Guest Rating
According to the team at Kylesmorar, grown men have been known to cry when they have to leave at the end of their stay here. And it's not beyond belief, for Loch Nevis, the 'Loch of Heaven' in Gaelic, must surely be one of the most remarkable and unforgettable holiday destinations imaginable.
Quick Info
| Sleeps: 4 | Bedrooms: 2 |
| Changeover Day: Fri | Pets Allowed: Yes (3) |
| No smoking | Bathrooms: 1 |
Accessible only by boat, the estate lies east of Mallaig on the west coast of Scotland, on the remote shores of Loch Nevis, round which no roads run. Once a thriving crofting community, the original inhabitants are long gone but from the former crofting township however, three principal buildings, The Bothy/Schoolhouse and the Old Post Office, have been converted into holiday homes using local craftsmen and materials. They now offer most comfortable and beautifully appointed accommodation furnished with great style and originality. Each stands just a few yards from the water's edge, nestling right at the foot of some on Scotland's most majestic mountains.
You reach Kylesmorar via the friendly little ferry from Mallaig. It will drop you at Tarbet (over the side into an estate boat, so you have to be fairly nimble!) and you'll then be taken onward for the 5 minute passage round the headland to Kylesmorar itself. Tenants are also welcome to bring their own boats and make use of the jetty and visitor mooring at Kylesmorar at their own risk.
This is the ultimate place to chill. You can curl up in front of a roaring log fire, take leisurely strolls along the beach, perhaps picking up a few shellfish for lunch as you go, while the resolutely active can tackle some of the Munros in the area. Weather permitting, there will be the chance of a scheduled lift with the Estate boat to one of three spots that serve as the starting points of some lovely walks, or to Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula, where you could have lunch at the local pub or tearoom, before getting the afternoon ferry back to Tarbet.
The Old Post Office has now been completely renovated and refurbished and, just a few yards from the water's edge, has uninterrupted views over Loch Nevis to the Skye Cuillins. Inside this traditional whitewashed cottage the spacious sitting room has exposed beams, stone walls and a cosy log-burning stove. This room opens on to a farmhouse-style dining kitchen with a large pine table and oil-fired stove, while upstairs there are double and twin bedrooms, both of which face the water. A shower room with power shower completes the accommodation.
There are no shops on Kylesmorar and provisions should be brought in with you. Mobile reception is very patchy indeed; however you will be provided with a two-way radio receiver, so that you can contact your hosts at any time with any queries, problems or just for a chat!
Please note: The ferry from Mallaig to Tarbet and back from Inverie to Mallaig should be booked online via the Western Isles website at the same time as booking your accommodation.
Highland hospitality starts with the friendly crew on the ferry that brings you over from Mallaig and continues when the Kylesmorar team collect you.
On arrival you will be greeted by Norman, Scott or Bank, and Amy the housekeeper. They live round the headland at Tarbet, just round the corner from Kylesmorar. Everyone works on the estate doing everything from maintenance, joinery, stone-masonry, looking after the sheep and many other animals, boat work, housekeeping, gardening, you name it. They are easily reached by radio if needed and always happy to help.
Locals at Kylesmorar include some black welsh mountain sheep, deer up on the hills, and during the months of April to September - pigs! And if you're lucky, you can also spot the otters who live near by.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Kylesmorar Estate?
The Kylesmorar Estate is set on the shore of Loch Nevis and can be accessed via a ferry service from Mallaig in Lochaber. The ferry is for foot passengers only, so there is no vehicular access to the estate. Ferry tickets for the journey from Mallaig to Tarbet can be pre-booked online via the Western Isles Cruises website.
We would recommend that ferry tickets are booked at the same time as your accommodation booking to ensure availability. One-way tickets are £15 each for adults, £7.50 for children (between 5 and 13 years old) and free for children under 5. The return journey goes from Tarbet back to Mallaig via Inverie.
Where do I park my car for the duration of my stay?
Long-term parking is available in Mallaig harbour free of charge. This can be found in the East Bay on the opposite side from the boat. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the harbour 30 minutes prior to sailing time and drop luggage off at the boat prior to parking up.
