Lochinver is a busy little fishing village deep in Assynt, one of the strangest and most beautiful corners of the whole North Coast 500. The land here is ancient and bare, and out of it rise a handful of isolated, dramatically shaped mountains, the most famous of which is the sugarloaf peak of Suilven.
For most travellers Lochinver means one thing above all: pies. The Lochinver Larder has built a national reputation for its handmade pies, savoury and sweet, and they make the perfect thing to eat looking out over the harbour or to carry up a hill.
The Lochinver Larder
The Lochinver Larder is one of those food stops that people plan their day around. Its pies come in a wide range of fillings, from classic steak to more adventurous combinations, and there are fruit pies for afterwards. You can eat in or take them away, and they travel well if you want to save one for a viewpoint further up the road.
Suilven and the Assynt peaks
Suilven is the mountain that appears on so many NC500 photographs: a steep, rounded dome that rises almost vertically from the surrounding moorland. Actually climbing it is a long, committing day for experienced hill walkers, but you do not need to set foot on it to appreciate it. The drive around Lochinver and the wider Assynt area gives you constantly changing views of Suilven and its neighbours.
- Suilven, the iconic sugarloaf peak
- The wider Assynt landscape of lochans and bare rock
- Wailing Widow Falls, a short walk to a dramatic waterfall
- Quiet single-track roads with almost no traffic
Making the most of the stop
Lochinver works well as a lunch and photo stop rather than a long halt, though there is accommodation if you want to slow down and explore Assynt properly. If you only have time for one short detour, the Wailing Widow Falls, a little to the east near Loch na Gainmhich, is a memorable one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lochinver famous for on the NC500?
Lochinver is best known for the Lochinver Larder and its handmade pies, and as the gateway to Assynt and the distinctive peak of Suilven, which appears in many NC500 photographs.
Do you need to climb Suilven to enjoy Lochinver?
No. Climbing Suilven is a long day for experienced walkers, but the roads and viewpoints around Lochinver give superb views of the mountain without any serious hiking.
