The Area
Welcome to Kinlochleven and surrounding area.
We hope you enjoy your visit.
Please be mindful that there is a large community living here
as well as a diverse range of wildlife.
Please remember to:
make yourself aware of the Scottish outdoor access code before you travel
book accommodation prior to your arrival where possible
always act responsibly
dispose of litter correctly and recycle where able
minimise your impact
take care if you are out exploring the mountains, valleys, rivers and lochs
Journeys through time
For many centuries, Kinlochleven was an important stop for drovers travelling with their cattle to other parts of the country and names such as Allt Coire Na Ba (the river of the cattle) is a reminder of this history. Drovers opened routes and some of them later even contributed to the building of the military road in the 18th century now known as the West Highland Way.
For a long time Kinlochleven consisted of two small hamlets Kinlochbeg and Kinlochmore which were popular retreats for deer stalkers under the Victorians. The names ‘’Ken Loch Beg’’, ‘’Kean-Loch Moire’’ and Kean-Loch-Lyon already appeared in the map produced by Timothy Pont in the 1590’s.
King Edward V11 stayed at Mamore Lodge and Kinlochlochmore Lodge and those who say he stayed at Mamore Lodge (1902 and 1909) on Kinlochmore Estate while shooting in the area. Later the woodlands above Kinlochleven were chosen as a suitable site for a POW camp during World War 1. The remains of the site are still visible today, visited by many using a popular access path from the village.
The age of industry
The village of Kinlochleven was developed in the early 1900’s when the then North British Aluminium Company harnessed two of the Highlands natural assets – water and hills – to create the Blackwater Reservoir, a hydro-electric plant and the Kinlochleven Aluminium Smelter. The story of the construction and the harsh conditions encountered by the 3,000 men involved, known as navvys, is well known thanks to the book ‘’Children of the Dead End’ ’by Irish poet and journalist Patrick McGill, who himself worked on the project completed in 1909.
The small hamlet, built where the River Leven meets Loch Leven, quickly became the thriving one-industry village of Kinlochleven. As the smelter developed, so did the community. The smelter employed over 800 at times, making a major contribution to the economy of South Lochaber for almost a century. With strong international demand for aluminium, the village quickly grew to a thriving community of over 1000 people. The smelter specialised in the production of high purity aluminium. The large hydroelectric scheme that powered the processing plant utilising made Kinlochleven the first village in the world to have every house connected to electricity, coining the phrase “The Electric Village”.
The smelter’s operator, Alcan Smelting and Power (UK) Ltd, announced in 1994 that, due to changing international patterns of demand, outdated technology and economies of scale, it would close around the turn of the century. In March 1999, 96 people were employed in the smelter, with an anticipated closure date in June 2000. In June 2000, the smelter finally closed, and this had an understandably devastating effect on this community that was, to a large extent, economically and socially dependant on Alcan. In response, a multi-agency and community forum was established to address the regeneration of the area. An outcome of this group’s work was the formation of the Kinlochleven Land Development Trust (KLDT), now known as Kinlochleven Community Trust, a private company limited by guarantee, and with charitable status, that is working with the community in taking forward the strategy for redeveloping the village.
A changed world
Today the village has around 800 inhabitants and welcomes thousands more visitors every year that have encouraged growth and development in the outdoor and tourism sector. Kinlochleven is a notable destination for a variety of local, national and international events, is experiencing much interest in film and television opportunities and is a popular starting point for walking and outdoor pursuits.
The old carbon factory has been turned into a world class indoor climbing centre, Ice Factor, famous for its indoor ice climbing wall. From April one will hear many languages from around the world spoken and see many rucksacks, a reminder that the village is on the popular West Highland Way. For many walking from Milngavie near Glasgow, Kinlochleven is the last overnight stop before Fort William and there is a sense of celebration and happiness in the air during the long summer days. The 96-mile challenge is nearly over, but not quite yet, as one of the most beautiful legs of the journey up the Mamores is still to come.
A sense of place
The history and the geographic location of Kinlochleven make it a very special place. The village is situated between the Glencoe mountain range and Mamore mountains. Hillwalkers can have access to a series of well sought after munros, offering from their summits and ridges some of the best views of Ben Nevis, from Binheim Mór to the well-known Ring of Steall; the route of the famous race run by Skyline Scotland every year.
The water is also part of the beauty of Kinlochleven and includes Loch Leven, many waterfalls, rivers, freshwater lochs in the Mamores and the historic Blackwater reservoir still producing electricity today. The wildlife and biodiversity in the area is fantastic, with a wide range of habitats attracting a variety of species from otters, dolphins, red squirrels to eagles that many photographers and wildlife enthusiasts enjoy throughout the year.
Just around the corner
In the vicinity of Kinlochleven outdoors enthusiasts will find a wide range of activities available throughout the year. From the heights of mighty Ben Nevis to the white sandy beaches of the West Coast, there is something for everyone. Snow activities and mountain biking are within easy reach, with Glencoe Mountain Resort only 30mn away from the village and Nevis Range 40mn. Archery and golf can be enjoyed only 10mn up the road in Glencoe and Ballachulish whilst white water rafting and via ferrata are offered in Kinlochleven itself. The beautiful coastal town of Oban is only an hour away and offers a wide range of sea activities including scuba diving. For those looking for a quieter pace of holiday the breadth and space of Lochaber offer something for everyone.
