Knoydart

Knoydart is a remote peninsula in Lochaber, Highland, on Scotland’s wild west coast. It lies between Loch Nevis and Loch Hourn, two lochs whose Gaelic names mean ‘Loch Heaven’ and ‘Loch Hell’. Often called Britain’s last wilderness, it has no road link to the rest of the UK. The only ways in are a long walk through rough country or a short sea crossing from Mallaig. The peninsula is protected as one of Scotland’s forty national scenic areas. It covers over fifty thousand hectares, most of it rugged land rising to four Munro peaks. Ladhar Bheinn and Sgurr na Cìche both top a thousand metres. Walkers, sailors and wildlife lovers come for the dramatic scenery and the chance to see golden eagles and red deer. Inverie is the main settlement, home to fewer than a hundred adults. A small school, a post office and the Old Forge Inn keep the community alive. The inn is Britain’s remotest mainland pub, reached only by boat or a long hike. A narrow track winds west to tiny settlements like Airor and Scottas, passing crofts and coastal views. Power comes from a community hydro scheme run by volunteers, while a new pier and the Knoydart Foundation’s hall help hold the place together.