Got any questions before you arrive? Please take a look through our FAQ’s…if you can’t find the answer then please get in touch.
How do we get to Knoydart Hide from the pier?
Knoydart Hide is only 5- 7 minutes walk from the pier, but we will arrange for your luggage to be picked up and delivered to Knoydart Hide on your day of arrival and then do the same on your day of departure – you are on holiday after all!
How long does the crossing take?
The crossing time takes approx 25 minutes on fast water taxi called THe Larven a purpose built catamaran that seats 45 passengers or 40 minutes by the Western Isles ferry service which is a beautifully converted fishing trawler carying up to 80 passengers with a licenced bar onboard. There are several boat sailings per day. The crossing is 7 miles across a sheltered sea loch (Loch Nevis) and both vessels are which are fully MCA coded, family friendly and operate daily. The MV Western Isles takes a little longer approx 40 mins and the sailing to book across on that coincides with the 3pm entry to your property is the 2.15 sailing from Mallaig. Knoydart Hide requires to be vacated by 10.30am and your optimal sailing is the 11am morning ferry or there are earlier boats if you have some distance to travel. Please ensure you are booked on for your arrival and departure sailings in advance of your stay with us to accommodate your holiday travel arrangements. Western Isles Cruises Tel 01687 462233. If you would like to charter your own private crossing, and some guests do opt for a personal charter you can book 01687 462233 for Big Dipper the covered fast rib crossing or a regular fast water taxi. Email info@westernislescruises.co.uk
Do you have an ironing board, washing machine and washing line?
Yes we have an washing machine combination tumble dryer in Knoydart Hide. There is also a Brabantia ironing board, iron and also an outdoor retractable washing line as well – ideal for hot tub towels and costumes.
Where can we get supplies?
We always recommend that guests do a big shop before arriving as there is limited shop supplies here on the peninsula. There is a large Morrisons in Fort William which you may want to stop off at en-route, however Mallaig has a well stocked Co-Op, Chemist and newsagent, as well as an excellent fishmonger Andy Race (01687 462626) where you can buy fresh fish and shellfish to take with you. There is also a Post Office on Knoydart which doubles up as a small convenience stire , off licenec and gift shop. It carries a limited stock of items but it is mainly tinned goods, dried pulses, jars and not fresh produce. Please do buy your foof shopping before you come as the shop cannot guaantee supplies and fdeos not sell fresh milk butter or bread. A great tip is to pack your shopping up in boxes which makes it easier for you to keep it all together and pop it on the ferry. We freeze our milk and bread here on Knoydart. Guests can arrange for goods to be delivered from Mallaig during their stay if further items are required such as fish, shellfish or a Co-op shop (01687 462240). The Coop and or Fishmonger will deliver to the Western Isles ferry . For Co-op orders these require to be placed by email through the Co-operative centralised website you will need to log on to http://www.co-operativefood.co.uk/mallaig 24 hours before and place your order required. You will need to phone the store 24 hours in advance of placing your order with your credit card details. For ferry deliveries please ensure boxes are marked up with 1. Your own name in full on them 2. C/0 Knoydart Hide and 3. you will require to call Western Isles Ferry Service on 01687 462233 as soon as you have placed your order and pay for the carriage charge in advance with your card or arrange with the ferry for the order to arive. Being a very busy ferry service for the peninsula, items cannot be delivered or deposited on the pier without freight payment arrangement in advance, thank you. You can purchase haunches, joints, venison sausages, burgers, minced venison and also smoked venison from the Knoydart Shop. Give them a ring on 01687 462242 to pre-order before you arrive. It is delicious!
Can we bring a vehicle?
Knoydart is very accessible from Knoydart House Studio Room and a vehicle is not required here as the property is walking distance to everything. We are 8 minutes to the Tearoom and Pottery, village, pier, restaurant and pub. All vehicles on Knoydart require a residents local permit and guests are not permitted to bring a vehicle with them. We meet all guests on arrival to collect luggage and do the same on departure making for a hassle free and seamless arrival and departure. Cars are parked safely on the mainland and you can drive right up the foot passenger ferry to pop our luggage onboard. Car parking is 5 minutes walk from the ferry terminal. the train station is also 5 minutes walk from where you board the ferry.
