Twelve centuries ago, West Lochaber was a buffer zone between native Picts, Norsemen and Scots. Briefly part of the Norse Kingdom of Man, it then became the eastern boundary of the powerful Lordship of the Isles.
Known in the Gaelic language as “An Garbh Chriochan” (The Rough Bounds), this area between Loch Hourn and Loch Sunart was, until the beginning of the 20th century, one of the least-visited areas of the British mainland, with most places being accessible only by sea or by an arduous trek through the glens. It is hardly surprising that this region is where the Jacobite claimant to the throne, Prince Charles Edward Stuart, took refuge after defeat at Culloden in 1746.
Not surprisingly, the area still retains its unique character and visitors return again and again, to enjoy its spectacular mountain and coastal scenery, pure white sandy beaches and one of the most spectacular railway journeys in Europe.
