop! So, even those in need of a
little retail therapy are catered for!
There are now several routes by which it is possible to
travel to Lochcarron (see
"How to Find Us"), these including access by rail, but this was not
always the case. The development of the village as it is now started in
the early 19th century, but it was not until about 1820 that a cart track
was constructed to enable access to the east coast. Prior to that, you had
to go by sea or scramble over the mountains!
As for access from the south west (i.e. via Fort
William), this used to be via a ferry crossing at Strome Ferry (now
"no ferry"!), until the 1960's when the "Strome Ferry
By-Pass" was constructed along the south side of Loch Carron.
For more information about Lochcarron, why not
download a copy of our
on-line brochure? |
