Thinking of visiting Kyle of Lochalsh on your travels through Scotland? I recently visited Kyle of Lochalsh and am sharing everything you need to know, including where to eat, stay, and what to see.

Written by: Lesley Stewart | Updated August 2025

Perched on Scotland’s west coast, the harbour town of Kyle of Lochalsh is best known as the gateway to Skye, with the iconic Skye Bridge providing a link from the mainland.

Most travellers only see Kyle of Lochalsh from their car window, as they pass through on their way to the Misty Isle. Yet Kyle of Lochalsh is a lovely little town, and the surrounding area is filled with stunning Highland scenery, fairytale castles, quaint villages, and cosy restaurants.

Kyle also makes an excellent base for exploring both the mainland Highlands and the Isle of Skye.

Accommodation here is often more available than on Skye itself, and the town is served by rail, bus, and road links. The scenic Kyle Line train from Inverness ends here, making it one of the most beautiful rail journeys in Scotland and an easy way to reach Skye without a car.

I recently spent a few weeks in and around Kyle of Lochalsh, soaking up the scenery and can confirm it’s well worth a visit, whether you have a day or a few hours. In the town, the distillery, seafood shack, and glass-bottom boat make for an excellent afternoon.

Kyle of Lochalsh / Eilean Donan Castle / Scotland

But it’s also the starting point for a highly rated day tour that crosses the Skye Bridge and completes a scenic loop of the island’s most famous spots—perfect if you’d like to see the highlights without driving yourself.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Kyle of Lochalsh, including where to stay, eat, and things to see & do. Plus, I’ll also give you things to see on your journey into town, because the road to Kyle is scattered with incredible views, walks, and sites.

Lastly, I’m going to share practical advice for visiting this largely rural area and what to expect whilst you’re here.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels & Things to Do in Kyle of Lochalsh:

Whether you only have a day or a few nights in Kyle of Lochalsh, these are the experiences and stays I recommend most:

Things to Do

Tours

Join a guided day tour of Skye: the easiest way to see the island’s highlights in a single day without the hassle of driving. This Skye day tour from Inverness or this option from Kyle.

Hotels

Choosing the right base in (or near) Kyle depends on your style of trip. The area is home to a good mix of small independent hotels, family-run guesthouses, and cosy B&Bs. Because most places only have a handful of rooms, it’s wise to book well in advance—especially in summer.

Here are some of the best-rated options:

Kintail Lodge Hotel: charming small hotel, with excellent restaurant.
Balmacara Hotel: recently refurbished, offering modern comforts and stunning coastal views.
The Old Post House: a traditional cottage-style stay in Kyle itself, perfect for groups or longer visits.
Creaggan Ard Guest House: a welcoming, small guesthouse in Kyle.
Shepherd Hut: a unique and cosy coastal option for those looking for something a little different.
Creag Dubh B&B: a cosy small stay, ideal for those who prefer a homely feel.

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If you’re planning a wider trip along Scotland’s west coast or onto the Isle of Skye, don’t miss my 3–5 day Skye itinerary, my guide to the best west coast road trip, and local destination guides to Plockton, Portree, and Eilean Donan Castle.

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Tip | We use Discover Cars for our rentals in Scotland, which offer full coverage insurance, and trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Scotland is really quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

Where is Kyle of Lochalsh?

Kyle of Lochalsh is a small but well-connected coastal town on Scotland’s west coast, sitting at the edge of the Lochalsh peninsula.

It marks the gateway to the Isle of Skye via the Skye Bridge and is surrounded by dramatic Highland scenery. To the east lie the rugged Kintail mountains, while to the south, you’ll find three sea lochs converging at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle: Loch Alsh, Loch Duich, and Loch Long.

The town is also within easy reach of other West Coast highlights.

The picturesque harbour village of Plockton is just a 15-minute drive north, while on Skye itself, you can be in Broadford in 15 minutes and in Portree in around 45 minutes.

Kyle of Lochalsh & Skye tours

Or, take away the stress of driving and public transport, and visit Kyle of Lochalsh on an organised tour. These tours are highly rated and have hundreds of excellent reviews:

From Inverness: This excellent 1-day trip is ideal for those who base themselves in Inverness, and includes stops at Eilean Donan Castle, Kintail, Kyle of Lochalsh, and onwards to the most popular sites on the Isle of Skye. Book here.
From Kyle of Lochalsh: If you’re visiting Kyle and want to take a day trip to Skye, this brilliant one-day tour is a fantastic way to experience Skye’s highlights. Book here.
From Edinburgh: If you’re based in Edinburgh or want a longer tour, this incredible 3-day Scottish Highlands tour includes stops at Oban, Glenfinnan, Fort William, Loch Ness, Kintail, Kyle of Lochalsh, and Skye. Book here.

