Surrounded by sea on three sides, Ardnamurchan lives up to its Gaelic name's sake, Àird nam Murchan, meaning headland of the great seas.
It has an untamed beauty with golden sandy beaches, temperate rainforest, gentle hills and abundant wildlife.
From Greenwood Retreat
Wandering West
Camas Nan Geall beach - stop at the viewpoint or walk down to this sandy crescent beach that contains several millennia of history.
Ben Hiant - admire from the bottom or climb to the top of the peninsula’s highest mountain. Stop of Bourblaige, ruins of a clearance village
Kilchoan - Pop in for a coffee, check out the crafts or have an evening pub meal. Explore a ruined church or hire an E-bike. Kilchoan Hotel, Fika Coffee, West Coast Crafts & Gift Shop, Eoran Pottery, St Comghan’s Church Ruin.
Kilchoan Community Centre - check social media sites for updates on produce markets and events. Facebook Instagram
E-Bike Hire - Explore Ardnamurchan two wheels: Out West E-Bikes
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse - This iconic lighthouse built in 1849 stands at the most westerly point on the British mainland. Climb to the top and visit the cafe.
Beaches, beaches, beaches - In Ardnamurchan you are spoilt for choice! Sanna is the most iconic, largest beach (and the one with the car park). Other beauties include: Bay McNeil, Portuarik, Kilmory and Swordle, where a buried Viking boat was discovered in 2011. See here for more info on walks and day trips.
Mingary Castle - walk out to or dine at this 13th-century castle restored to a restaurant with rooms.
Other Historic sites - Glendrian, Achnaha and Greadal Finn
Wildlife Tours - Nature Scotland, based on Mull but run tours on West Ardnamurchan
Ferry to Tobermory - take a day trip to the charming town of Tobermory on Mull or travel down to Iona to see the Iona Abbey. Tobermory Fish Compnany, Isle of Mull Cheese, Tobermory Bakery, Isle of Mull Ice Cream, Tobermory Distillery
Be sure to check for ferry sailing updates before travelling: Calmac Ferries-Mull, Calmac Ferries-Iona
Staffa Tours - book a boat trip departing from Kilchoan and explore the famous Fingal’s Cave and see puffins and much on the Treshnish Isles.
Fishing - Fish on Ardnamurchan Estate with a permit or book a guided session. Shoreline fishing from the rocks along Loch Sunart and Kilchoan Jetty is free.
Exploring East
Ardnamurchan Natural History Visitor Centre - just 1.3miles east, pop in for coffee or a light lunch and explore their gift shop.
Ardnamurchan Whisky Distillery - drive or walk the 1.5miles for a guided tour or peruse the shop
Glenborrodale RSPB walk - a beautiful walk through ancient woodland and great birdwatching. Weekly guided walks run through the summer months
Ardnamurchan Charters - self-drive boat hires and guided wildlife cruises allow you to take in the widloife and views Loch Sunart has to offer.
Salen - Stock up at Salen Jetty shop (don’t miss the home baking) or pop in to The Salen, licensed cafe.
Salen Jetty Boat trips - half-day trips aboard Mingary exploring Loch Sunart and its wildlife.
Acharacle - Shop, Cafes: Toast and Tide, East to West Bakery Loch Shiel Hotel and Play park
Loch Shiel Cruises - board at Acharacle for a lunchtime cruise, good for seeing eagles.
Castle Tioram - enjoy a scneic drive and short walk to this 13th-century MacDonald fortress. Note: access to the castle is tidal. Other circula walks nearby.
Beaches - Ardtoe and Singing Sands are local popular spots
Resipole Art Gallery - award-winning contemporary art gallery, Resipole Studios.
Strontian - Shops: Strontian Stores or Strontian shop & Petrol, Oakwood Crafts, Kilcamb Lodge, Mingary Park, Bothy Bar
Bike Hire - Sunart Cycles
Celtic Rainforest - Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve and cafe.
Ardtornish Estate - The Coal Shed Cafe- Morven
Glenuig - Community Inn
Glenfinnan - Glenfinnan Monument, Visitor Centre and Viaduct (Hogwarts Express!)
Fishing - River Strontian, River Polloch, Loch Doilet - purchase permits by the Sunart Community Company. River Shiel and Loch Shiel - purchase permits at Loch Shiel Hotel in Acharacle.
Here are some other great websites packed with local information:
West Highland Peninsulas - Activities, tours, local attractions.
Wild Ardnamurchan - walks, beaches, day trips, local produce and travel info.
Wild Lochaber - Wildlife, beaches, walking and travel info.
Heritage Ardnamurchan - The History & Heritage of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula.
Walking Highlands - Extensive and detailed website of walks in the area and beyond.