FROM THE HOUSE
The incredible landscape at Kinlochlaich makes it perfect for nature lovers, photographers and artists all year round. You can spot wildlife including otters, seals and sometimes dolphins, very close by. In the evening, wander down to experience the sunset over the loch or stroll round Port Appin looking over to the historic Isle of Lismore. We are minutes from the Sustrans Cycle Path and there are spectacular hill walks straight from the house. There are great restaurants in the village and a cafe with lovely views over Castle Stalker.
The area immediately around Kinlochlaich is fabulous for exploring whether on foot, bike, kayak or paddle board. We are surrounded by mountains, forest, wildflower meadows and lochs. Just down the road, Loch Creran is a special area of Conservation because it is home to special reefs found nowhere else in Europe. The whole Appin area abounds with magical ancient woodlands which are completely carpeted - ground and trees - with moss, lichens and ferns, and home to rare butterflies.
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- Take a trip from Port Appin to the tranquil and historic Isle of Lismore - the ferry crossing takes just seven minutes. From April to October, visit the cafe, known for its fabulous home baking. There are panoramic views from Ben Nevis round to the islands of Mull, Islay and Jura. Bespoke Landrover tours are also available with expert local guides.
-Visit nearby Highland Titles Reserve for a picnic by the stunning plunge pool and say hello to the Highland cows. Then drive on a few miles to Cuil Bay for a stroll along the beautiful beach and maybe a dip if you're feeling brave.
- Enjoy a bite to eat in the Castle Stalker View cafe, and absorb the picturesque views of Loch Laich, an inlet off Loch Linnhe from the comfy sofas. Castle Stalker, which was originally built around 1320, has been extensively restored by the current owners, and has featured in a number of films.
-Try snorkelling or paddle boarding to best experience the crystal clear loch water that is teeming with marine life. Or just spend the day pottering round the local rock pools to see what you can spot.
-Track down the fairy bridge in Glen Creran off the winding Pine Marten Trail amid the glorious mossy woodland. Sit for a while to soak up the gushing waterfalls and otherworldly atmosphere of this magical spot.
THINGS TO DO
WALKS AND CYCLING
- ​Hire an electric or pedal bike from Rosebank in Appin and explore the nearby lochs and glens on the Sustrans cycle route. The Caledonia Way is on our doorstep offering 234 miles of cycle paths ready for adventure
- There is fabulous walking right from Kinlochlaich House either up Beinn Donn, the hill behind the house, or up the track to Glen Stockdale. There are great views towards Castle Stalker, Lismore and Morvern.
- Walk down to Jubilee Bridge - a wooden walkway over Loch Laich - to enjoy the sunset and capture some photographs of Castle Stalker in the sunset.
- From Port Appin, there is a lovely circular walk taking in a coastal limestone arch called Clach Tholl (in Gaelic, meaning ‘the rock with a hole in it’) left behind from a previous higher sea level. Look out for otters, seals and dolphins as you walk round the headland.
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LOCAL AMENITIES
Port Appin has a small well-stocked community shop and Post Office with a book swap library in the telephone box. There is also a doctors' surgery, garage and craft shop. There are three restaurants in Appin - the Pierhouse, the Old Inn and the Airds - as well as Castle Stalker View Cafe. There is an excellent garden centre right next to Kinlochlaich House.
Ballachulish is about 15 minutes away and has a larger shop, Post Office, a Visitor Centre with cafe, takeaway food, patisserie and fishing tackle/hardware store.