At the heart of the Scottish Highlands
If you dream of Scottish postal card landscapes, rumbling white waters, unforgiving mountains, lush forest, rather you want to photograph it or explore it on foot, on bike, by car, Kinlochleven is for you.
Just a 10 min drive away from Glencoe village and its eerie valley and a scenic 30 min drive to Fort William, getaway to the highest peak of UK, Ben Nevis, makes it a perfect place to base yourself to both enjoy off the beaten track natural gems and more popular spot of the Western Highlands.
For a change of landscape and fresh maritime breeze, follow the wild coast of Argyll into the Appin Peninsula up to the harbour town of Oban, an hour away from us.
How to get here
By foot
You've probably spotted the village from the West Highland Way for a while. You're almost there. On your final approach to Kinlochleven, ignore the large sign for the Blackwater Hostel & Camp Site. Keep to the right at the T junction, following the sign for Forest View. Cross the River Leven over the blue bridge and follow the path to your left. It will bring you onto Wades Road. Forest View guest house is the third house on the right.
By bus
Regular Buses arrive in Fort William from the south (via Glencoe) and from Inverness in the north. Check the Citylink website for times and costs. The local number 44 bus runs between Glencoe, Kinlochleven and Fort William.
By car
From Glasgow
Follow the A82 North for Fort William for 89 miles approx. Turn right at Glencoe village following the signs for Kinlochleven onto the B863 for 7 miles. Stop in the different bays on the High Road to soak up the views over Loch Leven and the towering Mamores. On entering Kinlochleven cross the bridge. Take the 1st road right onto Kierann Road. At the T junction, turn right onto Wades Road. Forest View is located approx 250 meters on your left.
From Fort William
Follow the A82 south towards Glasgow. Once in North Ballachullish, turn left on the B863 following the sign for Kinlochleven and the Ice Factor. Enjoy one of the most scenic route of the Highlands along Loch Leven. Once in the village, turn on your left on Wades Road directly after the small stone bridge. Follow the road all the way until the third house from the end.
By rail
The nearest Railway station is Fort William. From there, it is a half hour bus ride to Glencoe and Kinlochleven.
General
For any general travel/timetable enquiries, there is a nationwide travel information service available, called Traveline Scotland. One number gives access to information about all rail, coach, bus, ferry and internal air services in Scotland. Telephone 0870 608 2608.
Local places
Where to eat in the village
Kinlochleven is a lovely Highland village set amid breathtaking nature. You'll find different dining options.
The Highland Getaway and Tailrace Inn are located right in the centre of the village, popular with both tourists and locals and serving tasty pub food. The Highland Gateway balcony enjoys stunning views over the mountains and River Leven at its foot.
The Bothy Bar at MacDonald Hotel boasts great views on the loch and makes for a nice spot for a local beer or wee dram.
The cafe at the Ice Factor is an unusual and kid friendly spot for lunch or coffee and cake, as you watch climbers scale the walls. For the little ones, there's a free soft play area.
For a good coffee or a quick bite to take away, head to Mo's.
Out of the village but with an amazing location facing Loch Leven and the Pap of Glencoe, Loch Leven Seafood cafe serves the freshest everything seafoody and is a delicious option if you drive. Alternatively you can organise a taxi ride.
In the summer season, booking a table is highly recommended.
Shops...
Coop, minimarket in the heart of the village, has extensive opening time and everything you need.
The Post office also hosts a small shop, a book exchange and The Aluminium Story, an exhibition about the local history.
The Ice Factor has a good selection of great quality outdoor equipment.