Ardnamurchan
Guide to the remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula
West of Fort William is one of the most remote parts of the Highland region, stretching south from Loch Ailort to the Morvern Peninsula, and west to the wild and beautiful Ardnamurchan Peninsula. This lonely, southwestern corner features a dramatic landscape of rugged mountains, desolate moorland and near-deserted glens, fringed by a coastline of sparkling white beaches and clear turquoise seas with wonderful views across to the isles of Mull and Skye. This is one of the least-populated areas in Britain, mainly due to the legacy of the Highland Clearances in the mid-19th century, when whole communities were evicted by landlords in favour of more profitable sheep.
With so few people around, this is an area noted for its wildlife, with a huge variety of birds and animals, such as deer, pine martens, wildcats and eagles. If you have both the time and the energy, it's worth exploring on foot. There's a series of footpaths throughout the area, particularly around Ardnamurchan.
Eating Out
Your best choice is the Kilchoan Hotel which has both food and a bar (01972 510200) or website. In Kilchoan. Also in Kilchoan is Meall Mo Chridhe which is a B&B but also serves dinner to non-residents although it is strictly BYOB. Much of the food is actually grown on the farm. Website or call on 01972510238 or e: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You can go a little upmarket with Mingary castle which is a smart hotel and has bar and restaurant - their meal is between 7 to 15 courses!! call ahead on 01972510715 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This is not the sort of place you rock up to!
Shopping
There is next to nothing in the way of shops and shopping. There is a small store and the sweetest petrol station at Ormsaigmore/Kilchoan overlooking the harbour.
Useful Websites
Travel Directions to Ardnamurchan
It's an area of few roads. Once you leave the A830 Fort William to Mallaig road, buses are few and far between, so it's not easy to get around quickly without your own transport. Shiel Buses, Tel. 01967-431272, run most of the bus services. There's a bus once a day on Tue, Thu and Sat from Fort William to Lochaline (2 hrs), via the Corran Ferry. There's a bus once a day (Mon-Sat) from Fort William to Acharacle (1 hr 30 mins, £4.25), via Lochailort. There's also a bus (Mon-Fri) to Acharacle from Mallaig (1 hr 30 mins). There's a bus once a day (Mon-Sat) from Fort William to Kilchoan (2 hrs 25 mins, £5), via Strontian (1 hr, £2.70), Salen and Glenborrodale.
For details of the ferry from Lochaline to Fishnish on Mull and from Kilchoan to Tobermory. If you're travelling by car, access is via the A861, leaving the A830 before Glenfinnan or at Lochailort. You can also make the 5-min ferry crossing to Ardgour from the Corran Ferry about 8 miles south of Fort William on the A82.
Local Sights & Activities for Ardnamurchan
30 walks in the area are listed in a local guide book available at tourist offices. You should also have OS Map numbers 40, 47 and 49, which cover the area
Castles Nearby
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Mingary Castle
Impressive once ruined castle near Kilchoan on Ardnamurchan in windswept impressive location. Now restored into a small beautiful hotel with 10 bedrooms which opened in 2016
Local Visitor Attractions
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Sanna Beach
Stunning sandy beaches at the tip of the wild Ardnamurchan Peninsula. It's a hike but you get your reward!
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Ardnamurchan Lighthouse
The most westerly point of the british mainland and home to an impressive lighthouse and a wonderful little coffee shop. There are also toilets. If you are visiting Sunna, then drop in here as well for views of Dolphins and whales which can be seen off shore
Nearby Distilleries
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Ardnamurchan Distillery
Distilling restarted here in July 2014 so here is a chance to meet a new and enthusiastic team at the beginning of a whisky journey. Location is lovely
Ardnamurchan Hotels & Accommodation
Strontian has 3 hotels. The luxurious 'Kilcamb Lodge Hotel', (4 star and excellent reviews 4.7/5 Tel. +44 (0)1967 402257), standing in its own grounds on the lochside and serving superb food. The Ben View HotelTel +44 (0)1967 402333, slightly outside the village and the Strontian Hotel in the village' both of which serve food.
There are several Bed and Breakfasts of which the nicest is Meal Mo Chridhe near Kilchoan which features in Sawdays Guides - see details in the eating out for contact details. and the Ariundle Bunkhouse where you can also get meals & breakfast, Tel +44 (0)1967 402279.
A variety of self catering properties are also available.
Hotels near Ardnamurchan
Featured
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An Sean Tigh sleeps 4
An Sean Tigh is a well restored ancient croft house, built possibly in the late 18th century.
- Sleeps: 4
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Lochan Shepherds Hut
A small shepherds hut overlooking the mountains and lakes of Ardnamurchan. Sleeps 2 + faithful mutt is you have one. Remote, charming and unforgettable way to experience Scotland's remote peninsula.
- Sleeps: 2
Ardnamurchan Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Viking Cottage in Glenuig - Sleeps 7
This detached cottage is in the tiny coastal village of Glenuig, and can sleep seven people in four bedrooms.
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Croft 1st Floor Apartment in Kilchoan on Ardnamurchan - Sleeps 2
Top floor apartment in pretty white washed cottage in the village of Kilchoan, sleeping two people in two bedrooms. Lovely view across fields to sea! -
Grigadale Farmhouse on tip of Ardnamurchan - Sleeps 6
Farmhouse near Kilchoan on tip of Ardnamurchan. Sleeps six people in three bedrooms. -
Marys House Ardnamurchan - sleeps 3
Small cottage on the tip of Ardnamurchan in Portuairk beyond Kilchoan. Sleeps up to three people in one bedroom.
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Allt An Ailein House Fort William - sleeps 10
Detached house in private, woodland garden, 10 miles from Fort William. Sleeps 10 with indoor swimming pool & sauna! -
Torr Solais Cottage Kilchoan - Sleeps 4
Modern house situated on the outskirts of Kilchoan on Ardnamurchan with wonderful views. Sleeps four people in two bedrooms. -
Doirlinn House in Kilchoan Ardnamurchan - Sleeps 11
Detached house in Kilchoan on remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Sleeps eleven people in five bedrooms. -
The Old Sawmill in Glenborrodale - sleeps 6
Stone cottage in Glenborrodale, in the west of Scotland. Sleeps six people in three bedrooms. -
Stag Cottage, Ardgour - Sleeps 4
In one of the most beautiful unspoilt areas in the Highlands with views towards Loch Linnhe and across the surrounding mountains, this detached holiday cottage offers an ideal touring base. Enjoy a day tri... -
Lighthouse View, West Highlands, sleeps 4
The views south across the sea towards the Island of Mull from this lovely holiday cottage are breathtaking. Enjoying a rural setting this south facing cottage is only 100 yards from the shore where you ca... -
Rubha Nan Gall, Ardnamurchan, Sleeps 6
This detached, single-storey cottage is set in a elevated position in its own 3 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and forests, with tumbling streams and waterfalls. The cottage offers a good standard... -
Allt-na-Mara, nr. Ardnamurchan Point, sleeps 6
Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point of the British mainland, is one of the most beautiful, unspoilt areas of the Highlands. There are mountains, glens, forests, white coral sands and turquoise waters war...