Morvich (

Gaelic Gaelic (pronounced for Irish Gaelic and for Scots Gaelic) is an adjective that means "pertaining to the Gaels". It may refer to: Languages * Gaelic languages or Goidelic languages, a linguistic group that is one of the two branches of the Insul ...

:''A’ Mhormhaich'') is a settlement in

Glen Shiel Glen Shiel (; also known as Glenshiel) is a glen in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. The glen runs approximately from southeast to northwest, from the Cluanie Inn () at the western end of Loch Cluanie and the start of Glenmoriston to se ...

near the southern end of

Loch Duich Loch Duich (Scottish Gaelic: "Loch Dubhthaich") is a sea loch situated on the western coast of Scotland, in the Scottish highlands, Highlands. History In 1719, British forces burned many homesteads along the loch's shores in the month preceding ...

, and to the north of

Kintail Kintail () is a mountainous area sitting at the head of Loch Duich in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland, located in the Highland Council area. Name The area is called ''Cinn t-Sàile'' in Scottish Gaelic – which, since the "s" is sile ...

, in

Lochalsh Lochalsh is a district of mainland Scotland that is currently part of the Highland (council area), Highland council area. The Lochalsh district covers all of the mainland either side of Loch Alsh - and of Loch Duich - between Loch Carron and Lo ...

, in the

Highland Highlands or uplands are areas of high elevation such as a mountainous region, elevated mountainous plateau or high hills. Generally, ''upland'' refers to a range of hills, typically from up to , while ''highland'' is usually reserved for range ...

council area of

Scotland Scotland is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It contains nearly one-third of the United Kingdom's land area, consisting of the northern part of the island of Great Britain and more than 790 adjac ...

. The name "Morvich" may be from the Gaelic for "sea plain" or "the

carse In Scottish geography, a Carse (the modern form of older Scots ; Scottish Gaelic or ) is an area of fertile, low-lying (typically alluvial) land occupying certain Scottish river valleys, such as that of the River Forth. Carse of Forth The C ...

This place is within the estate of Kintail & Morvich, owned by the

National Trust for Scotland The National Trust for Scotland () is a Scottish Building preservation and conservation trusts in the UK, conservation organisation. It is the largest membership organisation in Scotland and describes itself as "the charity that cares for, sha ...

, they operate a countryside centre and an outdoor centre in Morvich. Morvich is also the location of the base for Kintail Mountain Rescue Team, as well a campsite operated by

The Caravan Club The Caravan and Motorhome Club is an organisation representing caravan and motorhome users in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It was founded in 1907 and now represents nearly one million members (caravanners, motorhomers and campervanners). His ...

Kintail Mountain Rescue Station - geograph

The

A87 road The A87 is a major road in the Highland region of Scotland. It runs west from its junction with the A82 road at Invergarry (), along the north shores of Loch Garry and Loch Cluanie, then down through Glen Shiel and along Loch Duich to Kyle ...

passes by Morvich, the village of Inverinate is located about 3 km west along the Loch Duich, while Shiel Bridge is about 2 km to the south west. Morvich is a popular starting point for hiking. Routes include the mountains of the

Five Sisters of Kintail Kintail () is a mountainous area sitting at the head of Loch Duich in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland, located in the Highland Council area. Name The area is called ''Cinn t-Sàile'' in Scottish Gaelic – which, since the "s" is silen ...

and Beinn Fhada, as well as to the Falls of Glomach, one of the highest waterfalls in Scotland. A longer route is to hike from Morvich through to

Glen Affric Glen Affric () is a glen south-west of the village of Cannich in the Highland region of Scotland, some west of Loch Ness. The River Affric runs along its length, passing through Loch Affric and Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin. A minor public road reac ...

, via Gleann Chòinneachan or Gleann Lichd. The latter route is used by the Highland Cross, an annual duathlon from Morvich to

Beauly Beauly ( ; ; ) is a village in Scotland's Highland (council area), Highland area, on the River Beauly, west of Inverness by the Far North Line, Far North railway line. The town is historically within Kilmorack Parish of the County of Inverness. ...

, 50 miles away on the east coast. The ruins of St Dubhthach's Church are to the west of Morvich, next to the A87. This church was dedicated to

Saint Duthac Saint Duthac (also Duthus or Duthak; 1000–1065) was a Scottish Christian prelate who served as Bishop of Ross. He is the patron saint of Tain in Scotland. His feast day is 8 March. Biography and legacy According to the ''Aberdeen Breviar ...

in 1050. Next to the church is the Clachan Duich, the traditional burial ground of Clan Macrae.

References

Populated places in Lochalsh {{SkyeLochalsh-geo-stub