Does the house have central heating?
Knoydart Hide operates by Nibe thermal heat pump and has full underfloor heating throughout with each room zone controlled to maintain constant temperature at all times.
Is there a fire?
Yes, Knoydart Hide has a large wood burning stove and we provide a starter basket of logs, further logs can be purchased for the duration of your stay from the house on arrival.
Can you arrange any special activities locally for our stay with you?
We have a strong partnerships with local boat operators who offer tailored packages for groups half day or whole day activities as well as tailored made trips to places such as Rum, Eigg, Canna, Muck and Gavin Maxwells locations from his book Ring of Bright Water, Tobermory (Balamory to the little guests!) and other exciting destinations in the locality. Go whalewatching, visit Rum Castle, Isle of Eigg, Skye, Muck or Canna. Please ask when booking for details of operators packages and price information can be forwarded to you in advance of arrival to help you make the most of the locality.
You can book an experienced fishing guide to take you for a half or full days fishing in the trout lochs with rod hire here on Knoydart.
Knoydart has a bicycle hire facility at the loca Foundation Shop which can be booked in advance of arrival.
Kayak Hire sit on style is a brand new offering to Knoydart please just ask for more information.
Book a 4 x 4 Trip and experience the very best of Knoydart from all angles as well as dive into the facinating history, flora and fauna with wildlife abound.
Is there anywhere we can use bikes?
There is a new mountain bike track newly built on Knoydart by the Knoydart Forest Trust. Bikes can now be hired direct from the Foundation office. Tel 01687 462242 to book bike hire whilst staying on Knoydart or alternatively they have E- bikes for hire as well.
Can we hire fishing rods and where can we fish?
Mackerel fishing off the pier is always a popular holiday activity and usually with great results! Please feel free to bring your own rods, nets and crabbing lines for the children. If you wish to do some river fishing there are a few options available. You can fish for free on the small hill-lochs on Knoydart Foundation land tel 01687 462242 for more info in advance of arrival. You can fish for free on small hill-lochs on Knoydart Foundation land. Our local ghillie Woody offers Fishing experiences half and whole day with permits and a landrover to take you to the best fishing spots. All the information is contained within our e-guide which we send out to booked guests 8 weeks before arrival, thank you.
Do you have outdoor furniture?
Yes, we have a large Fat Boy hammock which we put up in the summer mmonths and there is some outdoor furniture two chairs and a small table ideal for a morning coffee, relaxing outside or a nightcap before bed.
Can we do any guided walks on Knoydart?
There are plenty low level and high level walks, that can be tailored to all ages and abilities. We have an excellent ranger service here on Knoydart and you can arrange a guided walk that easily accommodates mixed abilities in your group from one hour to a full day with a landrover to suit your own requirements. There are many marked walks and woodland trails that you can do unaided such as Knoydart in a Nutshell. To book a guided walk direct with our ranger (01687 462242) or tel the Foundation Office on01687 462242
MOUNTAIN GUIDE EXPERIENCE
Guided Munro, Corbett and Tarbet Walks or Fell Runs on Knoydart Inspirational walks and expeditions with an enthusiastic, experienced Mountain Leader and Eco-adventurer.
Inverie Day Walks – Inverie Hills, Corbetts and Glens. Choose from: Sgùrr Coire Choinnichean, Beinn na Caillich, Beinn Bhuidhe or the Mica Mine, Munro Bagging from Inverie. Ladhar Bheinn circular (10 to 12 hours). Meal Bhuidhe and Luinne Bheinn circular (11 to 14 hours). All 3 Inverie Munros in a day (for athletic hill walkers only). Inverie Three Package – 2 days guiding over a period of 3 days – A great option if wanting to bag the 3 Inverie Munros with the flexibility of choosing the best weather and option of a rest day in between the 2 big mountain days. Available for ½ day to 4-day adventures. All routes can be guided and delivered at your pace or even as fell runs. For more information contact Lee Anderson on Notaboutthesummit@gmail.com or telephone 07921823047
Can we organise a babysitter?
Yes. we can arrange for you to book one of our own responsible family babysitters on request with notice for a charge.
