Castle Bay

Bay in Ross-shire

Scotland

Castle Bay

Stromemore from Strome Ferry In 1966 the A890, used this route, via the ferry to continue its way North. — Stromemore from Strome Ferry Credit: Peter Jeffery

Castle Bay is a picturesque coastal village located in the region of Ross-shire, in the Scottish Highlands. Situated on the eastern shore of the stunning Dornoch Firth, the bay offers breathtaking views of the North Sea and the surrounding hills and cliffs. The village is named after the historic Castle Bay House, which overlooks the bay and adds to the charm of the area.

The bay itself is a small sandy beach, perfect for leisurely walks or picnics while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming during the warmer months, and the bay's sheltered position makes it a popular spot for water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

Castle Bay is a haven for nature lovers, with a diverse range of wildlife inhabiting the area. Seals can often be spotted lounging on the rocks, while dolphins and porpoises occasionally make appearances in the bay. The surrounding countryside offers ample opportunities for hiking and birdwatching, with a variety of species to be spotted in the nearby forests and wetlands.

The village itself is small but charming, with a handful of traditional cottages and a local pub serving hearty meals and refreshing drinks. Visitors can also explore the nearby historic ruins of Castle Varich, a medieval stronghold that offers a glimpse into the area's rich history.

Overall, Castle Bay in Ross-shire is a peaceful and idyllic coastal haven, perfect for those seeking a tranquil getaway surrounded by natural beauty.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Castle Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.35879/-5.5577437 or Grid Reference NG8635. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stromemore from Strome Ferry

In 1966 the A890, used this route, via the ferry to continue its way North.

Peter Jeffery

Roadworks near Stromeferry

Alpin Stewart

The Reraig Burn

Doug Lee

Old Stromeferry Hotel

This hotel dates from 1874, but has been disused for a number of years. It was damaged by a fire in 1993. Since then there have been several proposals for renovating the building, and some repair work was done. But that seems to have stopped, and it is now derelict. The hotel features in Iain Banks' novel 'Complicity'. It is listed on the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland. Link

Craig Wallace

View over Loch Carron

A view along the length of Loch Carron, from beside the A890 road, near Stromeferry. With a mixture of trees growing on the slopes below, including plenty of birch and larch.

Craig Wallace

Stromeferry railway station

Quite a long platform, for what is now a not very busy station. Looking west along the line, towards Plockton and Kyle of Lochalsh. With a boat on a trailer just beside the station. Stromeferry station has been much busier in the past, with several platforms, sidings, a goods shed and connections for ships at the pier.

Craig Wallace

Sign for Port an t-SrÃ²im / Stromeferry (No ferry)

A road sign on the A890, for the junction to Stromeferry, or Port an t-Sròim in Gaelic. The "No ferry" message has reappeared - it wasn't on the sign last year. I'm not sure if that is an 'official' modification. NG8634 : Stromeferry No "No Ferry"

Craig Wallace

Beinn Bhan from Bad a' Chreamha

View over Loch Kishorn to the Applecross Hills

Clive Giddis

Station at Stromeferry

I always liked the road signs to this tiny place which always point to "Stromeferry (no ferry)". The last car-ferry across Loch Carron ceased in 1970. However, in 2012 a landslide closed the main A890 and a passenger ferry and a car ferry were briefly re-introduced to help alleviate the serious transport problems caused.

Gordon Brown

North Strome slipway

Peter Moore

Loch Carron shore at Stromeferry

Alan Reid

Strome Castle, Loch Carron

Alan Reid

Stromeferry and Loch Carron

Douglas Nelson

Strome Castle, Loch Carron

Not a lot left, but the history is here; Link

Chris Morgan

The old slipway, North Strome

Before the road from Strome Ferry to Strathcarron was opened in 1970, this was the ferry crossing on the road north.

Jim Barton

Strome Castle

In the late 16th century the castle was held by the Macdonalds of Glengarry but the neighbouring Mackenzies disputed possession and in 1602 laid siege. By accident, water was poured into the gunpowder casks. Learning of this, the Mackenzies allowed the Macdonalds to surrender and evacuate the castle which was then blown up. (Source: information board nearby - also see Link

)

Jim Barton