Kyle of Lochalsh
Visitor guide to Kyle of Lochalsh in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. Includes info on the Road to the Isles, Eilean Donan Castle, Glenfinnan, Lochailort, Arsaig & Morar and the best self catering cottages and hotels around the Kyle of Lochalsh.
Before the coming of the controversial Skye Bridge a mile to the north, the little town of Kyle, as it is known, was the main ferry crossing to Skye and consequently a place which attracted a busy tourist trade. Now, though, the tourist traffic bypasses Kyle.
However, Kyle is a popular centre for walkers, and there are plenty of good holiday cottages in the area.
Phone code: +44 (0)1599
The Road To The Isles
The 46-mile stretch of the A830 from Fort William to Mallaig is known as 'The Road to the Isles'. It's a very beautiful journey, particularly by train through a landscape that resonates with historical significance. This is Bonnie Prince Charlie country, where the ill-fated Jacobite Rising not only began, but also ended, with the Prince's flight to France.
Eating Out
Just outside the village, on the road to Plockton, is the Seagreen Restaurant & Bookshop, Tel. 534388, a bistro-cum-bookshop and gallery serving wholefood and local seafood throughout the day (mid-range to expensive). At the railway station is The Seafood Restaurant, Tel. 534813, which has a good reputation for seafood (mid-range to expensive); open Easter-Oct 1000-1500 and 1830-2100. Another option is the Lochalsh Hotel, which does very good bar lunches.
Shopping
There are a couple of banks with ATMs, two small supermarkets and a post office in the village.
Travel Directions to Kyle of Lochalsh
Bus
Scottish Citylink buses, Tel. 0990-505050, run to Kyle from Inverness (3 daily, 2 hrs); Glasgow via Fort William (4 daily, 5 hrs); and Edinburgh via Fort William (1 daily, 6 € hrs). These buses continue to Portree (a further hour) and Uig (1 hrs), for ferries to Tarbert on Harris and Lochmaddy on North Uist. There's also a regular shuttle service across the bridge to Kyleakin (every 30 mins).
Train
The train journey from Inverness to Kyle, though not as spectacular as the West Highland line, is very scenic. It runs 3-4 times Mon-Sat (2 hrs) and once or twice on Sun from May to Sep. There's also an observation car and dining car in the summer.
The Tourist Information Centre, which is at the main seafront car park, Tel. 534276. Apr, May and mid-Sep to late Oct Mon-Sat 0930-1730; Jun to mid-Jul and late Aug to mid-Sep Mon-Sat 0930-1900; mid-Jul to late Aug Mon-Sat 0930-2100, Sun 1230-1630.
There are a couple of interesting boat trips which you can take from here. One is on board the Seaprobe Atlantis, which is fitted with underwater windows allowing you to watch 'the world beneath the waves'. Check sailing times at the pier, or at If you prefer, you could take a seafood cruise - a 2-hour wildlife-spotting and seafood-eating boat trip. Contact Neil MacRae, Tel. 577230.
Local Sights & Activities for Kyle of Lochalsh
Kyle's an area popular with walkers. See Kintail walks for a walkers guide to this area.
Castles Nearby
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Eilean Donan Castle
One of the world's quintessential castles: Eilean Donan is familiar from films and stunning in its romantic location. Open daily.
Walks
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Balmacara Estate
Large NTS managed estate on south of Lochalsh peninsula. Excellent easy walking on trails through woodland, lochside and coastal. Ideal for younger kids as well.
Kyle of Lochalsh Hotels & Accommodation
It's a good idea to get the tourist office to book a room for you, as there's not a lot to choose from except for self catering cottages. There are a couple of hotels, most luxurious of which is the Lochalsh Hotel, Tel. 534202, with great views across to Skye and good food.
Check out the best deals with LateRooms for hotels and B&Bs in the area LateRooms Availability for Kyle of Lochalsh Hotels and B&Bs.
Three miles north, at Erbusaig, is the very comfortable Old Schoolhouse, Tel. 534369, a B&B with a highly rated restaurant. A mile and a half north of Kyle is Crowlin View, Tel. 534286. There's also cheap hostel accommodation at Cuchulainn's, Tel. 534492, on Station Rd. 4 miles east of Kyle, at Balmacara, you can camp at Reraig Caravan Site, Tel. 566215.
Hotels near Kyle of Lochalsh
Featured
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Tigh an Aullt Holiday Cottage, Loch Duich - Sleeps 6
Classic highland cottage for six overlooking Loch Duich. This three bedroom bungalow offers families and friends a holiday in paradise with outstanding views in every direction.
