Original description of the NSA from the publication Scotland’s Scenic Heritage published by the Countryside Commission for Scotland in 1978, and available on the Scottish Natural Heritage website at http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B464646.pdf (6.52mb) KNOYDART NATIONAL SCENIC AREA Highland Description from Scotland’s Scenic Heritage 1978 The outstanding scenic value of this area derives from the penetration by sea lochs deep into remote and rugged mountain country that has experienced intense glaciation. The extensive coastline contributes significantly to the character of the area, as do the deep glens carved between high graceful peaks, with the intervening ground broken by rocky crags. Loch Nevis and Loch Hourn are archetypal western sea lochs, wide outer lochs separated by narrows from narrow inner lochs. Both penetrate the mountain mass but they differ in character. Loch Hourn is reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord, especially in its sombre inner reach, while Loch Nevis is lighter and more open, thanks to the lower hills on its southern flank. The bays of Loch Nevis add interest to the southern shore of Knoydart, but equally important are the soaring peaks like Sgurr na Ciche which ring the head of the loch. Loch Hourn is entrenched between steeper and more massive mountains, Beinn Sgritheall to the north, and Ladhar Bheinn with its corries to the south. Looking west from both lochs, and from the intervening coast of Knoydart, there are magnificent views of Skye and the Small Isles. From coastal features of elevated cliff lines and terraces, the deep glens of Knoydart run inland, often with stepped long profiles, so that broad marshy flats or lichens alternate with steep wooded gorges. Despite the roughness of the ground, the hills are shapely and well defined, the peaks almost bare of vegetation, while the slopes carry bracken, grass and sedge, the more precipitous parts often wooded with birch, ash and oak. It is one of the most remote inhabited parts of Scotland. This remoteness, together with its extreme ruggedness and fine coastline and sea-lochs, make the Rough Bounds of Knoydart one of the wildest and most beautiful parts of mainland Scotland. .