Best things to do in Kyle of Lochalsh

Most travellers come to Kyle of Lochalsh for its setting—surrounded by lochs, mountains, and the dramatic west coast scenery that makes this part of Scotland so special. Unsurprisingly, the best things to do here lean towards the outdoors: walks, wildlife, and time spent on the water.

But the town itself also has a few hidden gems that reward a slower look around, as well as the chance to sample incredible West Coast seafood.

1. Visit The Plock Viewpoint

Kyle itself is small, and best explored on foot. While there aren’t many “sights” as such, there are spectacular viewpoints, and the best is easily from The Plock.

From the centre of town, it’s about a 10–15 minute uphill walk to reach The Plock, a community-owned parkland set on a headland above Kyle.

The short trails here loop through meadows and woodland before opening up to sweeping views of the Skye Bridge, Loch Alsh, and the jagged Cuillin mountains on Skye. It’s a peaceful spot during the day, but at sunset the skies often glow over the bridge - one of the most photogenic views in the area.

2. Skye Bridge Distillery

One of the best stops in town is the Skye Bridge Distillery, a small craft distillery making gin and other spirits on the edge of the harbour. We popped in for a tasting and browsed the shop - it’s a boutique distillery, so everything is small batch and there’s a focus on independent bottles.

Insider Tip: Visit their sister distillery in nearby Broadford if you’re also visiting Skye; it’s a charming little distillery with an interesting selection of bottles and a fun tasting experience.

3. Go on a boat trip

One of the most unique experiences in Kyle is Scotland’s only semi-submersible glass-bottom boat —a trip that lets you enjoy the scenery both above and below the waves.

From the comfort of the deck, you’ll pass under the Skye Bridge, which is just so brilliant; honestly, it’s such a unique way to see the iconic bridge! You’ll also take in views of the Cuillin mountains and spot wildlife along the shoreline.

Below the surface, large viewing windows reveal shipwrecks, kelp forests, starfish, and even seals swimming in the loch.

Insider Tip: This Kyle boat trip is a really fun few hours and something I highly recommend! Avoid the queues (or the disappointment of finding it fully booked, which happened to us the first time we visited) and purchase your tickets in advance.

4. Seafood at The Fisherman’s Kitchen

For seafood lovers, the Fisherman’s Kitchen is one of the best stops in Kyle of Lochalsh. This small, informal spot serves up freshly caught fish and shellfish with gorgeous views over Skye and the road bridge.

Favourites include traditional fish and chips, crispy battered langoustine tails, or hot smoked salmon. All perfect to take away and enjoy at The Plock or down by the harbour.

Insider tip: sadly, there aren’t any good coffee shops in Kyle, and coffee lovers should head over the bridge for an island-inspired caffeine fix.

5. Get outdoors

The landscapes around Kyle are some of the most dramatic in the Highlands.

If you’re an experienced hiker, the Five Sisters of Kintail ridge walk is a serious challenge with unforgettable views. For something more relaxed, the Balmacara Woodland Walks are a local favourite for a short, peaceful stroll, while the Falls of Glomach—one of the UK’s highest waterfalls—can be reached on a long but rewarding hike. Standing above the 113-metre cascade feels like discovering a secret corner of the Highlands.

6. Explore Nearby Gems

The roads around Kyle lead to some of the prettiest villages on the west coast.

Dornie: home to cosy pubs and, most famously, Eilean Donan Castle. Just a 10-minute drive from Kyle, it makes an easy half-day trip.
Plockton: often called “the jewel of the Highlands,” this harbour village is fringed with palm trees thanks to the Gulf Stream. Boat trips here offer excellent chances of spotting seals.
Glenelg: reached via a winding single-track road, this remote village feels worlds away. Highlights include sandy beaches, Iron Age brochs, and some of the best views across to Skye.
Eilean Donan Castle: Few castles in Scotland are as iconic as Eilean Donan, set on its own tidal island where three lochs meet. You can tour the interior, which is beautifully restored, but even if you don’t go inside, the views from the causeway are worth the trip.

7. Visit the Isle of Skye

Of course, the star attraction nearby is the Isle of Skye, reached in minutes across the Skye Bridge. From Kyle, you can be in Broadford in 15 minutes or in Portree, the island’s colourful capital, in about 45 minutes.

If you’re short on time, a guided day tour from Kyle is one of the easiest ways to see Skye’s most famous landmarks in one go, without needing to drive. With more time, consider staying overnight in Portree to explore the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and the Fairy Pools at a slower pace.

