Things
To See & Do
Things
To See & Do
Tour wild and wonderful Lochalsh - the best kept secret in the highlands! An area of outstanding beauty, the ideal base to see the best of the highlands and the Isle of Skye. Renowned for great hospitality, a friendly welcome awaits you. There are scenic surprises round every corner, quaint highland villages, and a traditional way of life. Outdoor activities for the energetic include hill walking, fishing and water sports, there is plenty of wildlife too. If you just want some peace and quiet to recharge your batteries, this is the place to do it. Take a boat trip to see Otters, Seals, Porpoises, and if you are really lucky, Dolphins or Whales. Traditional live music can be found in the pubs, or visit a Malt Whisky distillery and sample the Water of Life! If your interest is in outdoor pursuits or you just need some quality time to unwind, you will not be disappointed.
Places of Interest in the Immediate Area
Eilean Donan Castle
Stunning location two miles from Sonas on A87 road overlooking the Isle of Skye. An exciting place to visit with plenty of history, it has all amenities including a visitors centre and coffee shop.
Falls of Glomach
A sheer drop measuring more than 600 feet into a steeply cut ravine. This is a difficult trek taking approximately 8 hours. Sensible clothing and stout walking boots essential.
Glenelg Brochs
Two of the best preserved Iron Age buildings in the country. Dun Telve stands at a height of over 30 ft. and the internal passages are almost intact.
Bernera Barrack
Built in 1720, the barracks was commissioned by George 1 to help quell any further Jacobite uprisings in support of the royal Stuart claim to the throne of Scotland. It never fulfilled government hopes and by 1800 was used as a Poor House. Today it stands in spectacular ruin.
Glenelg Ferry
First recorded in1630 the Glenelg to Kylerhea Ferry is the original crossing point from the mainland to the Isle of Skye. Now a car ferry it travels back and forth on demand.
Lochalsh Woodland Garden
Maintained by the National Trust for Scotland the diverse range of fauna includes ferns, and flowers such as Rhododendrons, Fuchsias and Hydrangeas.
Skye and Kyle Rail Development Co.
The train enthusiast dream! Daily rail trips on one of the most scenic routes in the UK. Rail and local history museum, visitor centre and gift shop, malt whiskey tasting.
Plockton
This picturesque village is located in a sheltered bay famous for it's exotic palms. Magnificent views of Skye and the Cuillin mountains can be seen from the village streets.
Loch Carron
The houses in this small community sit next to each other on the road along the shores of the loch. A beautiful setting with a few shops, hotel, tea room, golf course and two petrol stations!
Day Trips from Sonas
Sonas is an ideal base for day trips throughout the Western Highlands,
The following information gives details of major places of interest suitable for day trips from Sonas.
Isle of Skye
- 12 Miles (Skye Bridge is now toil free!)
The whole island can easily be toured in one day. A dramatic landscape of wild mountains and stunning seascapes that remain unspoilt. Allow yourself time to absorb the rich culture of Skye and the mainland of Lochalsh . Even today writers, poets, composers, singers, musicians and craftsmen continue to live here or visit the area.
Applecross & Bealach na Ba
The Applecross peninsula is famous for its temperate climate and tropical gardens due to the Gulf Stream. Access is by the Bealach na Ba (the pass of the cattle) or by the longer coast road from Sheildaig. Bealach na Ba is the highest pass in Scotland at 626 metres (2053 feet) above sea level. Originally a drover track the road is unsuitable for learner drivers, caravans or those of a nervous disposition, however on a clear day the views are spectacular.
Gairloch, Loch Ewe & Inverewe Gardens
The local community is a vibrant mixture of indigenous local people, many still involved in crofting and newer arrivals. Gairloch boasts an award winning Heritage Museum. The warm currents from the North Atlantic Drift or Gulf Stream help nurture an oasis of colour and fertility at the famous Inverewe Gardens.
Ullapool
Nestled on the shores of Loch Broom, Ullapool enjoys temperate weather because of the Gulf Stream and is surrounded by majestic mountains.
Fort William & Ben Nevis
The largest town in the West Highlands with a population of about 12,000 it stands at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in UK.
Loch Ness
Famous for the Loch Ness Monster! It is 23 miles (39 km) long with an average depth of 132 metres, the largest body of fresh water in Britain. You can drive right round or take a boat trip. Urquhart Castle is on the banks of the loch near Drumnadrochit.
Culloden Moor
Site of the famous Battle of Culloden (1746) between the Jacobites favouring Bonnie Prince Charlie (Stuart) as British monarch and the Hanovarians led by George 11. This was the last battle fought on British soil. The Jacobites were defeated with heavy losses.
Inverness
The historic city in the heart of the highlands of Scotland is serviced by an airport with daily scheduled flights to all major destinations within the UK.