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
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).