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Loch Maree

Visitor guide to Loch Maree in the Scottish Highlands. Includes info on sleeping options and transport and the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.


On the north side of the Torridon mountains is beautiful Loch Maree, dotted with islands and bordered by the mass of Slioch (3,215 ft) to the north and ancient Caledonian pine forest to the south. Running along its northern shore, from Slioch almost as far as Poolewe, is the remote Letterewe Estate, one of Scotland's great deer forests. The A832 skirts the south shore of the loch, running northwest from Kinlochewe, and passes the Victoria Falls, a mile or so beyond Talladale. The falls commemorate Queen Victoria's visit in 1877. To find them, look for the 'Hydro Power' signs. Phone code: +44 (0)1445

Travel Directions to Loch Maree

Kinlochewe is 9 miles west of Achnasheen rail station which is on the Inverness-Kyle line. There's a daily (except Sun) Postbus service. There's also a Postbus (Mon-Sat) from Kinlochewe to Torridon and Diabaig, and a bus to Torridon and Shieldaig, Tel. 01520-755239. Buses between Gairloch and Inverness (see below) stop in Kinlochewe.

Walks

  • Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve

    While most of the Torridon massif is managed by the NTS, Beinn Eighe (which means 'File Peak' in Gaelic) is under the control of Scottish Natural Heritage. It is Britain's oldest National Nature Reserve, set up in 1951 to protect the ancient Caledonian pine forest west of Kinlochewe. It has since been designated an International Biosphere Reserve and extended to cover 30 square miles. The reserve is the home of a great variety of rare Highland wildlife, including pine martens, wildcats, buzzards, Scottish crossbills and golden eagles. There's also a wide range of flora which can best be appreciated on the excellent mountain trail described below which climbs from the ancient pine woods through alpine vegetation to the tundra-like upper slopes.

Loch Maree Hotels & Accommodation

The village of Kinlochewe is a good base for walking in this area. It has a post office, shop, garage and accommodation. The Kinlochewe Hotel, Tel. 760253, offers B&B as well as cheaper bunkhouse beds and cheap bar meals. There's also B&B at Cromasaig, on the Torridon road, Tel. 760234,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; and a basic campsite a few miles northwest, at Taagan Farm, at the head of Loch Maree.

The best accommodation, though, is at Talladale, halfway between Kinlochewe and Gairloch. The Old Mill Highland Lodge, Tel. 760271, open mid-March to mid-Oct, is a converted mill set in its own gardens. It's friendly and comfortable, offers great food (price includes dinner), seclusion and great views. Loch Maree Hotel, Tel. 760288, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This beautifully located hotel is being returned to its former glory. Queen Victoria was here! It also offers superb cuisine (including dinner).