Onich has cultural and landscape highlights that can be described through specific details: a menhir with two circular holes, a listed church with a cemetery, woodland on slopes in a protected area that extends from sea level to over 400 metres, and a series of eight waterfalls in Glen Righ. There is also Loch Linnhe, which is accessible on foot, and boat trips on the sea loch. When planning your trip, it is worth considering these different highlights: local history, woodland scenery and experiences on the water each offer a distinct perspective.
Menhir and Churches: Culture in Onich
Clach-a-charra is a menhir in Onich, just under seven feet high, with two circular holes. Its height and openings give the stone a distinctive profile; as a cultural highlight, it sits alongside the church buildings. St Bride’s Episcopal Church and its cemetery are listed as a Category C building under designation number 7077. The present building of North Ballachulish Church was built in 1911.
The two churches offer different points of historical interest: at St Bride’s, the listed status is the main feature, while at North Ballachulish, it is the year the present building was constructed. Alongside these church-related points of interest, the menhir gives Onich a distinctive stone monument. The cultural story thus ranges from the shape of a single stone to church buildings with specific historical features.
Forests and Waterfalls
The Onich to North Ballachulish Woods protected area extends from sea level to over 400 metres. It includes woodland on north-, south- and west-facing slopes, as well as a variety of rock types. Elevation, slope aspect and underlying geology offer different perspectives on the same landscape: the elevation describes the range covered by the protected area, the aspect describes the position of the slopes, and the rock types describe the underlying geology.
In Glen Righ, the Abhainn Righ tumbles in a series of cascades over eight waterfalls. This is a different landscape feature from the protected area and its wooded slopes: here, the sequence of waterfalls along the river defines the description, while there the focus is on the combination of elevation, slope aspect and rock. Those comparing nature attractions will find both a protected area with several landscape features and a clearly countable sequence of waterfalls.
Loch Linnhe on Foot and on the Water
Loch Linnhe is a sea loch with scenic views and is accessible on foot from Onich. In the Onich area, trips on the loch offer the chance to observe Scottish wildlife and learn about history and culture. These provide different ways to experience the loch: walking there from Onich, and taking trips where wildlife watching, history and culture may be part of the experience. Check before your trip whether the trips you want are available.
Dining with a View of Loch Linnhe
The Lochside Bar and Restaurant at the Onich Hotel serves local and international cuisine with views of Loch Linnhe. The restaurant welcomes hotel guests and local residents. As restaurant details and opening arrangements can change, check the latest information before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Grantown On Spey, Rogart, Corpach, Carbost, Muir Of Ord, Auchlunachan, Dalchreichart, Insh.
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