Knoydart in a Knutshell, Inverie

The remote Knoydart peninsula famously has no road access; its main community of Inverie can be reached by either a very long walk in or, more usually, by boat from Mallaig. This waymarked walk explores the environs of the village and its surroundings, and can easily be completed by day visitors between morning and afternoon ferries.

Terrain

Good footpaths, tracks and tarred lane.

Public Transport

Ferry to Inverie from Mallaig.

Start

Inverie, Knoydart peninsula. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 5km / 3.25 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 92m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG765001

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

From the ferry pier in Inverie turn right along the path by the shore; an information board gives a map of this route, which is waymarked. Note the community totem pole. The path soon rejoins the road. Continue to the right along it, but turn left before reaching the Old Forge on a track signed for 'Knoydart in a Knutshell'.

Stage 2

The track passes a parking area and climbs past a couple of A-frame houses before emerging on a larger track across the hill with a bench on the left. Turn right here, and then fork right (signed) onto a footpath across the slope. The path gives fine views across the bay, and then enters attractive native woodland. There are several benches; at one of these the road is visible just to the right, and the path continues ahead, soon crossing a boggy patch (this can be avoided by using the road for this stretch). This path then meets the road a short distance further on.

Stage 3

Turn left along the now unsurfaced road, then at the next junction fork left uphill on a track signed for Kinloch Hourn. The track climbs gently alongside a drystone dyke improbably richly covered with mosses. Near the top, continue on the main track to the right through a gate.

Stage 4

Immediately after crossing a bridge turn right through a gate ('Knoydart in a Knutshell' sign), descending a flight of steps and then continuing down through the trees beside a burn. The path emerges by a small barn - continue ahead, now on a track. Eventually this meets a larger track at a t-junction. Turn left here, passing some old and new houses - the latter built as affordable homes after the local community took ownership of the peninsula. Continue ahead past the bunkhouse and the entrance to the camping area.

Stage 5

Turn right off the track shortly before it reaches a bridge - the turning is signed. A grassy track now winds through an area of trees, now planted with many different species as a 'natural harvest' area. Continue across a wooden boardwalk and then along by the shores of the river. At high tide it is necessary to take a signed path higher above the water to the right.

Stage 6

The two routes rejoin a short distance further on; now follow a grassy track northwards towards the Long Beach camping area. This has a fabulous outlook over the bay towards the distant Isle of Rum. Pass a turf-roofed shelter and a composting loo. Continue straight ahead until the track swings right (Inverie House can be seen ahead here) and rejoins the main track you were on earlier.

Stage 7

Turn left along this track to follow it back towards Inverie and the ferry jetty. It leads past a beautifully converted church, the community post office, excellent tea room, and the Knoydart Foundation building where a wealth of information about the area and its community can be founded. Continue past the Old Forge - reckoned to be the UK's remotest pub - and retrace your steps back to the pier at the start.

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