Inverkirkaig brings together the coastal setting of Loch Kirkaig, walks along the River Kirkaig and a long history of settlement. When looking for accommodation, you can first consider whether to focus on the waterside landscape, the paths to the Falls of Kirkaig or the historical traces. These different themes can give your trip planning a clear direction.

Loch, River and Waterfall

Inverkirkaig lies at the head and on the northern shore of Loch Kirkaig. The narrow sea loch is bounded by rocky headlands. The crofting settlement dates from the 18th and 19th centuries and lies on a raised beach and adjacent peat-covered ground at the head of the loch. Behind the pebble beach, a narrow single-track road runs between Achiltibuie and Lochinver. The River Kirkaig flows through a gorge with rocky pools and rapids; the Falls of Kirkaig plunge about 60 feet into a pool below. At the loch, the shoreline and rocky headlands take centre stage; along the river, it is the sequence of gorge, pools and rapids.

Walk to the Falls of Kirkaig

If you wish, you can extend the walk to the Falls of Kirkaig by about one kilometre to Fionn Loch. Beyond the falls, the path continues and provides access to the challenging southern approach to Suilven, which is described as rough. The path can become boggy on the optional extension.

The distinction is important when planning: the extension to the loch is an optional addition, while the access to the southern approach to Suilven leads to a section explicitly described as challenging and rough. You can therefore treat the two destinations as different focuses for your walking plans.

Archaeology and Local Remembrance

The archaeological traces date back long before the crofting settlement. Inverkirkaig 1 is a hut circle attributed to the Neolithic through to the Late Iron Age; its dating spans approximately 4000 BC to AD 560. On the southern edge of Inverkirkaig, a possible burnt mound lies on a flat river terrace above the River Kirkaig. It is in an enclosed field between the river and the shore of Loch Kirkaig. A stone monument near the mouth of the River Kirkaig may represent the remains of a boat landing place. The name Kirkaig is thought to derive from the Old Norse Kirkju-vik, meaning “church bay”; this could suggest a settlement with a church in the Viking Age. The monument to Norman MacCaig, erected near Kirkaig Bridge in 2002, honours the local community’s appreciation of the poet. The time periods range from the hut circle, dated approximately up to AD 560, through the possible Viking Age interpretation of the name to the crofting settlement of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Fishing on the River Kirkaig

Below the Falls of Kirkaig, the River Kirkaig is divided into three fishing beats, each comprising two rods and fished in rotation each day. If you want to fish, you should confirm the arrangements in advance.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Croick, Thurso, Dornoch, Onich, Dundee, Mey, Contin, Balintore

Return to the main travel overview: Highland.