Knoydart
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![]() Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula | |
Location within the Highland council area | |
Population | 157 [1] |
Community council | |
Council area | |
Lieutenancy area | |
Country | Scotland |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | MALLAIG |
Postcode district | PH41 |
Dialling code | 01687 |
UK Parliament | |
Scottish Parliament | |
Knoydart National Scenic Area | |
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![]() Ladhar Beinn from Eileann Choinneach | |
Location | Lochaber, Scotland |
Area | 507 km2 (196 sq mi)[2] |
Established | 1981 |
Governing body | NatureScot |
Knoydart /ˈnɔɪdərt, ˈnɔɪdɑːrt/ (Scottish Gaelic: Cnòideart) is a peninsula in Lochaber, Highland, on the west coast of Scotland. Knoydart is sandwiched between Lochs Nevis and Hourn — often translated as "Loch Heaven" (from the Gaelic Loch Néimh) and "Loch Hell" (Gaelic: Loch Iutharn) respectively, although the somewhat poetic nature of these derivations is disputed.[3] Forming the northern part of what is traditionally known as na Garbh-Chrìochan or "the Rough Bounds", because of its harsh terrain and remoteness, Knoydart is also referred to as "Britain's last wilderness".[4] It is only accessible by boat, or by a 16-mile (26 km) walk through rough country,[3] and the seven miles (11 km) of tarred road are not connected to the UK road system.
Knoydart is designated as one of the forty national scenic areas in Scotland, which are defined so as to identify areas of exceptional scenery and to ensure their protection from inappropriate development.[5] The designated area covers 50,696 ha (125,270 acres) in total, of which 40,201 ha (99,340 acres) is on land, with a further 10,495 ha (25,930 acres) being marine (i.e. below low tide level).[2]
The area is popular with hill walkers, mountaineers, sailors and wildlife enthusiasts. It includes the Munros of Ladhar Bheinn (1020 m), Luinne Bheinn (939 m), Meall Buidhe (946 m) and Sgurr na Cìche (1040 m).[6] The peninsula also contains six Corbetts, including Ben Aden (887 m) and Beinn na Caillich (785 m).[7]