Discover Lochinver by Motorhome: Complete Guide
Introduction
Welcome to our ultimate guide for an unforgettable road trip to Lochinver in Scotland! Get ready to be fascinated by the captivating history of this charming town, discover the best culinary specialties of the region, and enjoy a myriad of exciting activities.
Whether you are a fan of vanlife or prefer camper van travel, we have all the information you need to plan your trip. So don’t wait any longer, join us on this adventure and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of Lochinver and its surroundings.
Don’t like to read? A video is available later in the article or by clicking here.
What is Lochinver – Scotland?
History of Lochinver
Located in the Scottish Highlands, Lochinver is a small coastal town with an inexplicable charm. At first glance, one may wonder what history has made this place a hidden gem. Well, let me tell you: The town of Lochinver gets its name from its location near Loch Inver.
Over the centuries, Lochinver has become an important fishing port, especially for salmon and langoustine fishing. Local fishermen have developed unique fishing techniques that have contributed to the economic development of the town, which welcomes fishermen from all over Europe, Spain and France included. In fact, during a live Twitch stream in this town, one of the spectators said to us “Lochinver, I know, I used to fish there, there’s nowhere more remote in all Scotland. But what are you doing there!”
Geographical location
Located in the wild and majestic regions of Scotland, Lochinver is a small town overflowing with charm and adventure. With its vast moorland and breathtaking landscapes, this destination promises memorable getaways and unique discoveries. Whether you are a hiking enthusiast, a fishing enthusiast, or simply looking for tranquility, Lochinver awaits you with open arms.
How to get to Lochinver?
To get to Lochinver by air, the nearest national and international airports are as follows:
– Inverness Airport (Inverness guide available here) is about 180 kilometers from Lochinver.
– Aberdeen Airport is about 250 kilometers from Lochinver.
– Glasgow Airport is about 370 kilometers from Lochinver.
You can take a flight from a nearby major city to one of these airports and then travel to Lochinver using public transportation or by renting a car.
To get to Lochinver by train, the nearest national and international lines are as follows:
– The Glasgow-Inverness line, which passes through Inverness station, is about 150 kilometers from Lochinver.
– The Edinburgh-Inverness line also passes through Inverness station.
– The Aberdeen-Inverness line passes through Inverness station.
Once you have arrived at Inverness station, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach Lochinver.
To get to Lochinver by car or camper van from the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, you will need to take the following main roads:
– Take the A90 motorway north to Aberdeen.
– In Aberdeen (see our guide on this city), take the A96 motorway west to Inverness.
– In Inverness, take the A9 motorway north to Tain.
– In Tain, take the A836 road west to Lochinver.
This route will allow you to enjoy the Scottish landscape and discover many tourist sites along the way.
Don’t forget to check traffic conditions and the weather before you go on a road trip to ensure a pleasant and safe journey.
To access the United Kingdom, we did not go through the Tunnel or take the Ferry from Calais, we left from the Netherlands! From Rotterdam, it is quite possible to quickly reach the United Kingdom. So just follow the east coast of the country to reach the wonderful world that is Scotland!
Climate: When to visit Lochinver by Campervan?
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Weather | Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°/5° | 53mm | ❄️ | Very unfavorable |
| February | 2°/6° | 50mm | ❄️ | Very unfavorable |
| March | 3°/8° | 53mm | 🌧️ | Very unfavorable |
| April | 5°/11° | 39mm | 🌦️ | Very unfavorable |
| May | 8°/14° | 53mm | 🌦️ | Not favorable |
| June | 11°/16° | 62mm | 🌦️ | Not favorable |
| July | 13°/18° | 79mm | 🌦️ | Not favorable |
| August | 11°/17° | 78mm | 🌦️ | Favorable |
| September | 9°/16° | 58mm | 🌦️ | Not favorable |
| October | 7°/12° | 60mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| November | 5°/8° | 52mm | 🌧️ | Very unfavorable |
| December | 2°/5° | 52mm | ❄️ | Very unfavorable |
So when is the best time to visit Lochinver? You probably already guessed it, but the best time seems to be in the summer, when the mist dissipates and gives way to breathtaking panoramas. The mild and pleasant temperatures will allow you to fully enjoy the hikes and incredible landscapes of this beautiful region of the Highlands.
Spots to sleep and camper van service areas in Lochinver
- 📍🥇 Achmelvich Beach (Port a’ Mhuilinn): A beautiful white sandy beach with turquoise waters, ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sun.
- 📍🥈 Clachtoll Beach Campsite (Port nan Clach): A peaceful campsite located right next to Clachtoll Beach, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor activities.
- 📍🥉 Clachtoll Beach (Port nan Clach): A picturesque beach surrounded by green hills, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
- 📍 Inverkirkaig Bay (Inbhir Chirceig): A secluded bay with a small protected cove, perfect for moments of tranquility and relaxation in your camper van.
- 📍 Glen Achall (Gleann Ach-allt): A beautiful valley surrounded by majestic mountains, offering stunning hiking trails and breathtaking natural landscapes.
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Among these spots, our choice was the beautiful Achmelvich Beach (Port a’ Mhuilinn). We had an incredible time relaxing on this pristine white sandy beach, admiring the sparkling turquoise waters. It truly was the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun. The natural beauty of this place is simply breathtaking. We highly recommend visiting if you want to experience an unforgettable time in Lochinver.
Where and what to eat in Lochinver?
