Coastal landscape between the Firth and the land

Bunchrew Point is a coastal platform between the A862 transport corridor and the Far North Line on one side, and the Beauly Firth on the other. Mature woodland and farmland are part of the landscape. Here, transport routes, water and cultivated land meet. The views to and from Clachnaharry Lock are also significant. These sightlines add another landscape dimension to the information about the coastal platform, woodland and farmland. For travellers interested in a place’s character as expressed through its landscape, they are a distinct focus.

The themes differ in their planning scale: the landscape shapes the character of the area, historic traces provide individual points of interest, and a circular route is a separate touring option. So, when looking for a hotel in Bunchrew, consider whether you would like to focus your stay primarily on the landscape, local history or a longer tour.

Historic traces in Kirkton and Bunchrew

Historic traces include the remains of Farnaway Church and its churchyard in Kirkton, Bunchrew. The surviving church grounds are marked by an enclosure approximately 20 yards in length and width. These measurements give an idea of the size of the enclosed area, while the remains of the church and churchyard identify the historic site in Kirkton.

Bunchrew’s Second World War prisoner-of-war camp is also present through surviving traces: hut foundations and some buildings remain. These remains differ in form from the enclosure and church grounds at Farnaway Church. Those exploring the area’s history can therefore distinguish between an enclosed church site and the structural traces of a prisoner-of-war camp.

Plan around the tide and the circular route

At Whinbrae in Bunchrew, a double fish trap is visible at low tide. For this particular feature, the tide level is a practical planning consideration. If you would like to include the fish trap in your travel plans, time your visit for low tide. Unlike the structural remains, visibility here depends on the water level.

One longer touring option is the Circular Tour of the Beauly Firth. A 1996 Highland Libraries guide describes it as a 25-mile circular route. Its length gives your planning a clear scope and makes the route a different choice from a short visit to individual historic traces. Check current route conditions before planning; the information in the guide does not replace this check.

A tourism listing gives the Bunchrew Caravan Park’s seasonal opening period as mid-March to the end of November. If you are including the park in your travel plans, confirm that it is currently open beforehand. This lets you take the seasonal timeframe into account when choosing your dates.

Discover more destinations: Tarskavaig, Carbost, Plockton, Gairloch, Halkirk, Acharacle, Lairg, Dunvegan

For the wider travel overview: Highland.