Polloch highlights two distinct aspects of the landscape: the forests and waters of Glen Hurich Polloch Forest, and the mining history around Corrantee. You can shape your stay around your interests—wildlife watching, fishing or exploring traces of the past. As a landmark for your arrival, Polloch’s car park is at the end of the public road from Strontian.

Forests, Wildlife and Views

The trails in Glen Hurich Polloch Forest offer views of Loch Shiel, Loch Doilet and the River Polloch. Red deer, golden eagles and rare black-throated divers can be found in the area’s forests, rivers and lochs. For anyone interested in wildlife, this offers several clearly identified species and a range of habitats as part of the local nature experience.

The native woodlands of Glen Hurich are home to a variety of lichens, mosses and liverworts. Glen Hurich also contains a rare surviving fragment of ancient oak woodland. Alongside the more conspicuous wildlife, the smaller forms of woodland life and this fragment of oak woodland are among Polloch’s distinctive natural features.

The Loch Shiel viewpoint trail passes through native woodland and by a floating pontoon for boats on the loch. From the viewpoints, you can look out over Loch Shiel and the outlet of the Polloch. The trail thus links woodland with specific viewpoints; check local conditions before setting out.

Fishing on the Loch and River

Boats are available to hire for anglers at Loch Doilet, and an electric outboard motor can also be rented. This motor makes the whole loch accessible. Confirm that rentals are available before your trip. Visitors can also fish on the Polloch River. Salmon and sea trout are present there towards the end of summer. Before your trip, check the seasonal fishing conditions and arrangements for the river again.

The two fishing options differ in both location and season: at Loch Doilet, the focus is on hire boats and the electric outboard motor, while the salmon and sea trout found on the Polloch River towards the end of summer provide a specific seasonal point of reference. This can help you plan according to whether you are more interested in fishing on the loch or the seasonal river fishing.

Corrantee and the History of Mining

The trail to the Corrantee Lead Mines starts on the minor road to Polloch, at the far end of Loch Doilet and south of the bridge. Check trail conditions before setting out. The Corrantee Mine was among the first mines to open, in 1725. The lead-bearing deposits were then worked intermittently until the mine finally closed in 1871.

The remains include a waterwheel house that originally contained a large iron waterwheel. The surviving building and the wheel it originally housed provide a physical and technical connection to the mining history. The Corrantee trail brings together practical directions to the starting point, the history of lead mining and a surviving element of the original works.

Discover more destinations: John o' Groats, Kyle Of Lochalsh, Balmacara, Applecross, Shandwick, Forres, Castletown, Kyleakin

For the wider travel overview: Highland.