Small though it is, Lochcarron is a bit of a service hub hereabouts with a supermarket, petrol station and a handful of accommodation and eating options.

But other than for its gateway services, it’s also well worth a stop for a couple of craft sights.

The Smithy Hub

North of town, around 1/2 a mile from the Strathcarron turnoff you’ll find the The Smithy Hub, a community-owned arts centre in a nineteenth-century smithy and forge. As well as various local handmade arts and crafts for sale (lovely pottery), there’s also visitor information, free wifi and it’s a good spot for homemade cakes and coffee too.

Lochcarron Weavers

A more established and bigger enterprise, are the Lochcarron Weavers, tartan specialists located 2 miles along a little loch-side branch road south of the centre. It’s a great place to learn about weaving and design and of course buy tartan too.

To stretch your legs, head another 1.5 miles further down the road to the ruins of Strome Castle.