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Major city · United Kingdom

LochinverLoch an Inbhir

Base here 2 nights with a car; add a third for an unhurried hill or coast day. No car, no base — the bus runs twice a day, Mon–Sat.

Not yet checkedSourcesWhat these labels mean

Lochinver is a fishing village of about 650 people on the Assynt coast, 30 miles north of Ullapool at the end of the A837. It is the largest settlement on the coastal loop and the practical base for Suilven, the Bone Caves, Ardvreck Castle and the beaches at Achmelvich and Clachtoll. Everything worth seeing is scattered along single-track roads, so a car changes the trip completely. Two nights is the working minimum; three if you want Suilven and a beach day without rushing.

basic guide: no trip line yet
3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
Map
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
More ways in
Print / PDF guide
Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
GBP
Best months
May–Jun, Sep
avoid Nov–Feb (short days, many places shut); Jul–Aug for midge and single-track congestion
Airports
INV · EDI · GLA
Nights
2–3
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
  • Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
  • Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
  • Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
  • Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
  • Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
  • United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
  • United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
  • United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Lochinver999 ▾
  • Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard999
  • EU emergency number (works from any phone)112
  • NHS non-urgent advice111
  • Police non-urgent101

Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.

EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Lochinver, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers

Cost cheat-sheet

2026 desk estimate · check

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

  • CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café2026 estimate.£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
  • Sit-down mealSeafood main course2026 estimate.£16–28 (≈ US$25–40)
  • BeerDraught beer in the Wayfarer's Bar2026 estimate. Open Fri–Sat 5–10:30pm, Sun 12:30–6pm.£5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9)
  • Budget bedHostel or bunkhouse bed, a night, per person£30 (≈ US$40)
  • Mid-range bedB&B double room, a night, per room£140 (≈ US$190)
  • High-end bedB&B double room, a night, per room£220 (≈ US$300)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget £55 (≈ US$75) · Mid £100 (≈ US$140) · High £180 (≈ US$250)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

SuilvenAssynt coast and North West Highlands GeoparkArdvreck Castle and Loch AssyntAchmelvich and Clachtoll beachesPies from the Lochinver Larder
Airports
INV Inverness (Common arrival airport for the far north; drive time to Lochinver check.) · EDI Edinburgh (Long drive north; times check.) · GLA Glasgow (Long drive north; times check, and confirm one-way car hire drop is allowed.)

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    Avoid

    6°C (43°F)

  2. Feb

    Avoid

    6°C (43°F)

  3. Mar

    not flagged

    8°C (46°F)

  4. Apr

    not flagged

    10°C (50°F)

  5. May

    Best

    13°C (55°F)

  6. Jun

    Best

    15°C (59°F)

  7. Jul

    Avoid

    17°C (63°F)

  8. Aug

    Avoid

    17°C (63°F)

  9. Sep

    Best

    15°C (59°F)

  10. Oct

    not flagged

    12°C (54°F)

  11. Nov

    Avoid

    9°C (48°F)

  12. Dec

    Avoid

    7°C (45°F)

Best: May–Jun, Sep. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Feb. Month by month →

Warmest Jul (17°C (63°F)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F) low), wettest Jan (20 rain days), driest May (14). Averages, not a forecast.

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Lochinver: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Jan

6°C (43°F)

1°C (34°F)

20 rd

Feb

6°C (43°F)

1°C (34°F)

16 rd

Mar

8°C (46°F)

2°C (36°F)

18 rd

Apr

10°C (50°F)

3°C (37°F)

15 rd

May

13°C (55°F)

5°C (41°F)

14 rd

Jun

15°C (59°F)

8°C (46°F)

14 rd

Jul

17°C (63°F)

10°C (50°F)

16 rd

Aug

17°C (63°F)

10°C (50°F)

17 rd

Sep

15°C (59°F)

8°C (46°F)

18 rd

Oct

12°C (54°F)

6°C (43°F)

20 rd

Nov

9°C (48°F)

3°C (37°F)

20 rd

Dec

7°C (45°F)

1°C (34°F)

20 rd

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting around

You need your own wheels. The A837 from Ullapool is a good two-way road, but the B869 coastal loop north to Drumbeg and Kylesku is mostly single track with passing places and gets congested in summer. Fuel is at the Spar filling station in the village — fill up before any long loop. George Rapson bus 809 runs twice Mon–Sat between Ullapool and Lochinver, about 1 h; Durness Bus 804 runs May–Oct on Tue and Thu from Kinlochbervie via Laxford Bridge and Kylesku, connecting with the 809. Bikes can be carried between Durness, Lochinver and Lairg if booked at least 24 h ahead (number check).

Nearest full guides

Straight-line distance, not travel time

See & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time

Ardvreck Castle and Loch Assynt

go

Door to door: About 20 min each way

A837 east, about 11 miles

Free, open 24 h. Ruined castle on a peninsula; Calda House ruin is half a mile south. Combine with the Bone Caves car park.

Bone Caves (Allt nan Uamh)

go

Door to door: About 2 h 30 min from Lochinver

A837 east, then a 40-min hike from the car park

Free, open 24 h. Loop trail suits older children and dogs; the ground is filthy after rain and you can only enter the caves a few yards.

Achmelvich Beach and Hermit's Castle

go

Door to door: About 20 min

Single-track road north-west from the village

White sand and clear water; the concrete Hermit's Castle sits on the headland west of the bay.

Clachtoll Broch and beach

go

Door to door: About 30 min

B869 north, then a minor road

Iron Age tower built around 400 BC, burnt out around 50 AD. Beach campsite nearby, open Apr–Oct.

