Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the radar - unless, that is, your visit coincides with that of seven hundred revellers for
the Knoydart Festival (
W
knoydartfestival.co.uk) every other April.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
THE KNOYDART PENINSULA
By boat
Bruce Watt Cruises (
T
01687 462320,
W
knoydart-ferry.co.uk) sails from Mallaig to Inverie every
morning and afternoon (mid-May to mid-Sept Mon-Fri;
mid-Sept to mid-May Mon, Wed & Fri; 45min). A ferry from
Arnisdale, Glenelg peninsula, across Loch Hourn to
Barisdale (and Kinlochhourn) in northern Knoydart was
suspended at the time of writing; for updates call
T
01599
522247 or visit
W
arnisdaleferry.com.
On foot
It's a two-day hike into Knoydart; our box (see
opposite) gives details.
INFORMATION AND ACTIVITIES
Tourist information
A ranger post (
T
01687 462242)
beside the
Old Forge
has information on the Knoydart
Foundation, and on local walks and wildlife.
Knoydart Pony Trekking
Inverie
T
01687/462830,
W
knoydartponytrekking.co.uk.
Based at stables near
the
Knoydart Foundation Bunkhouse
, this operator provides
beginners' treks plus overnight rides with a wild camp for
more experienced riders.
Mountain biking
Two mountain-bike trails - a 1.5-mile red-
grade route and 500yd blue-grade - loop around Inverie. You'll
need to bring a bike, however, unless you're staying at
Knoydart
Lodge
, which rents bikes to guests.
ACCOMMODATION
Most beds are in Inverie. You can
wild camp
(albeit with a compost toilet and water supply) on “long beach”, east of
Inverie centre, for a £4 donation to the Knoydart Foundation - pay the ranger or leave it in an honesty box at the campsite.
Showers (£4) are available in the Old Forge pub.
12
warm welcome and modest luxury in en-suite rooms
with
the full complement of mod cons and a shared veranda.
£94
HOTELS AND B&BS
Ì
Doune Stone Lodges
T
01687 462667,
W
doune-
knoydart.co.uk.
No roads, no stress - this may be the
ultimate Scottish getaway, with en-suite doubles in restored
pine-clad crofts behind a bay. As well as isolation and views,
its lovely owners provide superb co
oking.
Minimum three
nights. Full board. Closed Oct-Easter.
£156
The Gathering
Inverie
T
01687 460051,
W
thegatheringknoydart.co.uk.
Relaxed sophistication
in a modern B&B just west of the wharf that feels like self-
contained accommodation (the owner lives opposite).
Superb views and sens
ation
al breakfasts. Also rents
mountain bikes to guests.
£99
Knoydart Lodge
Inverie
T
01687 460129,
W
knoydartlodge.co.uk.
Near the beach and beside the
community allotment, this airy wooden house provides a
HOSTELS
Knoydart Foundation Bunkhouse
Inverie
T
01687
462163,
W
knoydart-foundation.com.
The community
hostel is in an old farm west of the pier, near the beach.
Dorms are large, facilities include a kitchen and laundry,
and there's internet access in a lofty lounge wit
h a
woodburner. Rather dated but perfectly comfy. Dorms
£17
Torrie Shieling
Inverie
T
01687 462669,
E
torriecottage@gmail.com.
Fine self-catering facilities,
comfortable four-bunk rooms and open fires in a living
room in an independent hostel east and above the village.
Close to hillside trails, but less handy for
the
pub - the
owner collects arrivals off the ferry. Dorms
£25
EATING AND DRINKING
Knoydart Pottery & Tearoom
Inverie
T
01687
460191.
A lovely spot to lose a few hours (or a long wet
day): choose from sofas or a long communal table with the
best loch view in Knoydart. Breakfasts plus home-made
soups and gluten-free home baking for around £5-8.
Easter-Oct Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 11am-3pm.
Ì
The Old Forge
Inverie
T
01687 462267.
Though far
more modern than you'd expect, this remains
one of
Scotland's finer pubs, fuelled by a convivial atmosphere
and sense of remoteness. Generous bar meals feature local
seafood - specials are around £16, fish and chips £11 - and
terrific loch views.
Mon-Thurs & Sun 11am-midnight,
Fri-Sat 11am-1am; food served noon-3pm &
6.30-9.30pm.
Kyle of Lochalsh and around
Once the main gateway to Skye,
Kyle of Lochalsh
has been left as a mere terminus for
the train route from Inverness since the construction of the Skye Bridge in 1995. Of
