The Best Places to Visit in Lochcarron

Lochcarron is a beautiful village, with a population of around 900, found in the Highlands of Scotland. Situated on the west coast, this two-mile area is home to the most stunning scenery in the British Isles, particularly Loch Carron and its flame shell reef (now a marine protected area) and beautiful landscapes including the Torridon mountains, Strathcarron hills and Applecross peninsula. It is a great location for hiking, climbing munros, watersports, attending art workshops and viewing wildlife: red squirrels, pine martens, deer, eagles, otters and seals can all be discovered here.

So if you’re planning your trip to Lochcarron or you’re already here, we have created a list of the best things to do in Lochcarron, the hidden gem of Wester Ross.

1. Strome Castle

Steeped in history, Strome Castle was built in the 1400’s. It was believed to be a tower house, tactically situated to guard the north side of the Strome Narrows, near the mouth of Loch Carron. The castle was seized by different clans over the years, in 1539 it was  taken over by James V to the Macdonalds of Glengarry. They fought with their neighbours, the Mackenzies of Kintail, to keep control of the castle. However, it was eventually blown up by the Mackenzie clan in 1602 after they besieged the castle.

Now, all that remains is the ruins of this once defiant building. Set on a rocky cliff, surrounded by sharp drops to the shore. This castle has fantastic views of the Loch and has an archaic atmosphere that allows the imagination to run wild to a time before us.

2. Lochcarron Weavers Heritage Shop

We couldn’t devise a list of recommended things to do in Lochcarron without including ourselves. When visiting Scotland, it would be rude not to dabble in the delights of tartan.

Our Lochcarron Weavers Heritage Shop recently moved in May 2023, we are now a part of the creative community in Ribhauchan, Strathcarron, Wester Ross, just off the North Coast 500.

Situated in this scenic location, you will find our store hosts a wide range of tartans, all woven within our mill in Selkirk, luxury knitwear, kilts, and tweed clothing complemented beautifully with just the right accessories. We stock high quality Scottish products in a variety of natural fibres including wool, cashmere, lamora, mohair and lambswool. If you are looking for bespoke, premium made-to-measure highland wear, contact our store to arrange a private measuring and fitting appointment and our team with help you get everything you need for the occasion.

3. Calum’s Seal Trips

A short drive away from Lochcarron is the town of Plockton. This is home to Calum’s Seal Trips, the longest established boat trip operator in Skye and Lochalsh.

Your experienced guide and crew will take you aboard the Sula Bheag vessel for a 1-hour sea safari, providing you with the best views of the water of Loch Carron and the chance to spot and photograph seals, otters, dolphins and porpoises.

During your trip you will pass Duncraig Castle and Heron Island and witness the Applecross mountains in Wester Ross, the Cuillin mountains on the Isle of Skye and travel north towards the Torridon mountains. The trip finishes with a tour around the harbour and the opportunity to take pictures of Plockton from the water.

Plus, if you are unlucky and don't spot any seals you will get the trip for free!

4. Balnacra Pottery

Balnacra Pottery is a bustling, working pottery studio run by artist Vicky Stonebridge. Vicky creates and sells a wide range of pottery and art from the studio alongside running a busy schedule of pottery and craft classes and workshops. She is particularly interested in ancient history of the Highlands and many of her designs reflect this, you may sometimes also find her doing living history as a Pict, recreating ancient pottery, and firing techniques.

The studio and shop is located in the former 18th Century blacksmiths building at Ribhuachan. There is a wide range of pottery and art to suit all pockets, some decorative, quirky, or traditional and functional, and you will also usually be able to see the potter at work! The pottery colour palette is always inspired by the stunning views and changes with the seasons.

They are open from March until Christmas, 5 or 6 days a week, where their friendly team will be happy to welcome you and your pet dogs.

5. Kyle Railway Line

Many people travel far and wide to experience the wonders of the Kyle Railway line. The train passes through the Lochcarron area, travelling from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, taking approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. During your journey, you will witness the highland scenery, the Torridon Peaks in the north, views of the Isle of Skye and Loch Alsh as you travel along the south coast.

The train can be boarded at Strathcarron Railway Station in Lochcarron, travelling in either direction, so why not spend a day in Kyle of Lochalsh? The journey is only 45 minutes from Strathcarron station, allowing you to travel alongside the scenic shores of Loch Carron. Upon your arrival in Kyle of Lochalsh station, you can view the Kyle Station Museum and uncover the story of the Kyle Harbour, West Coast fishing and the Kyle Line Railway.