- Sleeps: 6
Kyle of Lochalsh Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Sgurr Mor Lodge, Nr Kyle of Lochalsh, sleeps 6
Large lodge style property near Balmacara on NW coast of Scotland. Wonderful location and views with three bedrooms sleeping 6. Wifi available + 1 dog welcome -
Quirang Seaside Cottage near Kyle of Lochalsh - sleeps 8
Large bungalow near Plockton with four bedrooms sleeping 8 with excellent views. Wifi but no pets.
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Siobhan Crofters Cottage near Dornie, Sleeps 4
Traditional crofters cottage near Dornie & Kyle of Lochalsh/Skye. Sleeps 4 + 1 dog -
Cuileann Cottage at Inverinate on Loch Duich - Sleeps 5
Single storey cottage on Loch Duich near Kyle of Lochalsh - good for Skye and NW Coast of Scotland. Lovely views. Sleeps 4/5. No Dogs. -
Sea Nymph Chalet, Avernish - Sleeps 5
This cedarwood chalet is one of two in a private setting near the shore of the sea loch. Within easy reach of the Isle of Skye, the chalet is also well placed for touring north to Applecross, .... -
Stromeferry Cottage, Loch Carron - Sleeps 6
A detached single storey cottage with a large garden, set back from the road which leads down the hill into the little village of Stromeferry. These are some of the most beautiful scenic surroundings .. -
Seacrest Chalet, Avernish - Sleeps 4
One of two cedarwood chalets in a private setting near the shore of the sea loch. Within easy reach of the Isle of Skye, the chalets are also well placed for touring north to Applecross, Gairloch and .. -
The Holt, nr Kyle of Lochalsh - Sleeps 2/4
The Holt is a cosy semi-detached holiday apartment situated on the edge of the village of Glenelg and benefits from views of the Isle of Skye. The owner speaks French and German and welcomes overseas visit... -
Tigh A Cnuic, nr Kyle of Lochalsh - Sleeps 2
Set amidst spectacular unspoilt rugged grandeur on the Sound of Sleat is Glenelg village, 9 miles from the A87 over the scenic mountain road of Mam Ratagan. This cosy detached holiday cottage makes a comfo... -
Sleepy Hollow, nr Plockton - Sleeps 3
These three adjoining holiday properties (refs SMMC, SMMD and UVO) are set in beautiful, landscaped grounds with spectacular views across the Sound of Sleat to Skye and are only 500 yards away from the sho... -
Craigard, Balmacara, Sleeps 5
This traditional house enjoys lovely open views over Loch Alsh, towards the Isle of Skye. Furnished to a good standard, the house provides the ideal base for a holiday touring this part of the western High... -
The Boatmans Cottage, Kyle - Sleeps 2
This delightful detached little cottage is set in an enviable position just yards from the sea, and with breathtaking views towards the Lochalsh and the Skye Mountains. Set within the tiny hamlet known as ... -
Sgeir Laith, nr Kyle of Lochalsh - Sleeps 4-5
Overlooking Loch Duich and set in its own secure garden this detached bungalow offers an excellent location to experience the great outdoors of the Western Highlands. Hill walking and climbing on the ... -
Loch Alsh Cottage, Kyle of Lochalsh, Sleeps 4
These three adjoining holiday properties (refs SMMC, SMMD and UVO) are set in beautiful, landscaped grounds with spectacular views across the Sound of Sleat to Skye and are only 500 yards away from the sho... -
Kintail, Loch Duich, Sleeps 4-6
On the shores of Loch Duich, with outstanding views to the Five Sisters of Kintail, this comfortable holiday cottage enjoys mountain views from all the windows (and sea loch from most) and is prepared to t... -
Tigh-An-Achaidh, Nr Kyle of Lochalsh, sleeps 6-7
Detached holiday cottage in a wonderful setting with sea lochs and mountains! A paradise for walkers and climbers with the challenging Kintail Mountains and Five Sisters close by. A short drive to Loch Dui... -
Quiraing, Kyle of Lochalsh, Sleeps 6
Situated just south of Plockton where the famous ’Hamish Macbeth’ was filmed, this detached modern bungalow is a true ’home from home.’ The Isle of Skye is an historic isle of romance, a ... -
Smithy Cottage, nr. Kyle of Lochalsh, Sleeps 3-4
A semi-detached cottage situated in historic and scenic Glenelg, 1 mile from the beach, Smithy Cottage, once the home of the village blacksmith, provides the ideal location for holidaymakers, naturalists, ...