Can we get married at Knoydart Hide?
Yes! We have had some lovely humanist ceremonies here, elopements and vow renewals here on Knoydart as well as civil partnership ceremonies on the decking and in the woodland. Some guests choose to get married on a beach. We also have Knoydart Hide our luxury honeymoon hideaway for 2 www.knoydarthouse.co.uk which can be booked in conjunction with Knoydart Hide for guests or witnesses to your celebration.
Can we bring our dog with us?
Well behaved pets are most welcome £45 per dog per stay up to a maximum of 3 dogs by prior arrangement only. We ask that dogs remain strictly out of bedrooms/off furniture at all times -. Please bring your dogs own preferred bedding etc. We can provide 2 medium sized baskets, bowls and extra pet towels on request for beach walks, drying off etc. upon request. Please inform us at time of booking or in advance of arrival if you wish to bring a pet with you.
Is there anything else we should bring with us?
We provide toilet rolls, black bags, a few dish wash tabs to get you going and a starter amount of tea, sugar, coffee, however you may want to consider bringing wetsuits, ipod (we have a bluetooth Bose sound dock), laptop (for wifi), baby bedding for cots and your fishing rods. Please bring your own choice of washing powder -(due to different skin sensitivities we ask that you select your own preferred powder, thank you). We have a Nespresso Magimix coffee maker which uses pods. We provide complimentary dispensers with Highland Soaps organic Lemongrass and Ginger Shampoo, conditioner, hand wash, hand lotion and body wash for your use during your stay. Knoydart Hide has a powerful Dyson hairdryer for your use. If you have young family members staying with us here at Knoydart Hide what about crabbing lines, kites, spades and buckets these are always a great source of entertainment for their holiday! We do provide all towels, including an extra towel for hot tub use.
Where do we park our cars in Mallaig?
Knoydart is a foot passenger ferry service. If arriving by car, head to the inner most pier and you can off-load luggage directly onto your ferry and then you can park your car. Parking is approx 5 minute walk from the ferry drop off. Our cars stay in Mallaig all year round safely while we stay on Knoydart, some parking is operated on Ringo meters and there are some spaces that do not require a parking ticket in East Bay. In the house e-guide we willsend you details of parking options for your stay. As you approach Mallaig, go throught the roundabout and turn right into the village. Drive through the villlage and round to the marina, there are a nuimber of spaces further on beyond the marina that you can park. On arrival we meet you with av ehicle to take your luggage up to Knoydart Hide it is a 5 minute walk but saves carrying anything and we do the same on departure for you as well. It’s a pretty slick operation and works very well for our guests.
Can we BBQ
We do not have a BBQ at Knoydart Hide simply because of the inherent fire risk, being situated in ancient woodland, with no roads in and being totaly off grid with no fire fighting service facilities.
However we do encourage guests who wish to BBQ to head down to the beach area where at the long beach there are picnic benches and safe campfire facilities. To uphold our commitment to the environment and also sustainability we can recommend a Eco BBQ if you wish to cook outdoors. It can be purchased online here https://bit.ly/EcoBBQ
You can also buy frozen venison sausages and burgers from the local shop for a taste of the Wild on Knoydart.
Can we stream films - Yes!
We are connected to Sabhal Mhor Ostaig the Gaelic College in Skye via Hebnet the Hebridean Network. It is excellent and fast – it needs to be to deliver education to the outreach areas. You will be able to stream your favourite films and downloads, zoom or connect if you have to.
Is there a hairdryer?
We have a Dyson hairdryer for guests in the property.
Do you provide towels?
We provide 2 x towels, 1 x hand towel and a bathmat for your use during your stay.
What else do you provide?
We provide all cleaning materials, bin bags, loo rolls, toilet paper, lemongrass and ginger shampoo, conditioner, body-wash from Highland Organic Soaps and a hand-soap dispenser.
There are two tea-towels, cooking oil, salt, pepper, teabags and Nespresso coffee pods for the coffee machine.
Please kindly note we do not provide kitchen towel as we are committed to reusing, recyling and reducing waste products. We do provide all cleaning products along with cleaning cloths for wiping over surfaces. Thank you.
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