Things to Do
Our magical cottages are tucked away on the shores of Loch Nevis, the 'Loch of Heaven', amongst majestic mountains; making them ideally situated for anyone looking to comletely relax. However, this is a place with much more to offer than may meet the eye.
Whether it be close to home, on the estate or further afield there is plenty on offer. from kayaking to stalking or a guided walk to dining out we are confident that you will find plenty to do.
Some activities require extra organistion prior to your arrival, but don't despair, we are a phone call or e-mail away and happy to help you plan your perfect holiday. Read on for further information and ideas.
On and Around the Estate
Walks
There are many possibilities for walks on and around the estate, some of which can be found on an ordnance survey map. Frank Conway, the bunkhouse keeper and very experienced retired hill-walker, will always be happy to make suggestions and recount a tale or two. There is also the option of just taking to the hills and surveying the tops for hill lochs, wildlife and spectacular views. We are happy to provide advice on how to do this safely.
Gardening
The estate has a kitchen garden that needs tending throughout the year. If you happen to have green fingers and would like to help, feel free to ask the staff if there is with which you could assist them.
Other Estate Work
There are many other things that happen from week to week, for example the feeding of our animals. If you are interested in being involved, just speak to the staff and they'll gladly make use of the extra hands.
Fishing
The estate is the ideal place for fishing from the shore. The estate has a limited amount of fishing gear and it is advisable that you bring your own. The estate's staff fish regularly and if they are on the water you are always welcome to join them. This could involve checking the creels, fishing for mackerel or collecting mussels on the shore.
Further Afield
On the Water
Although the estate does not offer boat or kayak hire, there is still ample opportunity to enjoy the two lochs to the front and back of the estate.
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Kayak Hire:
Sea Kayak Highlands in Arisaig offers kayak hire for any number of days. Pick up your kayak en route to the ferry or arrange for them to deliver it for you, at an additional cost of £10 per kayak. The Western Isles ferry charges a £5 carriage fee per kayak. Both Loch Morar and Loch Nevis are wonderful kayaking spots and generally sheltered from the worst of the elements. If you are not interested in hiring your kayak for a whole week, the ferry will return it for you by arrangement (see www.knoydart-ferry.co.uk for ferry timetables). It is advisable to book kayaks in advance as they are rented out subject to availability.
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Boat hire and fishing trips on Loch Morar:
Ewen MacDonald (01687 462520) offers a ghillie service to those interested in fishing on Loch Morar. He has fished on this freshwater loch for years and should provide for a very enjoyable and informative fishing trip. He may also have boats available for hire. As we are not immediately close to his base, at Morar, it is important to make arrangements with him in advance. If Ewen feels that his boat is safe in your hands (proof of certification is required) a weekly hire or day hire arrangement could be made.
Activities on Knoydart
The Knoydart Foundation website has further information on the local area that may be of interest.
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Ranger guided walks:
Knoydart offers two types of ranger guided walks. Jim Manthorpe offers walks with the focus on wildlife, bird-spotting and photography, while Tommy MacManmon offers an informative walk where you will learn about the history of the area. The walks' timetable is available on the Knoydart Foundation website. It is advisable to book the walks in advance as some walks can only accommodate a limited number of people and changes to the timetable may occur.
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Stalking:
Knoydart's stag season starts on August 9th and ends on October 20th. There is limited availability to accompany the stalkers. If you are interested in joining them you must contact them early in the year. The estate staff can provide more details and a booking form
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Fishing:
Kilchoan Knoydart offers the opportunity to fish in Loch an Dubhlochain and the Inverie River for salmon or sea trout (catch and release) or Loch Bhraomisaig for brown trout (four fish per rod).
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Dining Out:
You would be surprised to find that a place as remote as this can offer a few options for dining out. For logistical reasons we suggest that you plan for a lunch, rather than dinner, or you might find that no boat is available to take you home! The Old Forge is located in Inverie and is the perfect place for a lunch or a nice cold beer after a walk. Inverie also has the Knoydart Pottery and Tea Room that offers teas, coffees, breakfasts and light lunches.
Boat Trips and Their Destinations
If the above is not enough then there is always the option of a trip further afield. This could either be by ferry or skippered boat charters and a few suggestions are included below. Please have a look at your place of interest's website for a better idea of what you'll find once you're there.
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Mallaig:
Mallaig Harbour gives you access to three small villages; Mallaig, Morar and Arisaig. In Mallaig harbour Ewen Nicholson's (01687 462652) Grimsay Isle is available for a sea fishing experience accompanied by West Coast friendliness. Morar has the Ginger Knitwear store and a crafts shop at Bracara which is on the way to Bracarina, the start of a long walk into the estate. In Arisaig you'll find the Land, Sea and Islands Centre and the Sheerwater Ferry that will give you access to the small Isles of Eigg, Muck and Rum.
There is always the option of chartering a boat and heading out to the small isles direct (see contacts below).
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Knoydart:
The Knoydart peninsula, with Inverie and Doune, has lots to offer including the most remote pub in Britain, one of the favourite destinations of our guests.
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Other Destinations:
Other possibilities are Armadale Pier, Isleornsay pier, Loch Slapin on Skye and the Lochalsh area. Who said that you need to disembark at all? Stay on board and have a day at sea, you're more than likely to spot some sea life on your trip.
Transport
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By Water:
The Western Isles Ferry leaves Mallaig for Tarbet at 14:15 on weekdays between May and September. For the rest of the year they sail at the same time on Mondays and Fridays.
Calmac Ferries sail between Mallaig and Skye; as well as Mallaig and Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna. See their website for timetable information: www.calmac.co.uk.
The Sheerwater Ferry sails from Arisaig to Eigg, Muck and Rum. For more details go to: www.arisaig.co.uk/wildlife-cruises.asp.
Bruce Watt, Iain Wilson and Jon Sellars offer skippered charter services to various destinations. We would be able to advise who to contact for the journey you have in mind as they do not all go to all the destinations. For further contact details or information please e-mail kylesmorar@live.co.uk
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In and around Mallaig:
The Jocobite steam train, Wanderlust Magazine's top railway journey in the world for 2009, can be booked at www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/Jacobite_Home.cfm.
For the train timetable see www.scotrail.co.uk/sites/files/NHL.web.pdf.
For the local bus service see www.shielbuses.co.uk.
For the local taxi service phone Mary on 01687 462885.
For car hire contact Morar Motors, 01687 462118.
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On the Isle of Skye:
For the local bus service see www.stagecoachbus.com.
For taxis search www.yell.com.
