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THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE ARISAIG AREA
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| The "Road to the Isles" has received "mythical staus" according to the recently release Time Out Guide to 1,000 Great Holiday Ideas! | ||
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The Arisaig and Lochaber area has had an interesting history. Follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites. Discover abandoned settlements and castles. Learn more from the West Highland Museum in Fort William, the oldest museum in Scotland and world famous for its Jacobite collections, the Heritage Centre in Mallaig, the Land, Sea and Islands Centre in Arisaig and the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre (National Trust), next to the Glenfinnan Monument at the head of Loch Shiel, where Prince Charles Edward Stuart's Standard was raised on 19 August 1745 in the last attempt to reinstate the exiled Stuarts to the throne of Great Britain and Ireland. |
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The ruined Castle Tioram (pronounced Cheerum) is sited on the rocky tidal island Eilean Tioram (the Dry Island) where the waters of Loch Moidart and the river Shiel meet. The castle is closed to visitors but it is possible to visit the island at low tide and look at the castle exterior. The Moidart Local History website provides a full history of the castle. |
More recently, in 1940, Winston Churchill, the British prime minister, ordered his generals to “set Europe ablaze”. The men and women who would carry out his orders were to become the Special Operations Executive (SOE). The rugged West Highlands of Scotland became the location where the saboteurs, commandos, agents and radio operators were to be trained in secrecy. Here in the remote hills the men and women that were to take the undercover fight to Europe could be trained without attracting attention. A huge swathe of the West Highlands north of Fort William was declared a Special Protected Area. The Morar Peninsula was accessible by one road only and the railway to Mallaig. Estates and their lodges were requisitioned. The North Morar Estate, now owned by impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh, was volunteered for service by the then Lord Lovat, the dashing “Shimi” who formed the early commando units and strode onto the D-Day beaches to the strains of Heilan' Laddie played by his personal piper. In early wartime, SOE and commando training was centred at Inverailort Castle at Lochailort. The train bringing new recruits was regularly ambushed to give newcomers a taste of what to expect. “We were shot at all the way as we were running the mile and half to the big house and when we arrived there we were shown some Nissen huts on the lawn and told, ‘Find yourselves a bed, that's where you're going to live',” recalled Major RF “Henry” Hall of the Dorset Regiment. A cavalcade of wartime names went through Inverailort and the remote training lodges. They included the actor David Niven, David Stirling a cousin of Lord Lovat and founder of the SAS, and Peter Fleming, brother of Ian, creator of James Bond. Ian Fleming, who had joined Naval Intelligence was to create what became 30 Commando, trained in the Highlands, to collect technical intelligence from behind enemy lines before it could be destroyed in the face of an Allied advance. SOE soon needed a place of its own. Training HQ was moved to Arisaig House and 10 shooting lodges were taken over. The courses included physical training, silent killing, weapons handling, demolition, map reading, compass work, field craft, elementary Morse code, and raid tactics. Glasnacardoch Lodge was the haunt of weapons and field craft instructor Gavin Maxwell, later to make his name as author of “Ring of Brightwater”. And also for his involvement in the none-too-successful shark oil business with Tex Geddes on the island of Soay, recounted in “Harpoon at a Venture”. You will find a monument to these hardy folk on the road from Fort William to Spean Bridge. |
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The Lochaber area covers over 2,000 square miles of the beautiful West coast of Scotland and has been designated "The Outdoor Capital of the U.K." We maybe haven't got it ALL, but we have got A LOT! |
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Lochaber is an outdoor playground like no other. With spectacular beaches, sheltered coastline, islands, glens, mountains, forests, lochs AND Ben Nevis and Glencoe, there's no better place to get out and enjoy the stunning Highland landscape.