Restaurants in Lochinver
- 🍽️ Wayfarers’ bar: This traditional Scottish restaurant offers refined dishes inspired by local cuisine with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We met a French couple there who advised us to visit the town of Ullapool
- 🍽️ Lochinver Pie Shop: This family-run restaurant offers homemade savory pies with high-quality local ingredients. Generous portions and delicious flavors make this place a perfect stop for a quick and tasty meal.
- 🍽️ The Waterfront: Located right in front of the harbor, this restaurant offers stunning sea views while serving fresh and tasty seafood dishes. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect place to enjoy quality seafood.
- 🍽️ An Cala café: A restaurant that offers freshly caught seafood. A treat, we’ll talk about it again below.
- 🍽️ Peet’s Restaurant: This family-run restaurant offers contemporary cuisine with a Scottish touch. Creative dishes and high-quality local ingredients make this place a unique culinary experience in Lochinver.
Specialties of Lochinver
At the edge of the Scottish lands, the small town of Lochinver reveals culinary specialties that reflect the richness of local traditions. Here, seafood is king, langoustines and mussels are sublime. But of course, you will also find typical Scottish dishes such as fish & chips and haggis.
Among these restaurants, we ate at An Cala Café. We were initially disappointed because they did not serve alcohol, but we still had seafood dishes that were incredibly fresh. So we were able to eat Scottish mussels again, but also fish cakes. Dishes that we couldn’t finish because the fish pate and langoustines in the starter had already filled our stomachs. Yes, it was by far the most generous meal we had in Scotland
Travel Budget for a Road Trip to Lochinver
The currency used in Scotland is the British Pound (GBP). Plan on a budget of at least £92 (approx. $125) per day per person.
– Meal in a mid-range restaurant: £25 (approx. $34)
– Fast-food menu: £6 (approx. $8)
– Local beer (50 cl draft): £4 (approx. $5)
– Single public transport ticket: £2.5 (approx. $3)
– Monthly public transport pass: £65 (approx. $88)
– Unleaded gasoline (1 liter): £1.4 (approx. $2)
– Budget hotel (room for two people): £58 (approx. $79)
– Mid-range hotel (room for two people): £89 (approx. $121)
– High-end hotel (room for two people): £148 (approx. $201)
– Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or equivalent): £58 (approx. $79)
– Summer dress in a major chain (Zara, H&M..): £29 (approx. $39)
– Pair of sports shoes: £62 (approx. $84)
If you’re an American eyeing a Scottish getaway, budget for a minimum of £92 (around $125) per day. Dining in mid-tier restaurants will set you back about £25 ($34), while a single public transit ticket is £2.5 ($3). Accommodation costs vary, with budget hotels starting at £58 ($79) and luxury options going up to £148 ($201). Factor in shopping, with items like jeans and sports shoes costing £58 ($79) and £62 ($84), respectively. Remember to consider exchange rates and foreign transaction fees.
Video of our city trip in this city
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What activities to do in Lochinver?
Here is a list of activities that we invite you to do in Lochinver according to your tastes and preferences:
– Take a stroll near Lochinver Harbour and admire romantic sunsets.
– Hike to the top of Suilven to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view with your partner.
– Take a boat trip on Loch Assynt and discover the picturesque landscapes of the region.
– Enjoy a candlelit dinner at one of Lochinver’s romantic restaurants.
– Spend a day relaxing at the Assynt Spa, where you can enjoy wellness treatments as a couple.
– Visit the Lochinver Museum and discover the history and culture of the region.
– Explore Ardvreck Castle and learn more about its fascinating past.
– Attend a concert or theater performance at the Lochinver village hall.
– Take part in a local handicraft workshop and learn how to make traditional handmade products.
– Explore the art galleries in the area and discover the talent of local artists.
– Go hiking in the surrounding mountains and enjoy stunning landscapes.
– Try river or sea fishing and try to catch your own meal.
– Go mountain biking on the marked trails in the area.
– Go kayaking or paddleboarding on the lochs and rivers.
– Try climbing on the spectacular cliffs in the area.
– Attend the annual Lochinver Traditional Music Festival and enjoy concerts and live music sessions.
– Take part in the Beltane Fire Festival and celebrate the arrival of spring with the people of Lochinver.
– Attend the local Highland Games and admire demonstrations of strength and skill.
– Take part in the Assynt Food Festival and taste delicious local specialties.
– Enjoy Lochinver’s annual Christmas market and find unique and handmade gifts for your loved ones.
Conclusion: Why visit or come back to Lochinver?
Lochinver is a usual stop for fishermen, less so for campervanners, we only met two, but you can feel that it is a city where tourism is not the central point, it was still a good time. Whether culinary or meeting people. We recommend going for a visit if you have the time. You can feel the depth of Scotland, their work around fishing, and the importance of the ocean for them.
FAQ
To get to Lochinver by air, you can take a flight from a nearby major city to one of the nearest airports, such as Inverness Airport, Aberdeen Airport, or Glasgow Airport. Once at the airport, you can use public transportation or rent a car to travel to Lochinver.
To get to Lochinver by train, you can take a national or international line to Inverness station, which is located about 150 kilometers from Lochinver. Once at Inverness station, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach Lochinver.
To get to Lochinver by car, you can take the main roads from Edinburgh. Take the A90 motorway north to Aberdeen, then the A96 motorway west to Inverness. Then, take the A9 motorway north to Tain, and finally, the A836 road west to Lochinver.
The best time to visit Lochinver is during the summer, when the mist dissipates and you can enjoy the breathtaking panoramas of this beautiful region of the Highlands. The temperatures are mild and pleasant, which is ideal for hiking and discovering the incredible landscapes of Lochinver.
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