This area stretches from Movern (the mainland just north of Mull) to Knoydart, opposite southern Skye. This is a peaceful and remote area featuring high mountains, narrow lochs and beautiful sandy beaches on the coast. The area is accessed via the A830 west from Fort William which ends at Mallaig and the A861 which circles the southern part of the region (Morvern, Sunart and Ardnamurchan).
Morvern is an isolated but beautiful area, its main settlement being Lochaline which has a diving centre and is a popular mooring for yachts. Strontian in Sunart was a lead-mining village but it and Salen are picturesque villages. The B8007 from Strontian to Ardnamurchan is a single-track road which leads to Britain's most westerly mainland point, passing through magnificent scenery of oak woodlands, hedges of rhododendrons and barren moorland. Its main attractions are its sandy beaches, stunning views and wildlife (which can be viewed via CCTV at the Glenmore Natural History Centre at Glenborrodale), the lighthouse and visitor centre at Arnamurchan Point, and the ruins of the 13th century Mingary Castle at Kilchoan and Castle Tioram on an island on Loch Moidart.
The A830 from Fort William to Arisaig is known as the 'Road to the Isles' and much used by Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 18th century. He started the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion at Glenfinnan where there is a visitor centre providing details of the history at that time. The West Highland railway line passes through this village where there is a station museum and over the spectacular Loch an Uamh viaduct. There is a Land, Sea and Islands Centre in Arisaig and the beautiful views, inlets, sandy bays and dunes of the coastline between it and Morar attract many tourists. The fishing port of Mallaig has a heritage centre and a marine centre. Ferries run from the village to Skye and the Small Islands (Rum and Eigg).
The attractions of Rum are its nature reserve, walks and Kinloch Castle which still retains its original Edwardian furnishings and was made famous by the BBC Restoration programme.
Knoydart is cut off from the world - there are no roads, its only settlement, Inverie, is accessible by boat only and there is no TV or mobile reception. If you're looking to 'get away from it all', this the place to come - the few visitors are walkers or climbers, attracted by the stunning views from the summit of Ladhar Bheinn.
Information
There is a tourist office in Kilchoan in Ardnamurchan and Mallaig. Hotels in the area include: Lochaline Hotel in Morvern; Strontian Hotel and Kilcamb Lodge in Strontian; the Salen Inn, Kilchoan House Hotel, Sonachan Hotel and Loch Shiel House Hotel in Ardnamurchan; Prince's House Hotel in Glenfinnan; Arisaig Hotel; and the West Highland Hotel in Mallaig.
Restaurants in the area include: the Pier House and Old Forge in Knoydart; the White House Restaurant in Lochaline; Ardsheleach Lodge in Ardnamurchan; the Railway Carriage Restaurant in Glenfinnan; Old Library Lodge in Arisaig; and the Fishmarket restaurant and the Tea Garden in Mallaig.
List of cottages in this area:
Sleeps: 2,
Bedrooms: 1
is one of five simple (but modernised) original Estate cottages on Eilean Shona which is a tiny gem of an island, fabulously set at the entrance to Loch Moidart on the spectacular West Coast of Scotland between the Islands of Mull and Skye. It retains the traditional wood-panelled interior of Victorian days and stands on its own, higher up in woodlands, but with a lovely view onto Loch Moidart and the small islands.
Sleeps: 2,
Bedrooms: 1
This holiday cottage is tucked away, all on its own, right at the water's edge on a small private island in Loch Moidart (access by private launch) between Mull and Skye - an old, restored cottage which enjoys glorious views across the loch to a few small islands and mainland Moidart.
Sleeps: 2,
Bedrooms: 1
Shore Cottage is situated away from the other cottages on the private island of Eilean Shona in a very secluded location, (which does involve a rather longer walk so is unlikely to suit anyone of limited mobility.) Once there, however, you will have fabulous views of the Atlantic, and you will also be close to the little sandy beach at Shoe Bay.
Sleeps: 2,
Bedrooms: 1
- No Smoking
- Short Breaks available
- Pet Friendly
Rebuilt and refurbished, this old Bothy is now a most comfortable holiday hideaway for two people. At the end of a mile of private track on the shores of Kentra Bay in Ardamurchan on the west coast of Scotland, it will appeal to everyone seeking peace and quiet in lovely surroundings.
Sleeps: 2,
Bedrooms: 1
- No Smoking
- Short Breaks available
- Pet Friendly
This traditional detached cottage stands on the shores of Loch Sunart on the west coast of Scotland, with wonderful views across the water. Newly refurbished for 2011, it offers cosy and comfortable accommodation for two people and the chance to walk, climb, fish, cycle and meet some of the abundant wildlife in the area (notably the deer who can often be seen ambling along the road past the cottage at dawn and dusk.)
Sleeps: 2,
Bedrooms: 1
- No Smoking
- Short Breaks available
- Pet Friendly
In the 'good old days' this picture book gate lodge on the 7,000 acre Drimnin Estate on the shores of the Sound of Mull is said to have accommodated up to ten people! Now, thankfully, it's been turned into the cosiest and most comfortable cottage imaginable for just two people. With wood burner in the living area, insulation, double glazing and efficient background heating, with views through the trees to the shore, it's an idyllic spot for those seeking a peaceful holiday retreat.
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