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If you are going to be driving along the "Road to the Isles" you could look at the Lochaber Geopark website and learn a little about the geology of the area you are travelling through. Renowned for its spectacular scenery, Lochaber Geopark tells the extraordinary story behind the formation of the local landscape. Learn more about the highest mountain, the deepest loch, the longest glen, the deepest pothole and the most westerly point! During 25th. May - 7th. June 2008 there is a programme of events and informative walks taking place throughout the area. |
WALKING There is walking to suit every degree of ambition, from a gentle stroll to the beach to Munro bagging. You will find some suggestions for walks in our Information pack. Take a look at our Walks page for some suggestions for local walks. The local Ranger offers regular organised walks in summer, of varying degrees of exertion and is able to tell you about local history and the nature of the area en route. Bring sturdy, waterproof footwear. This year's programme of walks can be found by Ranger link from the Walks page. |
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Looking across towards Lismore from Ben Nevis If you plan to go walking in the mountains while you're here you can check the mountain forecast at Mountain Weather Forecasts or we can do it for you. If you fancy an ascent of Ben Nevis then do your homework first, by checking out the Ben Nevis Guide, Ben Nevis navigation and Ben Nevis Safety leaflets and getting well prepared in advance. Want a guide? Try Adventure Nevis. |
Bikes are available to hire in Fort William and at Nevis Range to explore the surrounding area. Mountain Bike Guiding is available with "Vertical Descents"
in Inchree. Graham Moss of Wild Adventure will show you some of the best trails and throw in some coaching as well. He can also offer guidance in mountaineering, sailing and powerboating. |
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DRIVES The area is rugged and beautiful and the scenery changes round every corner and every day, according to the weather. Many of the roads are narrow or single track, so don’t be too ambitious with distances - take your time and see more. Close to home: Drive along the north side of Loch Morar, keeping an eye out for our own monster, Morag! Along the Rhu road you might see ........ seals basking on the rocks offshore, herons standing majestically, cormorants holding out their wings to dry, red deer grazing otter feasting on a fish, mink ......... FURTHER AFIELD: A good long day trip is to visit the Ardnamurchan peninsular - the most westerly point of the British mainland, with a few stops along the way to visit points of interest such as Castle Tioram and the Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre, which the children will enjoy, ending up at the lighthouse at the most westerly point, which also has a small, interactive display centre and coffee shop. For another day drive take the early ferry to Skye, drive up to the Skye bridge and come back by the road. Or take the ferry both ways and spend the day exploring some of this big and varied island. Or leave the car behind and take a guided tour of the island from Armadale, with lunch at Dunvegan Castle and an hour in Portree. GOLF |
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"The little golf course is imaginative and a good challenge." Blacklock Traigh (pronounced Try) golf course, 9 holes, is right by the edge of the sea, 1.5mls.(2.4kms) away, with beautiful views, as you search for your ball, of the islands. You can hire clubs at the club house. The green fees are very reasonable. |
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| FISHING You can try your rod in the river at the bottom of the Croft, or hire a boat and rod to fish on Loch Morar - Mr. E. MacDonald 01687 462520. Sea fishing trips can be arranged out of Mallaig with Ewen Nicholson on the 30' "Grimsay Isle "(Gaelic spoken at no extra cost!) tel. 01687 462 652 BEACHES |
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 Camusdarach beach |
Ewan McGregor has chosen Camusdarach beach near Arisaigas his favourite spot on earth. When asked to name his favourite spot in the world, he said: “It has to be Camusdarach beach, near Arisaig in the Highlands. We used to camp there when I was a kid.”
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 Eigg and Rum from Traigh |
From Ach na skia you can walk to a variety of sandy and rocky beaches. At low tide you can walk out to some of the small islands. Camusdarach beach, made famous as "Ben's beach" in the film "Local Hero" and the Orange mobile advert, is 2mls. away, the Silver Sands of Morar just a little further on. |
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Traigh beach, by the old road, is a great place to see sea birds, especially the oyster catcher and curlew. You can always find a beach to yourself somewhere. As well as the brilliant views of Eigg and Rum to the west, the Black and Red Cuillins on Skye make a stunning backdrop to the north. |
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"Love
the air quality and the beaches on the way to Mallaig."