How long does the ferry from Mallaig to Tarbet take?
The ferry crossing from Mallaig takes approximately 1 hour to arrive into Tarbet where the estate boat will meet you and take you the further 5 to 10 minutes to the estate itself.
Are dogs allowed on the ferry?
Yes, dogs are welcomed on the ferry free of charge.
Can bikes/kayaks be taken on the ferry?
Bikes and kayaks are allowed on the ferry at an additional charge. Further information and up-to-date pricing can be found on the Western Isles Cruises website.
How do I get back to my car in Mallaig at the end of my stay?
At the end of your stay the estate boat will drop you at Inverie where you can catch the ferry back to your car in Mallaig. The journey takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and again should be pre-booked online the Western Isles website at the same time as your accommodation booking to ensure availability. One-way tickets are £11 each for adults, £5.50 for children (between 5 and 13 years old) and free for children under 5.
Is there mobile phone reception on the estate?
Mobile reception is very poor at Kylesmorar, but a shared digital telephone system is available and a VHF ‘walkie talkie’ style radio is also provided in the event that guests need to contact the estate staff.
Is there TV reception on the estate?
There is no TV reception and limited radio reception on the estate, however all the properties do have TV/DVD players and CD stereos.
Are there shops in easy reach of the estate?
Although basic provisions such as kitchen towels, cleaning products and toilet paper are provided at the properties, it is important to stock up on food and supplies prior to your arrival at Kylesmorar. There are good shops in Mallaig to visit before catching the ferry and the supermarket there also takes telephone orders (with credit card payments) that can either be collected or delivered via the ferry.
Local Events and Attractions
Please note: while we make every effort to be as accurate as possible, the actual position of the cottage indicated on the map above and the proximity of the amenities in the Local Info section cannot be guaranteed to be precise and should be used as a guide only.
Accommodation
Downstairs
Sitting room with wood-burning stove, TV (no reception)/DVD and CD player and iPod dock
Dining kitchen with oil fired stove, gas hob and oven, fridge freezer, etc.
Upstairs
Double bedroom
Twin bedroom
Shower room with WC and wash basin.
What's included
- Linen (Double Bed)
- Free
- Linen (Single Bed)
- Free
- Sets of towels (per person)
- Free
Available Extras
- Pet
- £20.00
- Travel Cot (excluding linen)
- £10.00
Services
Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Electricity is by common generator and inverter system (INCLUDED). Heating is by radiators powered by the oil stove (INCLUDED) and wood-burning stove (fuel INCLUDED). A maximum of 3 dogs are welcome at an additional charge (2 large, 2 medium or 3 small). If you wish to bring any other pets please contact us and we will see what we can do. No smoking.
Weekly Prices
The weekly guide prices for this property are shown below. Use the availability & book sidebar on the right to select your holiday or calculate short break rates (where available).
From 10/10/2025 to 13/10/2025
From 17/10/2025 to 20/10/2025
From 04/04/2025 to 07/04/2025
From 11/10/2024 to 01/12/2024
From 24/12/2024 to 24/12/2024
From 23/12/2024 to 24/12/2024
From 30/12/2024 to 30/12/2024
From 29/11/2024 to 30/11/2024
Changeover Day: Fri
| Rental - Date Range | Sleeps 4 |
| 25 Oct 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 | £650.00 |
| 20 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024 | £895.00 |
| 28 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 | £895.00 |
| 06 Jan 2025 - 30 Jan 2025 | £695.00 |
| 31 Jan 2025 - 03 Apr 2025 | £825.00 |
| 04 Apr 2025 - 24 Apr 2025 | £925.00 |
| 25 Apr 2025 - 01 May 2025 | £825.00 |
| 02 May 2025 - 22 May 2025 | £925.00 |
| 23 May 2025 - 29 May 2025 | £950.00 |
| 30 May 2025 - 26 Jun 2025 | £925.00 |
| 27 Jun 2025 - 17 Jul 2025 | £950.00 |
| 18 Jul 2025 - 28 Aug 2025 | £995.00 |
| 29 Aug 2025 - 11 Sep 2025 | £925.00 |
| 12 Sep 2025 - 02 Oct 2025 | £825.00 |
| 03 Oct 2025 - 23 Oct 2025 | £925.00 |
| 24 Oct 2025 - 18 Dec 2025 | £695.00 |
| 19 Dec 2025 - 27 Dec 2025 | £950.00 |
| 28 Dec 2025 - 05 Jan 2026 | £950.00 |
| 06 Jan 2026 - 05 Jan 2027 | POA |
| 06 Jan 2027 - 05 Jan 2028 | POA |
| 06 Jan 2028 - 05 Jan 2029 | POA |
Please note: Prices are calculated based on your party size at the time of booking. If your party size changes for any reason after booking, please let us know so we can ensure the accommodation provided meets your exact requirements.
