The Glen Shiel ridge on the south side of the glen is a favoured location for experienced hillwalkers, offering a variety of high-level routes taking in several Munros. The north side of Glen Shiel includes a large area in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, including the famous mountain profile of the Five Sisters of Kintail. Guarding the mouth of Loch Duich is one of the most-photographed of Scotland's fortresses, the restored Eilean Donan Castle, which (before its later rebuilding) was destroyed by naval gunfire in the 1719 Jacobite uprising.

Aside from the main roads, there are some smaller roads to discover, including the historic through-route to Glenelg, a former cattle-droving route and military road connecting with the (summer-only) ferry-crossing to Skye. The former barracks here at Bernara, formerly controlling the Skye crossing, are further reminders of Jacobite times. The road continues to the remote settlement of Arnisdale, passing the Glenelg Brochs, the two best preserved of these curious defensive towers on the Scottish mainland.

Plockton is a famously attractive and popular village, curving round a sheltered east-facing shore on outer Loch Carron. (It was the location of the British television series Hamish Macbeth.) There is also a rare breeds farm nearby. Kyle of Lochalsh offers a good range of shops and services, as well as a fascinating small museum of local transport housed in the railway station here..

Among the many fine scenic features of the area, the Falls of Glomach at 370ft (112m) are one of Britain's highest. They lie 5 miles (8km) from the carpark at Dorusdain. A less demanding walk through pinewood and rhododendron can be enjoyed at the NTS's Lochalsh Woodland Garden by Balmacara.

The rugged and unspoilt coastline are good places to see otters (especially around Plockton), while the elusive pine marten can be found in the woodlands. Cruises and boat hire are available from Kyle of Lochalsh and Plockton. Overall, this is a visually spectacular and wild area, ideal for lovers of the outdoors.