Stimson - Uckfield |
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Day trips run from Arisaig to the Small Isles of Eigg, Rum and Muck, and from Mallaig to various destinations such as Skye, Knoydart, Loch Nevis and the Crowlin Islands. The sea round Arisaig and the ‘Small Isles’ of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna has one of the richest collections of marine and other wildlife in Europe. Its waters are used by several kinds of dolphin, porpoise and whales and the islands are home to both sea and golden eagles, red deer and otters. Humpack whales have sighted on a number of occasions in the little Minch between Arisaig and Skye. Arisaig Marine has been operating a summer ferry service to the Small Isles for over 25 years and provides an essential lifeline for residents as a ferry of people and provisions. Over that time they have built up a tremendous experience of the area’s wildlife and culture. This specialist knowledge allows Arisaig Marine to give visitors a great deal of ‘added value’ to their sailings and turn a boat trip into an educational adventure. Trips to the Small Isles on M.V. Sheerwater from Arisaig allow time on an island and also follow any whales, basking shark, dolphins or porpoises sighted en route. The crossing is often lengthened as whales and dolphins are seen near the boat and speed is reduced to allow passengers to see these creatures and take photographs.The best time for sightings of minke whale is generally during August. A variety of sea birds, such as tern, shearwater, guillemot, shag, cormorant, skua, razorbill, fulmar may be sighted. Sailings this year run from 14 April till 24 September. Get this year's Sheerwater time-table here. |
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 Minke whale and gulls chasing fish - from the "Sheerwater" |
Bring something warm to wear, sun cream and a hat. The combination of sun, clear sea air and wind can easily burn without you noticing. |
"..... saw a school of dolphins and a whale." Willson - Edinburgh "The highlight of the week was definitely our boat trip to Eigg from Arisaig harbour. It was so warm that we sun bathed and on the trip back we were followed most of the way by a 20 strong pod of dolphins!" Ian and Gayle - Doncaster
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Mac Ferries run a regular car ferry service to Skye
from Mallaig all year round. |
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| Ardnamurchan Charters, based at Laga on the Ardnamurchan peninsular, offer trips to Mull, Staffa, the Treshnish Isles and marine wildlife cruises, as well a individual guided trips and boat charter. | ||
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Take a boat trip up Loch Shiel on the M.V.Sileas from Glenfinnan with Loch Shiel Eagle-Watch Cruises. Share the skipper’s eleven years’ experience of spotting Golden Eagles, Red Deer, Black-Throated Divers and a variety of rare wildlife. Learn the history of this special, remote and unspoiled part of the Highlands. This year's timetable available here. Cruises run from end of March to early October . Special cruises and musical ceilidh cruises can be found on the "Coming Events" page of their website. The MV Sileas is also available for charter. "Glenfinnan is an excellent local trip - take the cruise along Loch Shiel. While there have a coffee in the Dining Car next to the railway station" Steve and Di - Southampton Glenfinnan viaduct - photos courtesy of Cliff Appleton |
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"The Jacobite" steam train (now famous from its appearancs in Harry Potter films) runs from Fort William to Mallaig and back every day except Saturday between mid June and end September, stopping to allow for photography and with time out in Mallaig at lunch-time. The West Highland Line, which runs from Glasgow to Mallaig, has been voted the top railway journey in the world. "The Jacobite" leaving Arisaig station
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Monday 14 May until Friday 26 October 2012 Afternoon departure from Fort William at 14.45pm runs weekdays from Monday 4 June to Friday 31 August. Twice daily departures on Saturdays and Sundays from 23 June to 26 August. For seat reservations call 01524 737751/737753 Book online: www.westcoastrailways.co.uk |
BIRD WATCHING |
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The area is a paradise for the photographer and painter, with constantly changing light and a vast range of interesting images to focus lense or eye on. The artist Jon Schueler lived at Mallaig for many years and most of his best known work was produced there. Many painters have used Ach na skia as a base for painting, including Ken Lochhead, seen here at work outside Creag Mhor Lodge. His beautifully crafted pictorial maps adorn all our properties. There are many excellent artists living and working in the Lochaber area and you will find examples of their work in the cottages. |
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Local galleries to visit: |
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ARTS AND CRAFTS - see the Lochaber Crafts and Food Producer's Association website for information on arts and crafts in the area.
For information about art courses in the area and throughout the U.K. visit the Art Galore website. |
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| WILD LIFE ".. seen lots of seals and deer at Rhu and best of all an otter."Michael & Lorraine |
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You are very aware here that you are sharing the earth with many wild creatures. The quiet and careful observer can see much in the way of interesting flora and fauna. Grey and Atlantic seals, otters, pine marten, re deer and wild cats are native to the area - some are easier to spot than others! If you go out in a kayak you may find yourself being investigated by inquisitive seals or even a school of dolphin! |
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Lapwing swoop and play in the field below the Lodges, seeing
off the local buzzard when the nest is threatened. Sea eagles
can be seen occasionally and have nested in the area, as do
golden eagles. Puffins and rafts of Manx Shearwater may be sighted
on the journey to or from the Small Isles. In the past couple of years an increasing number of Greylag geese are to be seen in the fields around Ach na skia Croft. 
