Things to do
Our magical cottages are tucked away on the shores of Loch Nevis, the ‘Loch of Heaven’.
They are surrounded by majestic mountains and plenty of wildlife; the ideal place for anyone who wants to relax completely!
Having said that, the loch itself has more to offer than may seem possible. Without imposing on the cottages’ tranquility the loch holds the potential to satiate any busy-body’s need for activity.
Some activities may require arrangements to be made prior to arrival, but don’t despair, we are a phone call (or e-mail) away and happy to help in any way we can. Read on for further information and ideas.
On and Around the Estate
Walks
There are many scenic walks on and around the estate; some of which can be found on an ordnance survey map.
Gardening
The estate has a kitchen garden that needs tending throughout the year. If you happen to have green fingers and would enjoy a day in the garden, please feel free to ask the staff about it on your arrival.
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 happily make use of the extra hands.
Fishing
The estate is the ideal place for fishing from the shore and collecting shellfish at low tide. Please bring your own fishing equipment.
Loch Morar
The Estate stretches from Loch Nevis on the north to Loch Morar on the south providing a lovely contrast and a change of scenery.
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. Please be aware that both Loch Nevis and Loch Morar are remote stretches of water and the weather can very quickly become dangerous for the inexperienced. Also, the tide can run strongly in the Loch Nevis narrows.
Viv de Fresnes (01687 462388) offers guided fishing trips on Loch Morar. These trips could include a visit to one of the Estate’s islands in the loch – ideal for a picnic. Viv can pick you up at South Tarbet bay – call him to discuss your requirements and make arrangements.
Ewen MacDonald (01687 462520) has fished Loch Morar for years and can provide a personal ghillie service. Ewen also hires boats but as his base is part way down Loch Morar, you will require to make arrangements with him in advance and proof of certification will be required.
Knoydart
The Knoydart Foundation website has further information on the local area that may be of interest.
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 the Knoydart ranger 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.
Stalking
Knoydart’s stag season starts on August 9th and ends on October 20th. There is limited opportunity 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 on enquiry.
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). In Mallaig harbour Ewen Nicholson’s (01687 462652) Grimsay Isle is available for a sea fishing experience accompanied by West Coast friendliness.
Dining Out
You won’t be suprised to learn that dining out isn’t very easy at Kylesmorar – the nearest restaurant/pub is 10 miles away by boat at Inverie. 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.
Mallaig, Morar & Arisaig
Have a look at the Road to the Isles website or Undiscovered Scotland for lots of information on places to visit in the area.
Mallaig Harbour gives you access to three small villages; Mallaig, Morar and Arisaig. Morar has the Ginger Knitwear store. Bracarina is the start of a beautiful walk that takes you back to our estate, on the way you’ll find a crafts shop at Bracara. Arisaig has the Land, Sea and Islands Centre, and the Sheerwater Ferry that will give you access to the small Isles of Eigg, Muck and Rum.
The sands of Morar, the islands of Moidart, the Small Isles of Rhum, Eigg, Muck and Canna, Skye and theLochalsh area are but a few more places that are worth a visit. There is of course no 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.
Information on transport available for privately arranged trips
By Water
The Western Isles leaves Mallaig for Tarbet at 14:30 on weekdays between May and September. For the rest of the year they sail at the same time, but on Mondays and Fridays only. Please note that advance booking is advised and current timetable should be checked. Bruce Watt (01687 462320) can provide private chartered trips on the TSMV Lochin.
Seabridge Knoydart also run a ferry between Mallaig, Inverie and Tarbet calling at Tarbet once a day and can provide a private charter service.
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.
Iain Wilson’s (01687 462844) Calanna can be chartered to sail to Inverie, Mallaig, Doune and Armadale. Other trips can also be arranged on enquiry.
Mark Woombs (01687 460046) operates Sea Knoydart, a fast RIB that goes to most accessible destinations.
Seafari Adventures (01471 833316) is based on Skye and offers charter services as well as whale-spotting trips on fast RIBS.
Minch Adventures – Adventure boat trips
On Land
The Jacobite 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.
Car parking
For long stay/ free car parking in Mallaig there is the East Bay and West Bay car park. The West Bay is the one on your left as you enter Mallaig.
Home page slider images by Amy Connolly | Background (modified) image courtesy of Stu Smith / Flickr / (CC BY-ND 2.0)