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Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree

The Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands National Nature Reserve was the first NNR to be established in the UK back in 1951. On the mountainous slopes and isolated islands, the last vestiges of ancient Caledonian pine forest make this a fabled destination for nature lovers. Here, the trails and visitor centre help you explore a land that is home to sea eagles, golden eagles, pine martens and red deer.

For any visitor, whichever way you choose to approach Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree, the scenery is going to make your day. From the north, the view is dominated by mighty Slioch, from the south you pass through Torridon below the towering ridge of Liathach, and from the east, the classic approach down Glen Docherty gives stunning views over the village of Kinlochewe to Loch Maree itself.

Mountain walking and loch-side nature trails

Loch Maree is mentioned in the Runrig song ‘The Summer Walkers’ which tells the story of Scotland’s summer travelling folk, who would come by the ‘long and winding shores of Loch Maree’. Today, this area is still a mecca for walkers of all kinds in all seasons. While the main ridge of Beinn Eighe itself may be too challenging for some, especially in winter, there are many other trails and paths including a low level walk around Loch Clair and the long walk into the truly stunning Coire Mhic Fhearchair.

Access to the islands on Loch Maree itself is restricted to protect the habitat and the local ‘residents’ such as otters, black-throated divers and 12 different species of dragonflies. Interestingly, the largest island has its own loch on it with its own small island! A ruined chapel on one of the smaller islands is said to have been a hermitage of Saint Máel Ruba who founded a monastery in Applecross in 672. The loch is now named after the Red Monk, as he was known, but previously it’s believed to have been named Loch Ewe, as the name of the village of Kinlochewe would suggest.

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A Local View

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This is the Home of Outdoor Walking at All Levels

Explore the Highlands and Islands at your own pace.

The Red Monk

"The Red Monk, he came out the west, originally from over the Irish sea in the 7th century, and then he journeyed out of the settlement he'd founded at the place called Abercrossan. Loch Maree, Amulree, Kilmolruy, Killarrow place-names familiar to us now in Highland, Moray, Perthshire, all come from the Red Monk, St Maolrubha. "

A grey church building with large gravestones in the foreground. Snowdrops can be seen in the kirkyard in the bottom 25% of the image

Plan your visit

Places to Stay

Things to Do

Food and Drink