Kinlochleven: A secluded spot in the Scottish Highlands

 

Introduction

This evening, I am posting information on the secluded village of Kinlochleven (pop 1100) which is set in the Scottish Highlands against a backdrop of stunning scenery comprising mountains, Loch Leven, a river, moor and woodland.

Information on Kinlochleven 

By road, Kinlochleven is twenty-two miles S.E. of Fort William and seven miles east of Glencoe.

The name translates as 'at the head of Loch Leven'.


Morning view of Kinlochleven from West Highland Way 

View of Loch Leven from vantage point of West Highland Way.

Despite many attractive features, Kinlochleven does not receive the high volume of tourists who frequent nearby Fort William and Glencoe. However, the village is conveniently situated on the line of the West Highland Way, a long distance hiking trail which is used by some 30,000 people each year many of whom use Kinlochleven as an overnight stop-over.

The village rose to prominence in 1909 upon commissioning of a huge aluminium smelter which was powered by a hydro-electric scheme using water sourced from a dam created in the mountains high above the village.The smelter was closed in 2000 after which substantial assets and land were transferred to a local Community Trust. However, electricity generation continues.

The Community Trust was formed to acquire land transferred from the aluminium producing company, Alcan, to the local community for regeneration purposes. As a consequence, the local community moved from its historical dependence of heavy industry to outdoor tourism and small businesses.

Loch Leven and the River Leven provide for water based activities. In the town is the Ice Factor, a facility which provides for indoor ice and rock climbing.For visitors there is a wide range of accommodation to suit most budgets plus a couple of inns.

The writer was impressed by the freshness of the air and cleanliness of the environment.

Fast flowing river at Kinlochleven

White water activities
 

Housing at Kinlochleven


The Tailrace Inn (pub).

Ice Factor building-indoors ice and rock climbing.

Lairigmor (the great pass)

Overall, Kinlochleven would present a good location for a visitor wishing to connect with the Scottish Highlands whilst desiring a base away from the hustle and bustle of more popular tourist centres.

More information 

The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland provides a wide range of information on Scotland. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle. 

 


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