Lochinver travel guide

The road from Achiltibuie north to Lochinver is known locally as the ‘wee mad road’, and you’d be mad to miss this thrilling route which twists and winds its way through some the northwest’s most stunning scenery. A mile south of the village is the magnificent Achins Bookshop, a friendly place packed with second-hand books. The village of Lochinver is a working fishing port and the last sizeable village before Thurso. It has a good tourist office, lots of accommodation, a bank with ATM, post office, petrol station and several good eating options. Pick up fishing permits at the post office or Assynt Visitor Centre.

A few miles south of Lochinver, beyond Inverkirkaig, is the trail along the river to the Kirkaig Falls. The path starts near the Achins Bookshop. Follow the path for about 2 miles until it branches right to the falls in the gorge below. Continue along the main path for about another ¾ mile until you reach Fionn Loch, with superb views of mighty Suilven. The walk up to the falls and back should take around 1½ hours. This is one of the main approaches to the foot of the mountain.