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Things to do in Shiel Bridge, Highland

Shiel Bridge is in the rugged Scottish Highlands at the south-east corner of Loch Duich in Lochalsh.

Road to Glenelg
Road to Glenelg © lukasz_kochanek - stock.adobe.com

The River Shiel runs through the area which no doubt led to the village name of Shiel Bridge.

Shiel Bridge is little more than a small hamlet situated at the foot of the mountains which are known as the Five Sisters of Kintail.

The few houses which make up the village straddle along the road and overlook the rocky beach and shores of this extensive sea loch.

Loch Duich near Shiel Bridge © Hilary Milne
Loch Duich near Shiel Bridge © Hilary Milne

There are some basic services including a local shop and filling station.

The nearest town for a supermarket, bank, a doctor and a chemist is Kyle of Lochalsh 16 miles away along the shoreline of Loch Duich.

Present Day Shiel Bridge

The A87 runs through the village on its way from Invergarry to the well known Kyle of Lochalsh.

Loch Duich from Eilean Donan
Loch Duich from Eilean Donan © Chris Mann - stock.adobe.com

The small village makes a wonderful base for touring around the neighbouring villages such as Dornie, Nostie and Kirkton.

Shiel Bridge is in unspoilt natural surroundings which are ideal for nature spotting and bird watching.

Golden eagles soar, red deer frequent the area and wild goats, otters, porpoises and seals can be spotted along with other birds.

The Five Sisters of Kintail towering above Loch Duich and Shiel Bridge
The Five Sisters of Kintail towering above Loch Duich and Shiel Bridge © George - stock.adobe.com

The famous Five Sisters of Kintail provide challenges for walkers and climbers alike.

Sgurr na Moraich is the lowest at 876m, along with the peaks of Sgurr na Carnach (1002m), Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe (1027m), Sgurr na Saighead (929m) and the highest of the family, Sgurr na Fhuaran at 1068m.

Winter hiking at Forcan Ridge
Winter hiking at Forcan Ridge © rawpixel.com - stock.adobe.com

The steep and perilous ascent of the Forcan Ridge on to the Saddle is legendary among mountaineers.

The local Kintail Lodge overlooks Loch Duich and serves good bar meals and has a fine restaurant of repute which serves local game and seafood.

Things to do in Shiel Bridge

The area is perfect for those who enjoy hillwalking and mountain biking in the fresh air and lovely mountain scenery.

View to Shiel Bridge at the top of Loch Duich © Hilary Milne
View to Shiel Bridge at the top of Loch Duich © Hilary Milne

Waymarked paths at lower levels include coastal, valley and woodland walks and many mountains are within easy reach of Shiel Bridge for climbing. Pony trekking is also available locally.

The track along Glen Lichd is a popular hike, or follow the path over to Glen More which runs across the Glenelg Peninsula.

Complete this circular route by returning through the Mam Ratagan Pass.

Showers and low cloud permitting, there is a never-ending supply of inspiration for artists and photographers in this beautiful area.

Falls of Glomach
Falls of Glomach © TheUntravelledWorld - stock.adobe.com

The Falls of Glomach after heavy rain are a particularly spectacular sight.

Mackerel fishing, seal watching trips and glass-bottomed boat trips are available on the nearby coast.

The ancient Eilean Donan Castle overlooking Loch Duich
The ancient Eilean Donan Castle overlooking Loch Duich © Rob - stock.adobe.com

Alternatively, take a cruise across the dark waters of Loch Ness and pay a visit to Urquhart Castle.

The lovely Eilean Donan Castle is 5 miles further along the shores of the Loch, along with the 1719 Jacobean battleground where a short battle took place following the abandonment of the castle.

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