Loch Maree
Kinlochewe, Grudie, Slattadale
Sightseeing - Local walks - Shops
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Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland. |
Loch Maree
Kinlochewe, Grudie, Slattadale
Sightseeing - Local walks - Shops
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Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland. |
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A 20-minute drive from Torridon (11 miles/ 18km), Kinlochewe is a compact settlement and provides an excellent base for a large variety of walking and climbing in the area. The road from Kinlochewe (A832) follows the side of the valley floor where the Kinlochewe River meanders into Loch Maree. |
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Along the south side of the road, ancient Scots Pines coat the hillside of Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
The Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre at Aultroy contains a display of the geography, geology, natural history and its conservation on the nature reserve which is in the care of Scottish Natural Heritage.
Beinn Eighe was the first National Nature Reserve in Britain and was initially established to protect an important remnant of ancient pinewood at Glas Leitir where there are now trails with a car park and information point.
This is one of the rare surviving fragments of 'The Great Wood of Caledon', which once clothed most of the Highlands. The reserve has several rare species of plants and animals, and is also of geological interest.
Wildlife includes Golden Eagles, Scottish Wildcat, Pine Marten, Dragonflies, and many rare birds. 48 square kilometres of Mountain, Woodland, and Lochside scenery.
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Further on, the road follows the shore of Loch Maree with stunning views of Slioch and the other hills of Letterewe Forest. Slioch (pictured below) was used as a location in the famous movie 'Highlander'.
As the road leaves the trees and the shore to cross Grudie Bridge you can catch a glimpse of the Torridon hills through Glen Grudie. Much of the landscape here is wild, rugged and untouched by humans, at least, since the trees were first felled by our ancestors.
At Talladale, trees give the area a more gentle feel. Slattadale has a few forestry roads allowing access down to the lochside and there is a car park from where you can go on walks. Recent, extensive tree felling has resulted in much better views over Loch Maree. The Victoria Falls at Slattadale were named after Queen Victoria who visited the area in 1877 and these waterfalls are accessible together with a short woodland walk.
The history of Loch Maree can be traced back to the 7th century when the Irish monk, Maelrubha established a cell on Isle Maree on the loch.
At the beginning of the 17th century some lowland lairds were encouraged by the crown to gain control of the Western Highlands and Islands. In particular, Sir George Hay tried unsuccessfully to control Lewis, but concentrated his efforts in the Loch Maree area around 1607. It is possible that Hay came across ancient, primitive iron works at Loch Maree and decided to develop the iron smelting industry when he saw the potential of the local bog iron deposits and extensive woodlands which could be used as fuel for the furnaces.
 Tollie Bay, Loch Maree |
As local bog iron deposits were used up, imported ores from the south were transported by boat. As a result the iron works at Letterewe were relocated at Poolewe where the iron ore was landed.
The works ceased around 1668, probably as the local timber was used up. Despite the extensive spread of the works, very little trace of these activities can now be seen.
Many events take place locally throughout the year. |
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Glen Docherty car park & viewpoint 4 miles/6.5 km (10 minutes) from Kinlochewe On a good day it is worth travelling the short distance up Glen Docherty and stopping at the car park with excellent views down the full length of Loch Maree almost to the sea. There is a good interpretive panel explaining aspects of geography and wildlife. |
Loch Maree and Glen Docherty |
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Kinlochewe
Shops Restaurant Petrol station Car park with toilets and telephone Hotel, bar & bunkhouse Caravan park Basic campsite at Taagan Craft shop near village |
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Torridon Walks
- route descriptions, photos and online maps |
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Landscapes For Every Mood
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Landscapes For Every Mood is a collection of landscape photographs of the North-west Scottish Highlands taken by Gordon C Harrison. The images are available as fine art prints, photographs, mounted and framed, on greetings cards and appear in Gordon�s Wester Ross Calendar. All these products are available to purchase from my website as well as in outlets throughout Wester Ross from Plockton in the south to Ullapool in the North. |
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Kenny Murray
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Conducted tours of Wester Ross & Skye with local guide, in a comfortable modern vehicle. Numerous itineraries, personal attention, maximum of six people. Also available for private hire, airport and train transfers, and weddings. No smoking. Open all year. |
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Andrew & Gail Staddon
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In the heart of the Torridon mountains and at the head of Loch Maree, Kinlochewe Hotel offers a warm welcome and delicious home-cooked food using the wealth of local produce for which Wester Ross is celebrated. With 9 comfortable bedrooms, plus a 12 bed bunkhouse, Kinlochewe Hotel offers the perfect place to walk, climb, fish, cycle, relax, unwind.
Full details on own web site.
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The Pines
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The Pines is a self catering holiday home in the village of Kinlochewe close to shops and local pub. It comprises 2 twin bedrooms, fitted kitchen, lounge with coal fire, offpeak central heating, and bathroom with power shower. Just walk over the road and you are in the hills!
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Frank Buckley
An Caorann Melvaig Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2EA Tel: 01445 771 225 Email: highlandholiday@aol.com Web site |
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In Designated National Scenic Area, Cairn Shiel is a detached bungalow, Tourist Board rated 4 star, standing entirely by itself in the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve, with uninterrupted views of Beinn Eighe, Slioch, and the Torridon mountains. Pine Martens regularly visit the house. Deer & eagles are often seen. Just a short distance from Torridon, Loch Maree, and the many sandy beaches and bays around Gairloch, Red Point, and Loch Torridon.
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| Irena Pluskowski
Kinlochewe Mountain Chalets Kinlochewe By Achnasheen Ross-Shire. IV22 2PA Tel/ Fax: 01445 760334 Email: [email protected] Web site |
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'Beech', 'Birch', Rowan' and 'Alder' chalets are set in 3 peaceful acres next to the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, and enjoy superb views to Beinn Eighe, Ruadh Stac and Slioch. Open all year. Each chalet sleeps 4. Pets welcome. Specialise in walking holidays.
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Continue the online tour and
follow the sheep to Loch Gairloch........ |
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