Rockvilla Hotel

Lochcarron

Nestling at the head 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.

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.

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.

The opening of the by-pass brought welcome relief to motorists who sometimes had to queue for several hours at the height of the season, waiting to cross the Strome Narrows on the ferry.