Insider Tip: Accommodation on Skye books up months in advance, so using Kyle as your base can be a smart and stress-free alternative.

Kyle of Lochalsh restaurants & Cafes

The best restaurants and places to eat in Kyle of Lochalsh and within an easy drive of the town:

Kintail Lodge Hotel, Glen Shiel

Possibly my favourite restaurant in the Kyle of Lochalsh area, you’ll want to book a table well in advance. The restaurant in the Kintail Lodge Hotel serves a varied menu with crowd pleasing favourites like venison sausages with mash, a double-stack burger, and pan-fried scallops. Book a table here.

The Clachan, Dornie

In the village of Dornie, the Clachan serves hearty pub grub like steak burgers, fish & chips, and sausages with mash. Inside is cosy and traditional, with friendly staff and weekly live music sessions. Book a table here.

All The Goodness, Dornie

You’ll find All The Goodness next to Eilean Donan Castle, serving a range of cookies, pastries, and cakes. The menu changes daily but choose from the likes of squidgy brownies, rich fruit cake, and sticky cinnamon buns. Everything is freshly baked onsite, plus there’s an extensive hot drinks menu from excellent coffee to matcha tea and organic hot chocolate. And whilst this is a takeaway, everything is served in plant-based Vegware. Find it here.

The Pitstop at Kintail, Ault a'chruinn

This cafe is on the road to Kyle of Lochalsh, so its a great option if you’re passing through or walking at nearby Kintail. The breakfast menu is served until 12pm and will set you up for a day of exploring. If you’re eating later in the day, the full menu is available till 7.30pm and includes chilli, halloumi fries, toasties, and loaded fries. Find it here.

Fisherman’s Kitchen, Kyle of Lochalsh

The Fisherman’s Kitchen is a Kyle of Lochalsh seafood institution. The clues in the name suggest that the speciality here is fish and seafood, including langoustines, crab, mussels, haddock, monk, and scallops. Tuck into a freshly prepared takeaway or buy locally caught seafood to cook at home. Find it here.

Lighthouse Coffee, Kyle of Lochalsh

If you’re looking for a coffee break in Kyle of Lochalsh, this top-rated little cafe serves locally roasted coffee and a range of TeaPigs teas. It’s based on the high street and also serves freshly baked pastries. Find it here.

Manuela's Wee Bakery, Dornie

You’ll find Manuela's Wee Bakery tucked away along a side road near Eilean Donan Castle. This unassuming bakery hides a world of quirky delights, with a German fairytale-inspired garden, gin distillery, and pizza takeaway. There’s plenty of choice in the bakery too, like fresh rustic breads, cookies, muffins, and croissants. Find it here.

How to get to Kyle of Lochalsh

By car

The easiest and most flexible way to reach Kyle of Lochalsh is by car, especially if you’re on a Scotland road trip. This is a rural area where public transport can be limited, so having your own vehicle allows you to explore at your own pace.

Tip | We use Discover Cars for our rentals in Scotland, which offer full coverage insurance, and trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Scotland is really quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

By Train

The scenic Kyle Line connects Inverness with Kyle of Lochalsh in around 2.5 hours, passing lochs, mountains, and tiny Highland villages along the way. With four departures daily, it’s one of Scotland’s most beautiful railway journeys. Tickets cost around £28.30 for a single adult fare, and can be booked in advance.

From Edinburgh, rail travel is less convenient: the journey takes about 7 hours and requires a change in Inverness. Still, if you enjoy slow travel and dramatic landscapes, it’s a memorable way to arrive.

By Bus

Scottish Citylink runs long-distance coaches that stop in Kyle of Lochalsh en route to Skye. Travel times are around 5.5 hours from Glasgow and 2 hours from Inverness. It’s a budget-friendly and practical option, with online booking available in advance.

Kyle of Lochalsh travel tips

Before you set off, a few practical tips. Facilities around Kyle of Lochalsh are limited, and this becomes especially noticeable during the busy summer months.

With only a small Co-op supermarket in town and just a handful of places to eat, both restaurants and accommodation can book up quickly - so it’s best to make reservations well in advance. Trust me, I’ve seen families turned away from restaurants and hotels simply because there’s no space (and they didn’t book in advance).

The same goes for fuel: stations are few and far between on this stretch of the West Coast, so plan ahead and don’t let your tank run low if you’re continuing on towards Skye or the more remote corners of the Highlands.

A little preparation is essential to having the best time in this coastal hotspot.

A Short Guide To Visiting Kyle of Lochalsh