Loch Hourn
Loch Hourn is the most fjord-like loch in Scotland and forms the northern boundary of the area called the Knoydart. The loch is accessible by road from two places, but it is a long drive from the main road that links Fort William with the Kyle of Lochalsh. The easiest way to get to the loch is by driving the twenty two miles from the turning off the A87, a few miles past Invergarry. The drive itself is spectacular taking you along the shores of Loch Quoich until you reach Kinloch Hourn, at the head of loch. Here there's a car park for which there's a small charge and you can leave your car for a day or more.
To appreciate it in all its splendor you will need to put on your walking boots and head west along the south side of the loch. The track is very rocky in places and while it's not a difficult walk it can be slippery and you do go close to the edge of some steep cliffs - not for the faint hearted on a windy day. After a little over a mile you pass a small house called Skiary. This used to operate as a guesthouse and was, without question, the remotest in the UK. It has no electricity and none of what you expect, yet it was the most wonderful place to stay. Its owners have retired and one of Scotland's great experiences is no more.
If you continue along the loch side for about four miles you reach Barrisdale, which has a beautiful beach as well as a bothy in which you can stay if you plan to strike out for one of the Munros that are easily reached from here. For me it's the beauty of the beach, the views and the tranquility of one of Scotland's last really wild places that is so alluring.
Added 2008/07/04 @ 23:17:42
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