Things to Do and See

Tourist Information is available in Fort William, Mallaig, Kilchoan and Strontian.

Places to Go

• Castle Tioram is a ruined 17th Century castle which is great for clambering round. The beach on which it sits (the “Dry Castle”) is huge and has plenty of space to run around, dig and find some solitude. There is the “Silver Walk” from there which is a moderately challenging scramble to a ruined village.
• Mv Sileas Cruise on Loch Shiel. This “Eagle Watch” cruise operates from Glenfinnan and takes you down Loch Shiel to Acharacle. Different itineraries operate, depending on the day and there are refreshments on board as well as knowledgeable and entertaining commentaries on history and wildlife.
• Mallaig Heritage Centre offers somewhere to visit to help you to understand the history, culture and people of a west coast fishing village. Next to the train station, you can even travel there by train (either the Scotrail train from Lochailort or on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William.)
• Smirisary is a two mile walk from the front door of Viking Cottage and has spectacular views. There are ruined and renovated croft houses and even a remote beach where you can swim and picnic in solitude.
• Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre provides excellent tea, coffee, cakes and snacks as well as somewhere to learn about the animals, birds and plants of the area.
• Ardnamurchan Lighthouse provides a fascinating glimpse of local maritime history as well as some truly spectacular views.
• Sanna Bay. One of those beaches you dream of going to and well worth the drive.
• Ariundel Centre in Strontian for Crafts and Homebaking. The food is good here, and there are opportunities to see local crafts being made, and to purchase them.
• The Corran Ferry to Onich and Fort William is a longer journey but allows you to see far more of Ardnamurchan and to go through Strontian and to Ardgour.
• Caledonian Canal in Banavie and Neptune’s staircase provide places to walk and some boats to watch.
• The Commando War Memorial and Clan Cameron Centre, Spean Bridge are worth a visit for their take on the history of the area.
  

Things to Do

• Fishing with Andy Jackson, Laga Bay. Boats can be hired for a full or half day and he can supply fishing equipment for sea fishing. This can be spectacularly successful when the mackerel are running (in the height of summer).
• Fishing and boat hire in Loch Morar for fishing in a freshwater Loch where they filmed some of the scenes from “Rob Roy”.
• Swimming Pool, Gym, Sauna and Jacuzzi available in Mallaig. On Sunday afternoons they have a “Fun Hour” from 4pm for children with inflatables and large floats. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult in the pool.
• Mallaig Harbour for ferries to Skye and the Small Isles and for watching the fishing boats land.
• Bruce Watt’s Boat Trip to Inverie and Britain’s most remote Pub, “The Old Forge” which serves wonderful food and often has live music. You can also travel there with Seafari and hire your own RIB.
• Clandonald Centre and Gardens in Armadale (via Ferry). This is a short walk from the ferry, meaning that you don’t have to take the car across to Skye, if you don’t want to. The Centre is interesting and the gardens are beautiful. The food here is highly recommended for quality and portion size.
• Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries to Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna and Skye from Mallaig. Ferries to Mull from Lochaline and Kilchoan.
• Seafari Rib Tours allow you to travel to Knoydart or further afield and can be hired for private tours to look at Dolphins, Whales and Seals.
• Arisaig Marine and Shearwater Trips to the Small Isles. These depart daily at 11am and will stop en route if there is anything interesting (Whales, Dolphins etc) to see. It varies which island is visited on which day but the trip usually allows you to explore the island, have some lunch and a walk before the return journey which usually gets back at about 6pm.
• Marine Ranger Walks with Angus MacIntyre who has walks at different levels for all types of walker and is immensely knowledgeable about local history and wildlife.
• Glenfinnan Monument is a National Trust property on the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the standard. There are interesting walks from there, a Station Museum and café (in an old railway carriage – highly recommended and very good value), and a chance to see the Viaduct crossed by the Hogwarts Express up close.
• Sunart Oakwoodlands for some fantastic walks. Just past Resipole is a wildlife hide where you can often see a seal colony and where we have spied otters and innumerable se birds.
• Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. This is not for the unfit. A climb takes about four hours with about two hours for the return journey and you need to take all your food and drink with you as, contrary to popular belief, there is no longer a café at the top.
• Crannog Cruises leave from the pier in Fort William beside the Crannog Restaurant and offer wildlife watching opportunities, although these can be very crowded in summer, so book if you can.
• Lochaber Leisure Centre, Fort William for swimming, climbing wall and squash courts. The pool has a fairly large slide which is great fun.
• The IceFactor in Kinlochleven. This is a great place for wet days as you can book climbing lessons on their climbing wall. They also offer ice climbing instruction, with equipment but this does need to be booked in advance. There is a small play area for the younger children and a café.
• Canoeing (Rockhopper). They provide equipment and instruction and are highly recommended.
• Aonach Mor gondola for skiing in winter and the World Cup mountain bike track.

Places to Eat and Drink and Shop

• Fishmarket Restaurant, Mallaig for excellent fish and chips as well as some very imaginative fish, shellfish and other dishes. Booking is advised in the evenings.
• Fisherman’s Mission in Mallaig for inexpensive, basic food. Highly recommended but closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
• Andy Race Fish Merchants for all your fish, shellfish and smoked fish. His Smoked Salmon has won awards and prices are very reasonable.
• Way Out West for good quality outdoor gear: Wellingtons, camping equipment and beautiful woolies and fleeces.
• Ginger, in Morar for handmade clothing. Anna, the owner, is a very talented designer and makes clothes from fabric and wool. Her designs are quirky and original and very popular.
• Loch Morar Crafts, in Bracara is well worth a look. Carry on afterwards and walk along the banks of Loch Morar.
• Café Rhu in Arisaig. Good quality food at reasonable prices.
• Glenfinnan House Hotel. This has some wonderful food and has won all sorts of awards. The setting is fantastic and the bar area with oak paneling and plenty of stags’ heads gives a real country house experience. There is a choice of eating in the bar or restaurant and children are always made very welcome. Booking is advised and they cater for a lot of weddings so are sometimes closed on Saturdays.
• Glenuig Hall Tearoom with occasional bars and live music. Run by locals with home baking and chat. The live music and ceilidh evenings are not to be missed and children are always made welcome.
• Langal Nursery where you can buy all your bedding plants to take back with you. The owners are helpful, knowledgeable and prices are far better than larger garden centres.
• MacDonald’s Smokehouse in Glenuig. Award winning and only a short walk away.
• Maeve’s Pantry Tearoom in Acharacle for home baking and a very warm welcome.
• Bakery, Shop and Hotel in Acharacle. Other places to go if Maeve’s is closed.
• Salen Hotel for homecooking and a lively bar in the evening.

Photos by NevisPix