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AREAS - Knoydart Peninsula

The Knoydart Peninsula

Knoydart is situated in the Western Highlands and, although part of the mainland, has an island feel about it as it cannot be accessed by road.

It is a mountainous peninsula, sandwiched between two beautiful fiord-like lochs, Nevis (known as “heaven”) and Loch Hourn (known as “hell”). It can be reached by private boat charter from the port of Mallaig or on foot along a long rough track from Kinloch Hourn.

Its main population centre is Inverie. This tiny hamlet is has a population of less than 100 people but retains a lively feel to it, with a busy pub and community centre. There are always small boats coming and going from the new pier, and this adds to the island, as people use boats more than cars.

In the 1800s economic forces resulted in much of Knoydart being cleared of people for sheep and the problem of land ownership has remained a contentious issue up until very recent times. Today one of the estates, based around the main settlement of Inverie, has been subject to a community buy out and the residents now have control of their future.

The John Muir Trust also own part of the peninsula and is working to help restore the native forestry of Scots Pines, adding a natural grandeur to the area.

Our holidays to Knoydart include:

The Knoydart Peninsula - continued

For fit and adventurous walkers, Knoydart is a special place. The mountain scenery is exceptional. A hike along the undulating crest of the area’s finest mountain, Ladhar Bheinn, to look down on Loch Hourn, then north across to the steep rocky slopes of Ben Sgritheall and west to Skye and the Small Isles, is magnificent moment.

The lower hill slopes are grassy, in summer often awash with purple orchids, and provide good grazing for the red deer. The lofty rocky peaks provide a habitat for the raven and the golden eagle, while the surrounding seas have a bounty of produce, such as prawns, mussels and various fishes, to sample.

Fine stalkers’ tracks, created in Victorian times, give access to the high passes and mountains. The use of boats on our Wilderness Walking trip means that we can reach some remote glens and that we can enjoy some memorable “A to B” hiking routes through the mountains.

In winter, when the true beauty of the mountains is enhanced by snow cover, wonderful hill days can be undertaken. The peninsula also has a wonderfully tranquil feel in winter, and you can feel your stresses and worries wash away as you step off the boat and the pace of life slows down.

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