About Lochcarron
Nestling at the head of a deep sea loch, between the spectacular Torridon and Kintail mountain ranges, Lochcarron is an excellent centre from which to explore some of the most beautiful and romantic scenery in the Highlands of Scotland.
Lochcarron is situated on the West Coast of the Scottish Highlands, some 63 miles due west of Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands. It is reputed to be the longest village in Scotland and stretches out for a distance of 2 miles or more along the north shore of Loch Carron, from which it derives its name. In days gone by, however, the village was known as Janetown and then Jeantown.
There are now several routes by which it is possible to travel to Lochcarron (see "How to Find Us"), these including access by rail, but this was not always the case. The development of the village as it is now started in the early 19th century, but it was not until about 1820 that a cart track was constructed to enable access to the east coast. Prior to that, you had to go by sea or scramble over the mountains!
As for access from the south west (i.e. via Fort William), this used to be via a ferry crossing at Strome Ferry (now "no ferry"!) until the 1960's when the "Strome Ferry By-Pass" was constructed along the south shore of Loch Carron.
How to Find Us
N.B. Important: Please use the "+" and "-" buttons to the bottom right-hand corner of the map to zoom in or out. You can, of course, use the "Directions" facility on the map to obtain a route to Lochcarron from your own location.
Local Amenities - within Lochcarron Village
• Shops |
Spar Shop (with Post Office); Garage Shop; Weavers' Shop |
• Café, Restaurants |
Waterside Café, Bistro, Rockvilla Guest House/Restaurant, Lochcarron Hotel - all within walking distance. |
• Pub |
Lochcarron Hotel - real ales, good selection of single malt whisky - 5 - 10 minutes' easy walk. |
• Fuel |
Lochcarron Garage (closed Sundays); Spar Shop (24-hour card-operated pumps) |
• Repair Garages |
West End Garage, Lochcarron Garage, DMK Motors (just outside village). All provide MOT facilities, recovery assistance, etc. |
• Railway Station |
At Strathcarron on the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh Railway - approximately 3 miles. This line featured on TV as one of Michael Palin's "Great Railway Journeys of the World". Rail timetables |
• Bus Services |
Local Bus Service:- DMK Motors - Tel. 01520 722682; Weekly Bus Service to Inverness:- Lochcarron Garage - Tel. 01520 722205. N.B. Local bus services are subject to periodic changes. You are advised to check with the operators for more information. |
• Banks |
There is no longer a bank branch in Lochcarron - the nearest banks with ATMs are at Kyle of Lochalsh - 23 miles. Both Bank of Scotland and RBS send mobile banks to the village on Fridays. There is an ATM on the filling station forecourt opposite the Spar Shop. |
• Post Office |
Located in Spar Shop, Main Street; Post Office early closing - Wednesdays. Cash withdrawals are available via debit card from most UK bank accounts. Some foreign exchange facilities are available. |
• Medical Centre |
Millbrae, just off Church Street. Tel. 01520 722 215 |
• Emergency Services |
Fire Station (retained); Police Station - on Main Street (not manned full-time) |
