Onich: Menhir, Churches and Loch Linnhe

Onich brings together a range of travel interests: a menhir, churches, woodland scenery and activities around Loch Linnhe. Each has its own points of interest—for example, when a church was built, the protected status of another, or the elevation of a woodland area. If you’re looking for a hotel in Onich, these topics can help you decide whether to focus your trip on culture, nature or experiences on the water.

Culture and history in Onich

Clach-a-charra is a menhir in Onich, just under 7 feet tall and featuring two circular holes. A menhir is an upright standing stone. Together, the height and openings give a concrete idea of the shape of this archaeological monument.

St Bride's Episcopal Church and its associated graveyard in Onich are listed as a Category C listed building under reference number 7077. The present building of North Ballachulish Church in Onich was built in 1911. Different historical details are relevant when comparing the two churches: the protected status and reference number of one, and the construction year of the present building of the other. A listing and a construction year are different ways of placing a site in its historical context.

Woodland scenery and waterfalls

The Onich to North Ballachulish Woods protected area extends from sea level to over 400 metres. It includes woodland on slopes facing north, south and west, and on different types of rock. Elevation, slope aspect and underlying rock are all features of the landscape. The compass directions describe the orientation of the slopes, while the rock types add information about the underlying geology.

In Glen Righ, the Abhainn Righ tumbles in a series of cascades over eight waterfalls. Here, the focus is not the elevation of a woodland area, but the stepped progression of the water. The cascades and their number give this natural feature a different emphasis from the protected area’s elevation, slope and rock characteristics.

Loch Linnhe and planning your visit

Loch Linnhe is a sea loch with scenic views, reachable on foot from Onich. In the Onich area, trips on Loch Linnhe offer the chance to spot Scottish wildlife and learn about history and culture. These are two different considerations for your plans: the sea loch’s walking accessibility and trips focused on nature and culture. Check the availability of trips before travelling.

The Lochside Bar and Restaurant at the Onich Hotel serves local and international cuisine with views of Loch Linnhe and welcomes hotel guests and local residents. Check the current opening hours, access arrangements and restaurant offering details before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Invergarry, Drumnadrochit, Contin, Lairg, Altandhu, Dalchreichart, Polloch, Mallaig

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