Lochinver stands on the coast of Assynt, about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Ullapool. Once a major herring fishing port, it has managed to retain its importance even with the decline of the herring and ranks alongside Kinlochbervie as one of the busiest fishing ports on this coast. The harbour is owned and operated by Highland Council, and supports a busy fish market. Given Lochinver's proximity to the North Atlantic fishing grounds, it has become a popular landing point for both the UK whitefish fleet and for vessels from other European countries, preventing them having to sail to more southerly ports and thus maximising the time they can fish.
One of the main attractions to the area are the Sutherland hills which offer excellent climbing. South of the village sits Suilven, Torridonian sandstone on a bed of granite, it rises to a height of 731m (2399 feet) and is often referred to as the 'sugar loaf mountain'. The area around the village has spectacular rock formations and is widely regarded as a geologist's mecca.
The village itself houses a visitors centre and Highland Stoneware provides an outlet for local arts and crafts. Salmon fishing on the river and brown trout fishing on the lochs are available to tourists in the area.
This area of Assynt is the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod.