Why You Need to Visit the Amazing Lochinver Scotland
Lochinver is a wee village in the Assynt region of Northwest Scotland.
And while it takes some time and effort to get here, I think it’s worth it because there are some things to do in and around this village.
Now, this is the Highlands so it is more about the landscape and nature versus sites.
So I realize that Lochinver is not going to be for everyone.
It’s quite remote — although there are more remote places in Scotland!
But, as you’ll see on the map below, it is not a super easy destination to get to.
Okay.
Let’s dive into some of the things to do in this beautiful part of Scotland.
Fishing on River Inver
If you are into fishing, then you will want to come to Lochinver.
The River Inver has some excellent salmon fishing.
You will, of course, need a permit to fish.
But that can be arranged through this website.
And if you want to hire a guide, you can certainly do that as well.
I saw quite a few folks out fishing the day I walked along the river.
I’m not sure they were catching anything, but they were out.
Oh, and I did see some fish jumping as well.
So there are fish in the River Inver!
Walking — River Inver loop trail and Culag Woods
There are some nice walks that start right in or just on the outskirts of Lochinver.
One is the River Inver loop walk.
It’s more of a horseshoe shape as you start at one end of the village and end up at the other.
But the village is small so it’s not a big deal.
I recommend (thanks to Dave at Davar B&B) starting at the southern end and making your way to the northern end.
You’ll have some fabulous views of the peaks off the east, including the hill, Suilven. (see below)
And you’ll be walking by the wonderful Loch Druim Suardalain.
You then climb up away from the loch and begin heading north and west.
Eventually you’ll find yourself in a lovely meadow.
One note of caution: if it has rained a lot, this part of the trail — until the end — can be very muddy and mucky.
The last part of the trail is the part that takes you along the River Inver.
The first part is good, but then it does get rocky as the river goes through more of a gorge-like area.
It’s about a 5 mile walk and not strenuous in any way.
You just want to be sure-of-foot on the part along the river.
Culag Woods is on the southern edge of Lochinver and another good spot for some walks.
I didn’t have time to walk any trails at this park, but the reviews are excellent.
Most say the trails are easy, the forest is beautiful and there are some spots along the shores of Loch Culag to dip your toes in the water or to let your dog take a swim.
I’ll definitely be checking this out on my next trip to Lochinver!
Climb Suilven
Suilven is a mountain, technically just a hill at 731m/2389ft, with a distinctive shape.
And while it’s not a long climb up this peak, it does still take time to get there as it clocks in at about 13 miles round trip (depending on where you park).
I have not climbed it, but I have a friend who has.
And the views from the top are stunning on clear days.
It’s a steep climb up to the summit.
But the rest of the walk is not to strenuous.
I actually walked about half a mile out the trail that leads to Suilven and I loved the landscape.
So if you aren’t keen on doing the climb, you could still walk out the trail and take in the magnificent scenery.
But if you want to make a trek up a hill with fabulous views, then come to Lochinver and climb up Suilven.
Cruise on Loch Inver (sea loch) and see wildlife
One of the things that I wished I had done while in Lochinver (weather permitting) was to take one of the cruises out of the harbor.
There can be a lot of wildlife in the area, so a cruise is a fabulous way to see dolphins, whales, seals, porpoises, gannets and cormorants.
North Coast Sea Tours is the company to contact if you want to take a cruise out onto Loch Inver.
They even have sunset tours!
A short drive from Lochinver…
Ardvreck Castle
About 11 miles east of Lochinver is Ardvreck Castle.
This ruined tower castle sits at the east end of Loch Assynt.
So if you come up from the south on the A837, you’ll see it!
Ardvreck Castle dates back to 1490.
It belonged to the MacLeods of Assynt.
As with any castle there are stories and legends.
There’s a good parking area and a well-trodden and short path that leads to the tower.
And the views are awesome!
I didn’t have the best weather.
But it was atmospheric.
Nearby is Calda house which belonged to the MacKenzies of Assynt.
They’re the clan that actually attacked and took Ardvreck from the MacLeods in 1672.
About 50 years later they built Calda House, taking some of the stones from Ardvreck Castle.
Reusing and recycling!
There’s nowhere to park for Calda House but you can walk along the road to it.
Just be very careful!
Note: You can’t get close to Calda House like you can Ardvreck.
Achmelvich Beach
Just a little under 5 miles out of Lochinver, to the west, is Achmelvich Beach.
It’s a very small, single track road that goes out here and it’s become quite popular especially with campervans.
So do use caution.
I didn’t get out to this beach due to lack of time and not the best “beach” weather.
But judging from what others have told me, and from the images, it’s a gorgeous, white sandy beach.
You may also spot some wildlife in the bay if you’re lucky!
So that’s Lochinver
I only had 3 nights in this village, but I loved it.
It’s a destination I’ll go back to as there is a lot to do in the area.
Plus the village is just big enough to have what you need for a few nights or even a full week.
The Assynt region is known to be one of the most stunning parts of Scotland.
And, to me, Lochinver makes an ideal base to explore it.
Where to stay and eat in Lochinver
Accommodation:
Suil na Mara Pod & Studio Self-Catering Accommodation
Restaurants & Cafes:
Driftwood Cafe
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