Introduction

This evening, I am posting information on Knoydart. This is a mountainous peninsula which lies to the S.E. of Isle of Skye, between lochs Nevis and Hourn.

Information on Knoydart: Part 1

For those interested in etymology the name is ultimately derived from Old Norse and means Cnut’s Fjord. The Vikings controlled vast tracts of the West of Scotland for about four hundred years.

The region extends to about 17,500 acres most of which is owned by the Knoydart Foundation.This entity exercises stewardship on behalf of the resident community (approx. 100 persons) and environment.

Knoydart has a recorded history dating back to the 12th century. This was a time when it was part of a kingdom led by Somerled, a Viking who was progenitor of Clan MacDonald. In the mid 19th century Knoydart, in common with many parts of the Scottish Highlands, suffered extensive depopulation. This people movement was due to the Highland Clearances, with many of the inhabitants being forced to emigrate to Canada.

Today, the only principal community is found in the village of Inverie. Here is a school, lodgings, a Post Office and the Old Forge Inn. Latter is the remotest hostelry on mainland Britain. There is also a seven mile stretch of paved road which is unconnected to Scotland’s road system.

Knoydart is usually accessed by sea via the daily, all year round ferry service from the fishing village of Mallaig. This is a life-line service to one of the most remote places in Scotland. Alternative is  a two day walk.

Information: Part 2

Other than determined visitors who wish to connect with the wilderness landscape, Knoydart is usually viewed from the ferry. This vessel regularly plies between Mallaig and Armadale, Isle of Skye.

Here is a video clip taken from the ferry

Video clip of Pod of Dolphins taken from the ferry.

There are seven mountains on Knoydart of which three reach heights in excess of 3000 feet. These are Ladhar Bheinn, Meall Buidhe and Luinne Bheinn .

The landscape is very rugged and offers excellent opportunities for photography.

It is rumoured that the real Long John Silver, who featured in Stevenson’s Treasure Island, came from Knoydart.