Onich: Loch Linnhe, forests and local history

Onich offers travellers several distinct points of interest: Loch Linnhe, which is within walking distance, the standing stone Clach-a-charra and the Onich to North Ballachulish Woods protected area. Churches with historical connections and the landscape around Glen Righ round out the selection. If you are looking for holiday accommodation, deciding what you want to focus on may help: should your stay be shaped mainly by the water, the landscape, or local architectural and cultural history?

Water and landscape

Loch Linnhe is a sea loch offering views and is within walking distance of Onich. In the area around the village, trips on the loch offer the chance to observe Scottish wildlife and learn about history and culture. These are two different ways to include the water in your travel plans: walking to Loch Linnhe or choosing a trip focused on nature and culture. Check that trips are available for your dates before travelling.

The Onich to North Ballachulish Woods protected area extends from sea level to over 400 metres. It includes woodland on north-, south- and west-facing slopes, on different types of rock. The elevation, slope aspect and underlying geology give rise to several distinctive landscape features. In Glen Righ, the Abhainn Righ plunges over eight waterfalls in a series of cascades. These offer different subjects for landscape viewing: woodland on slopes facing different directions and a river with a succession of waterfalls.

Standing stone and churches

Clach-a-charra is a standing stone in Onich, just under seven feet tall, with two circular holes. The measurement gives a clear sense of the stone’s size, while the two openings are its distinctive features. Together, these details make it a tangible cultural landmark in Onich.

The churches also offer different historical points of interest. St Bride's Episcopal Church in Onich, together with its associated churchyard, is a Category C listed building (reference 7077). The present building of North Ballachulish Church in Onich was built in 1911. The two churches therefore offer different points of reference: listed status and a churchyard, and the construction date of the present building.

Food and choosing where to stay

The Lochside Bar and Restaurant at the Onich Hotel serves local and international cuisine with views of Loch Linnhe. The restaurant caters to hotel guests and local residents; check current opening arrangements and restaurant details before visiting.

When choosing holiday accommodation in Onich, you can weigh up your travel interests: access to the water and possible trips on the loch, local architectural and cultural history, or the area’s varied landscapes. For a focus on landscape, there are the woodland’s different elevations and slope aspects, as well as the cascades in Glen Righ.

Discover more destinations: Farr, Balintore, Kinbrace, Rhiconich, Inverkirkaig, Aviemore, Kyle, Broadford.

For the wider travel overview: Highland.