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Stretching
along the north shore of a deep sea loch, between the
spectacular Torridon and Kintail mountain ranges, Lochcarron
is an excellent centre from which to explore some of the
most beautiful and romantic scenery in the Highlands of
Scotland. Indeed, there is little doubt but that this area
has some of the most magnificent scenery to be found in the
whole of the British Isles.
As well as
breathtaking views, there is abundant wildlife including otters, porpoises, and many sea birds.
In many houses in
Lochcarron, a telescope or a pair of binoculars is to be seen on the front window sill -
anyone visiting here will very quickly realise why!
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Lochcarron is reputed to be
the longest village in Scotland and stretches out for a distance of 2
miles or more along the north shore of Loch Carron, from which it
derives its name. In days gone by, however, the village was known as
Jeantown.
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The village
has a population of about 900.
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Although located within a large tract of fairly remote
countryside, Lochcarron village nevertheless has all necessary local
amenities.
There are: 2 food shops (one of which is licensed), a butcher's, A Post
Office, 2 hotels with lounge bars and restaurants, a bank (with
Cashpoint), 2 filling stations, 3 garage repair workshops, 2 dentists, and
a medical centre, not to mention a gift shop or two, a wood turner's,
pottery manufacturers, and a weaver's shop! So, even those in need of a
little retail therapy are quite well catered for!
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There are now several routes by which it is possible to
travel to Lochcarron (see
"How to Find Us"), these including access by rail, but this was not
always the case. The development of the village as it is now started in
the early 19th century, but it was not until about 1820 that a cart track
was constructed to enable access to the east coast. Prior to that, you had
to go by sea or scramble over the mountains!
As for access from the south west (i.e. via Fort
William), this used to be via a ferry crossing at Strome Ferry (now
"no ferry"!), until the 1960's when the "Strome Ferry
By-Pass" was constructed along the south side of Loch Carron.
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