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Wildlife

Probably the greatest reason to visit Knoydart is the abundant wildlife. In particular with the cottage 7m from the high tide mark it's no surprise that the wildlife is never far away.During my time on Knoydart, from a 1year old to my twenties, I have grown to know the animals which live in the bay as the heart and soul of this unique location. Without the wildlife this is still a spectacular place which you will never forget for its outstanding experiences. However without the wildlife it would miss the character which these animals give to you on every walk, sail or view from the window seat.Whether you’re keen on travelling to spot the rarer species or you just want to look through the telescope from the cottage, you will not be disturbed.Below are some of the species to be seen just outside the house or in the surrounding bays.On the land:Red Dear, Highland Goats, Frogs and sometimes Otters and pine martens.In the Water:Grey or Common Seal, Crabs, Lobsters, Langoustine, Mackerel, Porpoise,Dolphins, Shrimp, Flat fish, Mussels, Minke Whales, Basking Sharks.In the Skies:Cormorants, Black headed and common gulls, turns, guillemots, ringed plovers, oyster catchers, curlew, snipe, sand plover, kestrels, buzzards, golden and sea eagles, divers, Butterflies, Dragonflies, etc. Please see more details of Hebridean wildlife including Golden eagles, Otters, and Whales at the Doune holidays website Knoydart.Some species are far less likely to be seen than others and if you are lucky enough to see the rarer animals please don’t forget to make a note in the house book.

The Plantations

In an attempt to encourage the regeneration of the highland forests we've planted over 60,000 trees in and around Sandaig Bay since 1988.

With the first of these trees planted before we rebuilt the cottage some of these plantations are now well developed mature woodlands over 30ft tall.

These are providing a wonderful habitat for insects, birds and mammals to thrive in the cover of fresh grasses and heathers. The plantations also make for a great place for a tranquil walk or for games of "fort" as we have many times in the past.

Please remember if you open any gates to shut them immediately to prevent the devastating entrance of deer.

The trees are mainly oak, willows, mountain ash, alder, holly, scots pine and silver birch.

Hike

Horse Riding - with Wilder Ways

Cycle

 

Swim

Sailing

Day Boat Trips

Fishing

Eat and Drink

Watch Nature


 

See the Plantations

Furthermore, whilst being on Knoydart my Father has had over 20,000 saplings planted on our land in an attempt to encourage the regeneration of the highland forests. With the first of these trees planted before we rebuilt the cottage (over 20 years ago) some of these plantations are now well developed woodland with tree

heights at over 25ft!! These are providing a brilliant habitat for insects, birds and mammals to thrive in the cover of fresh grasses and heathers and a great place to go for a little walk or to play games such as "fort", "forty forty" or "the tree game" as we have many times in the past. Please remember if you open any gates to shut them immediately to prevent the devastating entrance of deer. The trees are mainly oak, willows, mountain ash, alder, holly, scots pine and silver birch.

 

Walk, Bike of Swim

The most popular way to get around on Knoydart is by foot. With over 55 square miles of open country to walk in, you never have the same experience twice.

Spectacular views, mountain air, paddling in burns, climbing water falls, keeping fit and being at one with the hills. The benefits of walking are endless but whether its just a stroll along the beach or a day trip up a Munro or two (Knoydart having 3 of its own) there is always something new around the corner to enjoy.

There are various recommended walking routes around the peninsular which can be found in the Knoydart Foundation office.

Bringing bikes is also an option, although it is very hard work.

Swimming is "refreshing", but must be tried once if the weather allows.

 

Sail

For either a potter about in the bay or a short day trip it is surprising what a different perspective you can get from the Water.

You are welcome to bring your own canoe/boat/paddleboard etc.

Disclaimer: Be careful!! Nobody will be watching you from the club house, there isn't one. In truth, no one will be watching at all.

The boats at the house are for owners use only.

Go on Day Boat Trips

Day boat trips can also be booked in larger boats from local skippers, to visit the surrounding lochs and islands of Eigg, Muck, Skye, Rhum and Canna.

One option is to use the locally based boat Lophelia run under the name of "sea knoydart". 
Sea Knoydart provides fast, comfortable and safe transport to and from Knoydart, the surrounding islands and almost anywhere you might want to go on the west coast of Scotland. Charter the boat for an hour, a day or even a whole week. Go on one of their expeditions to explore remote and exciting destinations. Sea Knoydart also incorporates Knoydart Sea School which is a Royal Yachting Association recognised powerboat school. Visit Sea Knoydart at Sea Knoydart.co.uk.

Please seek details and availability from the the Knoydart Foundation or Road to the Isles website on alternative options.

 

Try Crab and Lobster Potting

Mackerel fishing using feathers, from a saiing boat, is the best way to catch fish in summer months. 

 

Make and Race a Raft

Having constructed many rafts in our bay since I was born I find it to be one of the most satisfying, if wet activities during a holiday. Use any of the materials you find on the beach including drift wood and ropes and have a go. You could be lucky and find an old raft at the house on arrival.

In august you can also take your raft to the annual Knoydart Games. The raft race is one of several activities including the hill run and a ceilidh in the evenings.

 

Food, Drink and Amenities

Inverie (Knoydart's only village), there is a post office, a coffee shop, a micro brewery, a local gift/venison shop, a school and a couple of places to eat including:

  • The Old Forge: "the remotest pub on mainland Britain"-Guinness Book of Records.

  • The Lighthouse at the Gathering.

  • The River Cottage

Beer can be ordered/bought online from Knoydart Brewery. Venison and limited food supplies can be found in the foundation gift shop.

Beyond this food supplies have to be brought over the water from Mallaig. There are two options;

  • At Fort William there is a large Morrisons supermarket by the railway station, which is very useful for large scale stocking up prior to arrival.

  • Groceries and meat may also be bought at the Co-op or Spar in Mallaig before you take the ferry. After arriving Co-op may take telephone orders. Orders are put on the ferry for you to collect at Inverie.

If you require any more information regarding any of the above please do not hesitate to contact us.

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