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Kyle of Lochalsh

Visitor guide to Kyle of Lochalsh in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. Includes info on the Road to the Isles, Eilean Donan Castle, Glenfinnan, Lochailort, Arsaig & Morar and the best self catering cottages and hotels around the Kyle of Lochalsh.


Before the coming of the controversial Skye Bridge a mile to the north, the little town of Kyle, as it is known, was the main ferry crossing to Skye and consequently a place which attracted a busy tourist trade. Now, though, the tourist traffic bypasses Kyle.

However, Kyle is a popular centre for walkers, and there are plenty of good holiday cottages in the area.

Phone code: +44 (0)1599

The Road To The Isles

The 46-mile stretch of the A830 from Fort William to Mallaig is known as 'The Road to the Isles'. It's a very beautiful journey, particularly by train through a landscape that resonates with historical significance. This is Bonnie Prince Charlie country, where the ill-fated Jacobite Rising not only began, but also ended, with the Prince's flight to France.

Eating Out

Just outside the village, on the road to Plockton, is the Seagreen Restaurant & Bookshop, Tel. 534388, a bistro-cum-bookshop and gallery serving wholefood and local seafood throughout the day (mid-range to expensive). At the railway station is The Seafood Restaurant, Tel. 534813, which has a good reputation for seafood (mid-range to expensive); open Easter-Oct 1000-1500 and 1830-2100. Another option is the Lochalsh Hotel, which does very good bar lunches.

Shopping

There are a couple of banks with ATMs, two small supermarkets and a post office in the village.

Travel Directions to Kyle of Lochalsh

Bus

Scottish Citylink buses, Tel. 0990-505050, run to Kyle from Inverness (3 daily, 2 hrs); Glasgow via Fort William (4 daily, 5 hrs); and Edinburgh via Fort William (1 daily, 6 € hrs). These buses continue to Portree (a further hour) and Uig (1 hrs), for ferries to Tarbert on Harris and Lochmaddy on North Uist. There's also a regular shuttle service across the bridge to Kyleakin (every 30 mins).

Train

The train journey from Inverness to Kyle, though not as spectacular as the West Highland line, is very scenic. It runs 3-4 times Mon-Sat (2 hrs) and once or twice on Sun from May to Sep. There's also an observation car and dining car in the summer.

The Tourist Information Centre, which is at the main seafront car park, Tel. 534276. Apr, May and mid-Sep to late Oct Mon-Sat 0930-1730; Jun to mid-Jul and late Aug to mid-Sep Mon-Sat 0930-1900; mid-Jul to late Aug Mon-Sat 0930-2100, Sun 1230-1630.

There are a couple of interesting boat trips which you can take from here. One is on board the Seaprobe Atlantis, which is fitted with underwater windows allowing you to watch 'the world beneath the waves'. Check sailing times at the pier, or at If you prefer, you could take a seafood cruise - a 2-hour wildlife-spotting and seafood-eating boat trip. Contact Neil MacRae, Tel. 577230.

Local Sights & Activities for Kyle of Lochalsh

Kyle's an area popular with walkers. See Kintail walks for a walkers guide to this area.

Walks

  • Balmacara Estate

    Large NTS managed estate on south of Lochalsh peninsula. Excellent easy walking on trails through woodland, lochside and coastal. Ideal for younger kids as well.

Kyle of Lochalsh Hotels & Accommodation

It's a good idea to get the tourist office to book a room for you, as there's not a lot to choose from except for self catering cottages. There are a couple of hotels, most luxurious of which is the Lochalsh Hotel, Tel. 534202, with great views across to Skye and good food.

Check out the best deals with LateRooms for hotels and B&Bs in the area LateRooms Availability for Kyle of Lochalsh Hotels and B&Bs.

Three miles north, at Erbusaig, is the very comfortable Old Schoolhouse, Tel. 534369, a B&B with a highly rated restaurant. A mile and a half north of Kyle is Crowlin View, Tel. 534286. There's also cheap hostel accommodation at Cuchulainn's, Tel. 534492, on Station Rd. 4 miles east of Kyle, at Balmacara, you can camp at Reraig Caravan Site, Tel. 566215.