Inverkirkaig – between sea loch, river and ancient traces

Inverkirkaig combines a striking landscape at Loch Kirkaig with traces of human history and impressive opportunities for walkers. The settlement lies at the head and on the northern side of Loch Kirkaig, a narrow sea loch bordered by rocky promontories. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house for a trip combining nature and cultural experiences will find a starting point here where different interests can be brought together.

Landscape between Loch Kirkaig and the River Kirkaig

Inverkirkaig is an 18th- and 19th-century crofting settlement on a raised beach and on adjoining peat-covered areas at the head of Loch Kirkaig. Behind the shingle beach, a narrow single-track road runs between Achiltibuie and Lochinver. This local feature is relevant when planning your journey: when choosing your accommodation, take both your planned activities and the road conditions into account.

The River Kirkaig runs through a gorge with a series of rocky pools and rapids. Notable landscape features include the Falls of Kirkaig, a waterfall approximately 60 feet high that plunges into a pool below. This creates a specific destination for an active day, while the sea loch and rocky surroundings define the character of the settlement.

Walking, water and challenging destinations

The walk to the Falls of Kirkaig can, if desired, be extended by about one kilometre to Fionn Loch. Beyond the falls, the path continues to Fionn Loch and provides access to the challenging southern approach to Suilven. This allows you to tailor your day plan to the desired route length and level of difficulty, without having to fit all the experiences into a single activity.

The River Kirkaig also offers a special perspective on the area. Below the Falls of Kirkaig, it is divided into three fishing beats. Each beat comprises two rods and is fished on alternate days. Those interested in this form of river use can take it into account when planning their trip, just as they can the walk to the waterfalls.

Historical traces and local stories

Inverkirkaig is interesting for more than just its landscape. Inverkirkaig 1 is a hut circle attributed to the Neolithic period through to the Late Iron Age; the stated dating ranges approximately from 4000 BC to AD 560. At the southern edge of the settlement, on a flat river terrace above the River Kirkaig, there is a possible burnt mound. It is located in a fenced field between the River Kirkaig and the shore of Loch Kirkaig.

Near the mouth of the River Kirkaig, there is also a stone monument that could represent the remains of a boat landing place. A monument to Norman MacCaig was erected at Kirkaig Bridge in 2002 to honour the local community’s appreciation of the poet. The name Kirkaig also has a historical interpretation: it is probably derived from the Old Norse Kirkju-vik, meaning „church bay“ and possibly indicating a settlement with a church during the Viking Age.

A local stop for books, maps and coffee

Achins Bookshop & Coffeeshop complements the nature and historical experiences with a local point of interest. The café serves Fairtrade coffee, light meals and homemade baked goods. Achins Bookshop & Coffeeshop also offers books, gifts, and local walking guides and maps. For trip planning involving different interests, this place can therefore be just as appealing as the routes and historical traces of Inverkirkaig.

Families and other travel groups can organise their stay in different ways: you can explore historical sites and the monument to Norman MacCaig, plan a visit to the café, or choose a walk to the Falls of Kirkaig and onwards towards Fionn Loch. Those interested in fishing will find another clearly defined activity in the River Kirkaig’s three beats, which are fished on alternate days. A holiday apartment or holiday house in Inverkirkaig is therefore particularly well suited to plans that combine discovering the landscape, local history and specific outdoor destinations.

Other destinations in the search: Glenfinnan, Croick, Castletown, Kyleakin, Munlochy, Kinbrace, Kyle, Latheron

For the higher-level travel overview: Highland.