Stoer Lighthouse and Old Man of Stoer

go

Door to door: About 3 h 30 min

Narrow tarmac lane to the lighthouse car park, then a 2-mile clifftop hike each way

Stevenson lighthouse of 1870, automated 1978; no tours. The 60 m sea stack is about an hour's walk each way.

Kinlochbervie and Durness

overnight

Door to door: 1–1.5 h to Kinlochbervie

A894 north via Kylesku, or the B869 coastal loop

Too much for a rushed return; the far north coast deserves its own night.

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

North of Culag Bridge (Main Street)

Most beds, the Spar, the filling station and the two main places to eat. Walk to everything.

Baddidarroch

Dead-end side road on the north edge of the village; self-catering cottages, more afternoon sun, a small store.

South side and harbour

Working harbour, Peet's, the Wayfarer's Bar. Functional rather than pretty; fine if you want to walk to dinner.

Achmelvich and Clachtoll

3–5 miles out by single-track road. Beach campsites and cottages; you need a car for everything.

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Cost per day

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
£55–85 (≈ US$75–120) excl. bed (2026 estimate)
Mid
£90–140 (≈ US$120–190) excl. bed (2026 estimate)
High
£150 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed (2026 estimate)

Trip budget

2026 estimate · converts to your currency
B&B double room1 × 2 nights × £140£280
Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × £100£400
Car hire, one day, small car1 × £65 · 2026 estimate.£65
Fuel, 100 miles of local driving1 × £18 · 2026 estimate.£18
eSIM, about a week of data2 × £12 · 2026 estimate.£24
Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge£79
Trip total≈ £217 per person per day, bed included£866≈ US$1,200

2026 estimate. Small places often close Oct–Apr; book ahead in summer.

2026 estimate in pounds; travel to Lochinver excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.

Prices of common things

Coffee or tea in a café2026 estimate.£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
Pie from the Lochinver Larder2026 estimate. Order from the truck; the restaurant has been closed for rebuilding.£5–8 (≈ US$7–11)
Seafood main course2026 estimate.£16–28 (≈ US$25–40)
Draught beer in the Wayfarer's Bar2026 estimate. Open Fri–Sat 5–10:30pm, Sun 12:30–6pm.£5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9)
Spar filling station fuel, per litre2026 estimate. Village prices run above city prices.£1.45–1.65 (≈ US$2–3)
Campsite pitch, per night2026 estimate. Clachtoll Beach Campsite is open Apr–Oct.£12–25 (≈ US$16–35)

2026 estimate; check locally.

Watch out

Safety

Very low crime; the real risks are single-track roads, weather that turns on the hills, no phone signal and long distances to help. Tell someone your route before Suilven and carry a paper map.
  • No car means no Assynt: the bus is twice daily Mon–Sat and does not reach the beaches, the Bone Caves or Ardvreck Castle.
  • Single-track roads: use passing places, do not park in them, and expect caravans and campers in Jul–Aug.
  • Mobile signal is patchy on EE, Three and Vodafone and absent on O2; there is no 5G. Download offline maps before the A837.
  • Midges are serious on still, damp evenings from Jun to Aug. Take repellent.
  • Fuel, food and pharmacy options thin out fast north of Ullapool. Buy what you need in Lochinver.
  • Mountain weather changes quickly; Suilven is a rough, pathless-in-places hill, not a stroll.

Emergency numbers

Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard
999
EU emergency number (works from any phone)
112
NHS non-urgent advice
111
Police non-urgent
101

Pocket card

One page · print or save as PDF

Fill in, then print or save as PDF

Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.

LochinverLoch an Inbhir

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

Chun an seòladh seo, mas e do thoil eTo this address, please

Emergency

  • Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard999
  • EU emergency number112
  • NHS non-urgent advice111
  • Police non-urgent101

Embassy

No embassies in Lochinver. US citizens: consulate general in Edinburgh. Most other nationalities: embassies in London.

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • Bus 809 Ullapool → Lochinver: about 1 h, twice Mon–Sat (check)
  • Bus 804 Kinlochbervie → Lochinver: May–Oct, Tue and Thu only (check)
  • Fuel, Lochinver filling station: village prices, above town prices (check)

Say or show

  • Tapadh leat — Thank you (TAH-pah lat)
  • Madainn mhath — Good morning (MA-ting vah)
  • Slàinte — Cheers (SLAHN-chuh)
  • Càite a bheil an taigh-beag? — Where is the toilet? (KAH-chuh vil an tie-bek)
  • Dè a' phrìs? — How much is it? (jay uh PREESH)
  • Duilich — Sorry (DOO-lich)

Mobile signal is patchy on EE, Three and Vodafone and absent on O2; there is no 5G. Save an offline map and a screenshot of this card.

Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Lochinver. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: May–Jun, Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (short days, many places shut); Jul–Aug for midge and single-track congestion · month by month →
  2. 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 6 day-trips, door to door
  6. 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. Airport-to-bed contracts for INV, EDI and GLA with verified last-bus and car-hire cutoffs.
  2. Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: village north of the bridge, harbour and south side, Achmelvich and Clachtoll, Assynt east along the A837.
  3. Place pages with verified access rules (Suilven, Bone Caves, Ardvreck Castle, Clachtoll Broch, Stoer) and eat pages with last orders.
  4. Single-track and midge fixtures so the coastal loop can be rated go or caution by month.

Meanwhile

Back to United Kingdom

Sources