Kyle of Lochalsh
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This area is characterised by its views over to the island of Skye, the Five Sisters mountains and a number of sea lochs - Loch Hourn in the south, Loch Alsh and Loch Duich in the centre of the area, to Loch Kishorn and Loch Carron in the north. The only road into the area is the A87 from Invergary at Loch Oich (or the A887 from Invermoriston, on Loch Ness, which joins the A87 near Loch Cluanie). The A87 travels along the northern shores of Loch Duich and Loch Alsh to Kyle of Lochalsh and the road bridge across to Skye.
The area south-east of Loch Duich, known as Kintail, is popular with hill walkers for its Five Sisters mountains (over 1000 mewtres high) and the Kintail Ridge. The Glenelg peninsula lies to the south of Loch Duich, accessed off the A87 by a single-track road which leads to the village of Glenelg. This remote but beautiful area is famous for being the location for Gavin Maxwell's book on otters Ring of Bright Water and its Glenelg Brochs, ruins of Iron Age circular towers. There is a short car ferry route from Glenelg to Kylerhea on Skye during the summer. The road continues south to Arnisdale, offering spectacular views towards Knoydart.
Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland's most popular attractions due to its stunning location on a small island at the confluence of Loch Alsh, Long Long and Loch Duich, and the romantic bridge which links it to the mainland. Built in the 13th century as protection against the Vikings, it was used as a garrison by Spanish troops in the 18th century, in support of the king James Stuart until King George's navy demolished it. It was restored in the early 20th century and has been used on many occasions as a film location.
The picturesque village of Plockton lies on a single-track road north of Kyle of Lochalsh and its sheltered harbour is a popular mooring for yachtsmen. It is also famous as the location of the BBC dram a Hamish Macbeth and its beauty has attracted many artists to live there.
Information
There is a tourist office in Kyle of Lochalsh.
The hotels in the area include: Kyle Hotel in Kyle of Lochalsh; Kintail Lodge Hotel in Shiel Bridge; the Dornie Hotel and Loch Duich Hotel in Dornie; and the Haven Hotel, Plockton Hotel and Plockton Inn in Plockton.
The restaurants in the area include: The Seafood restaurant and Waverley in Kyle of Lochalsh; Off The Rails and The Buttery in Plockton; the Glenelg Inn (Glenelg); and Cluanie Inn in Glen Shiel.
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