Polloch – Forests, Lochs and Traces of Mining

Polloch combines impressive forests, several bodies of water and the history of lead mining. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage for nature-focused days will find a variety of reasons to plan a trip here: paths with views, fishing opportunities, observations in the landscape and historical traces. For arriving by car, it is important to note that the Polloch car park is at the end of the public road from Strontian.

Forest landscape between Loch Shiel and the River Polloch

The paths in Glen Hurich Polloch Forest offer views of Loch Shiel, Loch Doilet and the River Polloch. This allows the landscape to be experienced from different perspectives rather than reducing it to a single excursion destination. Red deer, golden eagles and rare divers can be found in the forests, rivers and lochs of Glen Hurich Polloch Forest. For families wishing to combine nature experiences with different interests, these specific opportunities for observation provide a good starting point for choosing their activities.

The plant life also shapes the character of the area. The natural forests of Glen Hurich are home to populations of lichens, mosses and liverworts. Glen Hurich also contains a rare surviving fragment of the ancient oak forests. Those who place value on forest landscapes and quiet nature observation when choosing their accommodation can take these special features into account when making their travel decision.

Water activities on Loch Doilet and the Polloch River

Boats are available for hire at Loch Doilet for fishing. An electric outboard motor can also be rented, providing access to the entire loch. This option particularly appeals to travellers planning to spend time by the water and viewing fishing as an independent focus of their trip.

Visitors can also fish on the Polloch River. Salmon and sea trout are found there towards the end of summer. This offers a seasonally different perspective on the body of water: at Loch Doilet, the use of a boat is the main attraction, while the Polloch River, with its fish population, provides a different kind of fishing experience. Which holiday apartment or holiday cottage you are looking for therefore also depends on whether you primarily want to explore forests, fish on the loch or experience the river.

Viewpoint path and historic mining traces

The viewpoint path at Loch Shiel leads through native woodland and past a floating pontoon for boats on the loch. It also leads to viewpoints overlooking Loch Shiel and the outlet of the Polloch. For a stay focused on landscapes and changing perspectives, this path is an idea for a trip in its own right, as the forest, loch and river outlet are among the explicitly mentioned impressions here.

Another aspect of Polloch is the Corrantee Mine. It was one of the first mines to open in 1725. The lead-bearing deposits were subsequently mined intermittently until the mine finally closed in 1871. The path to the Corrantee Lead Mines begins on the minor road to Polloch at the far end of Loch Doilet, south of the bridge. The remains include a waterwheel house that originally contained a large iron waterwheel. This history complements the nature experiences with a specific insight into the former use of the landscape.

You can discover further destinations via Kinbrace, Dalwhinnie, Lairg, John o' Groats, Scrabster, Kenmore, Invermoriston and Rhiconich.

For the higher-level travel overview: Highland.