Famed for its most westerly tip of the British mainland, Ardnamurchan takes in the villages of Kilchoan, Glenborrodale, Salen and Acharacle.
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse & Visitor Centre
Spectacular views; wildlife spotting; friendly visitor centre and tours; coffee, cake and souvenirs all to be found at our most westerly spot and the magnificent Ardnamurchan Lighthouse. Listed in the Hebridean Whale Trail, the lighthouse is also a brilliant place to look out for wildlife including whales, dolphins, basking shark, otters and seals. From Kilchoan, continue on the B8007 and follow signs for Ardnamurchan Lighthouse and Portuairk.
Sanna Bay
With its large expanse of white sand fringed by dunes, turquoise waters, and stunning views out to the Small Isles, Sanna Bay is one of our most beautiful beaches. Great for watching wildlife, exploring rockpools, a picnic and a paddle or a swim. From Kilchoan, take the single track road off the B8007 through Achnaha to Sanna. There is a car park and a Lochaber Geopark geological interpretation board, the beach is a short walk over the dunes.
Bay MacNeil Beach
A lovely sheltered bay with white sand and the most stunning views of Ardnamurchan point and across to the Small Isles. An easy walk of around 1.5 miles and there is a good description at Wild Lochaber.
The Volcano
The craggy beauty of Ardnamurchan comes from its geology: it is formed from one of Britain’s last volcanoes, which erupted some 60 million years ago. This was then so deeply eroded by glaciers that the central area of West Ardnamurchan has the volcano’s internal structures laid out for all to see. To find out more visit the geology exhibition at Ardnamurchan Lighthouse Visitor Centre and have a look at the Lochaber Geopark interpretation boards at Sanna car park and the ferry terminal in Kilchoan.
Ben Hiant
A fairly short and pleasant hill walk will take you up Ben Hiant, the highest point on the peninsula, with tremendous views around the coast and out to the islands. On the road (B8007) to Kilchoan there is a parking space at the start of the track. Full details can be found at Walk Highlands.
Camas nan Geall
An ancient settlement, Camas nan Geall is a beautiful viewpoint on your journey and an interesting place to explore for its rock features, wildlife, shoreline as well as a Neolithic cairn, Bronze age standing stones and graveyard. On the road to Kilchoan (B8007) there is a signed parking area overlooking the bay and a Lochaber Geopark interpretation board. Further details at Wild Lochaber and Heritage Ardnamurchan.
Kilchoan Community Centre & Playpark
The Community Centre is on the road to the Caledonian MacBrayne Tobermory Ferry Terminal and has visitor information, café, gift shop, toilets and showers and is where you will find many a good ceilidh during the Summer months, the wonderful Kilchoan Produce & Craft Market. Just outside and with a huge local fundraising effort, there is a lovely natural playpark, much loved by children from across the peninsula
Ardnamurchan Distillery
Practically across the road from the Natural History Centre at Glenmore you will find the home of Scotland’s greenest Distillery. Book a tour and understand more about the peated and unpeated spirit – perhaps enjoy a taste, buy a bottle or even a cask!
Ardnamurchan Natural History Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre is a welcome stop off for a bite to eat whether breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea and has a lovely range of gifts in its Antler Gift Shop. Learn about our wildlife, geology, landscapes and heritage at its wonderful living building. On the road to Kilchoan (B8007), the Visitor Centre is at Glenmore.
RSPB Nature Reserve, Glenborrodale
Part of the Loch Sunart Atlantic Oakwoods, of international importance for its ancient woodlands, the nature reserve at Glenborrodale is a lovely place to walk and explore. You can also take a guided tour with the RSPB over the summer.
The Village of Salen
Nestled around beautiful Salen Bay, during WW2 Salen was one of several locations in the area used by American and Canadian commandos in preparation for the D-Day landings. The old buoy, now in the Jetty car park bears testament to this with bullet holes from when it was used for target practice by an American sea plane as it flew up Loch Sunart. Today you can find places to eat, moorings, shop and crafts.
The Singing Sands
Camas an Lighe lies at the north east of the peninsula at Gorternfern and is a beautiful unspoilt string of white sandy beaches, perfect for a paddle or swim, exploring rock pools or just enjoying the peace and quiet and spectacular scenery. Visit on a windy day or lightly scuff the sand with your foot and you will hear the sand quietly ‘sing’. You can walk along the different beaches to the far end where there are dunes but just remember to check the tide before you explore. The 4km track to the beach begins at the car parking area in Arivegaig. Full details at Wild Lochaber.
Acharacle
Lying at the eastern boundary of the peninsula, is the village of Acharacle which has a well-stocked shop, post office, craft shop, garage, public toilets, recycling facilities, places to eat and Shielbridge Village hall, home to many a good night out and an excellent local produce and craft market throughout the summer months.
Acharacle takes its name from the Gaelic, Ath Thorguil or Torquil's ford, following a battle in 1120 at a nearby ford across the River Shiel, between the Celtic-Norse warrior Somerled and the Norse invader Torquil. Here, Torquil was killed in the battle and his followers ousted from the area.
The Beach at Ardtoe
Lovely sandy beaches, beautiful views out to the Small Isles, fantastic rock pools at low tide, great for kayaking, swimming or just a picnic and a paddle, Ardtoe is also easily accessible by car. From Acharacle take the B8044 road around Kentra Bay to Ardtoe where you will find a car park (there is a small charge). There is a sandy bay in front of the car park and a larger beach along the road to the right.
Discover more
Whatever time of year you visit, whichever peninsula you make your base and whatever memories you would like to make, there are loads of sites, experiences, and activities around the West Highland Peninsulas for you to explore and enjoy.
All the peninsulas are within easy reach of each other and these short guides will help you explore this beautiful place. For more detailed information on walks, wildlife, geology and heritage, some great places to look are listed below:
Ardnamurchan History & Heritage Association
Remember to look out for wildlife along the way, keep an eye on ‘what’s on’ while you are here and most importantly, relax, don’t rush, have fun, explore and enjoy! Please always remember the Scottish Outdoor Access Code