Reviews
(Supplied Independently through Feefo)
Ein sehr hübsches Haus mit allen Annehmlichkeiten und dem besten Ausblick auf Loch Nevis. Man kann seinen Urlaub nicht a...
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Lovely cottage in a beautiful location. Peaceful, relaxing and cosy. Our host Norman, who lives nearby, was friendly and...
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Well equipped and comfortable.
Everything about this cottage was perfect
The cottage was comfy and warm. The boiler started smoking but was fixed within 24hours. It’s in a great position. The t...
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Below are the most frequently asked questions about The Old Post Office. If your question has not already been asked you can contact our booking team.
Question: How long is the first boat journey and how exactly do you get from the ferry to the estate boat?
Answer: The first boat is the Western Isle Cruises Ferry, taking customers from Mallaig to Tarbet. This boat journey is approximately 40 minutes. The boat stays on the pier at Mallaig, which can be accessed from a ramp, so people and dogs can just step on board easily. The ferry will then either take customers straight to the pier at Tarbet, where people can just step off and the estate boat will collect from the same area. If the tides are high it might need to be a boat-to boat transfer with the estate boat to get to the Kyles. Boat-to-boat transfers requires a step across the boats while people are securing them. Journey to the Kyles is approximately 10 minutes. The Kyles have a pier that people need to just step off the boat onto. Regarding overcrowding, it really depends on the day of travel. Western Isles should be able to advise near the time of roughly how many people they have booked on for that day.
Question: Can you take a boat trip to Camusrory?
Answer: The boat man will take the clients on a trip for free to Camusrory and then walk over the hill and get the ferry back from Inverie.
Question: Are there any facilities for babies other than a cot?
Answer: No none of these are available, only the cot.
Question: Is there a baby life jacket?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Does the estate offer boat hire?
Answer: They do not hire boats, but are able to offer transport on the Estate boat to Inverie once per week and a couple of excursions in a smaller boat each week.
Question: Can you take your own boat to Kylesmorar?
Answer: Guests won't be able to put a boat on the ferry when sailing up to Tarbet bay as it is only a passenger ferry. The only option is to launch in Mallaig and sail up on their own accord. If they decide to do so we have moorings available and would be happy to allow their use during the visit.
Question: Can kayaks be taken over on the ferry?
Answer: No
Question: Which days do the ferries run?
Answer: The ferries run Monday - Friday, May-September and Mondays and Fridays the rest of the year although they occasionally do not sail in the off-season so everybody wanting to sail in March, April and October has to phone and arrange in advance.
Question: Where can you leave your car in Mallaig?
Answer: There is a long stay car park in the East bay of the Harbour.
Question: Which ordnance survey map covers the area?
Answer: Sheet 398 Explorer.
Question: When transferring to the smaller boat how easy will it be for the dogs, or an older person?
Answer: The transferring of luggage and people into the smaller boat is all done by experienced staff so nothing to worry about.
Question: How will the pigs be with the dogs?
Answer: The pigs are used to dogs but are in a fenced off area away from the cottages so shouldn't be any problem.
Question: How far is The Old Post Office from The Bothy?
Answer: It is 100 yards away.
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