Loch Carron, Wester Ross

Standing at the viewpoint on the A890 just outside Strome Ferry it is possible to get a feel for the sheer magnificence of Loch Carron and the mountains which surround it. This is highland scenery at its very best; grand in scale but subtle in detail, a mixture of forest, moorland, mountain and loch.

I had chosen a beautiful day for my first glimpse of  Loch Carron, a still afternoon without a breath of wind, conditions which allowed the varied colours of the landscape to bleed into the water creating perfect reflections. The pale blue winter sky and the depth of the water only added to the intensity of the scene.

View from the A890 looking towards the village of Lochcarron

The River Carron runs through Glen Carron and feeds into the loch at its east end near Strathcarron. The village of Loch Carron lies on the northwest shore; a pretty string of traditional white highland houses, shops and cafes. At two miles from one end to the other this linear village is said to be one of the longest in Scotland. Despite its size (quite large by highland village standards) it is a tranquil place and well worth taking some time to wander around. We found a delightful bistro (the Lochcarron Bistro) along the front serving delicious local mussels one of many mouthwatering dishes on their menu.

Houses on the Lochcarron shoreline

The loch is picturesque in any weather and at any time of the year but winter snow adds an extra dimension to the landscape and the warming colours present at the end of the short winter days are ideal for photography.

Winter at Lochcarron

At the mouth of the loch where the waters meet the sea lies the little village of Plockton. Noted for its unusual palm fringed shoreline (not something you would expect to find in the highlands) this picturesque village is a popular destination for artists.  Some of the houses date back to the 18th century when the village was a busy fishing community. Strung out along the shore line the mixture of white and stone cottages face the loch, separated from their gardens and the shore by the quiet village road. Even in the height of winter these gardens look more tropical than highland with their palm trees swaying in the gentle afternoon breeze.

Plockton waterfront

One of the sheltered bays along the Plockton waterfront

At one end of the village is a little slipway allowing access to the sheltered harbour while at the other end the main pier is the departure point for the summer seal trips which run regularly along the loch.

The Slipway

The main street lies on a small inlet sheltered from the prevailing winds by a peninsular of high ground. It is well worth seeking out the walk which climbs steeply over rocky, boggy ground dotted with rhododendron bushes before eventually reaching the plateau at the back of the village. From here there are stunning views across the mouth of the loch to the mountains beyond. This is an easy place to while away a few hours and although the vantage point is not high by Highland standards it is still possible to feel on top of the world thanks to the stunning views and the wonders of this wild landscape.

View from above Plockton looking out over Loch Carron

Loch Carron Facts

OS Explorer Maps 428 and 429

In places Loch Carron is over 100 metres  deep

Loch Carron lies between the Torridon and Kintail mountain ranges