This railway journey has even been featured on Michael Palin’s TV show ‘Great Railway Journeys of the World’ due to the array of fantastic views of the Highlands.

6. Attadale Gardens

Enthusiastic gardeners will be in their element in Attadale Gardens. Located in Wester Ross, just 6 miles away from Lochcarron, this artist’s garden will inspire all plant lovers. Beginning in the Victorian times, this a long-established, privately-owned garden has been well cared for and developed further over the years.

The 20-acre garden offers a variety of water gardens, hidden sculptures throughout, views of the herb and Japanese gardens and you can explore the woodlands during your visit. If you would like to purchase plants you will have the opportunity to from the polytunnel in the kitchen garden.

7. Carron Pottery

Originally an old School and Schoolhouse dating from 1860, Carron Pottery was converted into a pottery shop in the 1970s and over the last 30 years has been owned by Rob and Jan Teago. Rob works as the full-time potter and Jan manages the shop. The pottery business has developed by the introduction of new colours, patterns and glazes and incorporating local resources such as using marine clay from the River Carron.

Spend time in their Craft Shop where they display their pottery pieces and various Scottish crafts and in the rear of the shop you can watch the potters at work! See ceramics from all around Scotland, glass and woodcraft, Scottish silver jewellery, postcards and in the back of the shop, they have a selection of books, cushions, blankets and rugs and hats, providing perfect unique gift options. Alongside this, above the pottery shop you can view the work of local and Scottish artists in their gallery.

8. Freedom Framery

Discover the heart of artistic expression in the picturesque highlands of Scotland at Freedom Framery and Gallery. Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes, their gallery showcases a wide collection of local arts and crafts, capturing the essence of Scotland's vibrant creative spirit.

Freedom Framery and Gallery craft exquisite, bespoke picture frames that transform your cherished memories into timeless works of art. Whether you're seeking to adorn your home with the finest local artwork or looking to enhance your own masterpieces with handcrafted frames, Freedom Framery and Gallery is your destination for creativity and craftsmanship in Lochcarron. If you are looking to immerse yourself in the artistry and splendour of the Highlands, stop by and visit their shop.

9. Lochcarron Golf Club

There is no better way to enjoy a wonderful game of golf than on a golf course situated in a beautiful spot in the Highlands. Lochcarron has a nine-hole golf course measuring roughly 3,605 yards and is suited to golfers of all stages. However, this course is no ordinary golf course. It provides some unusual challenges to golfers such as avoiding the lochside on the first few holes and playing against the tempestuous winds.

10. Kiki's Craft Corner

Kiki's Craft Corner is a haven for fibre and textile enthusiasts, providing supplies for heritage-based crafts from patchwork to spinning, felting, and knitting. Their focus is on their customers. They offer advice, hold workshops, repair and service sewing machines, knitting machines, and spinning wheels.

When you visit their store, you will be surrounded with colourful fabrics and fibres, inspiring your own craft project or work of art. You can find the perfect yarn, which is hand-spun in Lochcarron, or a quilt to take home as a reminder of the magic of the lochs, mountains, skies, and colours of the Highlands.

11. See the Highlands

A breath-taking view is never far away for anyone staying in Lochcarron. However, if you want to explore more of the highlands, contact ‘See The Highlands’ where you can book a private taxi tour of the Scottish Highlands.

Based in Lochcarron, Wester Ross, See The Highlands tours are conducted by a North Highland expert, John McCormack, who offers private, guided tours, providing a wealth of historical information about the North Highlands of Scotland.

His vehicle seats 8 passengers and the tour can be personalised to your own preferences and requirements depending on what attractions you would like to see. He is able to pick you up from right outside your accommodation, take you anywhere you have requested to visit in the Highlands and  return you to the place of your choosing.

Alongside all of our suggestions for attractions to visit, the surrounding villages have a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs and a range of accommodations and camp sites. Furthermore, The North Coast 500 passes through Lochcarron, which is the ideal place to start your journey into the Highlands.

Lochcarron is a beautiful location, and there is something here for everyone. We hope our list of things to do has inspired you to visit. For more information have a look at Destination Lochcarron and organise your trip to Lochcarron today!