Orchids and alpine type plants grow wild. The delicate colours and patterns of the lichen that proliferates in this clean air cover the rocks.
Visit Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre. Wildlife identification guides.
BOATING, WIND SURFING AND KAYAKING
A great area to explore by water. Explore the islands in Arisaig bay or paddle across to Inverie for lunch at "Britain's remotest pub". Some ideas for sea kayak trips.
Sea Kayak Highlands have a double sea kayak, 8 single sea kayaks and 2 Canadian canoes suitable for day or multi-day trips available for hire. Limited guiding available.
For guided full or half day trips in the area, with gear provided, see Rock Hopper Sea Kayaking.
For photos of the fantastic scenery taken on kayaking trips in the area visit Douglas Wilcox's website. Information about the local area for paddlers.
Graham Moss of Wild Adventure can offer guidance in sailing and powerboating or arrange yacht charter and skipper the boat for you.
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"The sea canoe had a great christening - lovely secluded bays.... stunning weather - blue seas and skies all week. We’ve had to use the sun barrier cream!" Robson - Essex
Stoppping for a break at Castle Tioram |
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HIGH WIRE ADVENTURE - New this year at Nevis Range the activity is designed for family fun or challenging adventure and will ultimately comprise 4 separate courses (Squirrel, Barn Owl, Red Fox and Wildcat) including a 100cm zip wire and a 'fan drop'. The Squirrel is the lowest course (1-1.5m high) and a small child (min 120cm TBC) will be able to do the course with an adult by their side (if needed!) ... whilst the Red fox and Wildcat courses will be built some 10m high in the forest and the features will be the most challenging. This activity is built on poles and trees in the forest and comprises 'features' made of wood, wire and rope.
Try a half or full day Family Adventure with OUTWARD BOUND at Loch Eil, 25mls from Arisaig on the way to Fort William. Activities on offer include the famous Outward Bound rope courses, heart-stopping zip wire, Canadian canoeing, raft building plus many other exciting challenges. Booking is essential, so give them a ring on 0870 5134227
CANYONING
For something a little different you might like to try swimming,
sliding and leaping your way down waterfalls with "Vertical
Descents" at Onich.
"..the
waterfalls reached a degree of violence and magnificence worthy
of Niagara." Geyer - Dundee
SKIING
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Nevis Range, less than an hour's drive, offers activities year round. The mountain gondola runs every day, weather permitting. The top is the starting point for skiing, snowboarding, sledging winter climbing, walking and the start of Britain's only World Class downhill track with gondola access. The 3km. track descends 2000ft. back to the car park - for experienced cyclists only! On the lower slopes are 25km. of marked mountain biking trails, graded from easy to expert, ideal for families to have a ride and take a picnic with some spectacular mountain views. |
EATING OUT For a different night out you could get the boat across to Doune on Knoydart and have a meal in the restaurant there, where everything is home-made from locally sourced fresh ingredients. |
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na Faire Hotel - Eigg and Rum in background |
| In Arisaig the Arisaig Hotel serves bar and restaurant meals. Café Rhu serves food all day - check the cafe's website for some great photos of the Arisaig area, past and present. The "Old Library Lodge" serves morning coffee, lunches and dinners. The tearoom at the pier sells home baking and also crafts, gifts and some chandlery. Mallaig has a choice of cafés, restaurants and bar meals, as well as fish and chips to take-away. | |
Make a visit to Andy Race or Lawrie's fish shop in Mallaig to pick up some delicious fresh Mallaig fish. Try a delicious, authentic Thai take away if you fancy a break from cooking or fresh fish and chips from Mallaig. "excellent food from Sunset Thai cuisine" Bryan & Ann |
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CEILDIHS, CONCERTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
"Going to Glenuig to hear the Barra MacNeills
play was a perfect end to a perfect holiday" Robson -
Essex
To round off
your day there is frequently some kind of entertainment going on, with events in the Astley Hall in Arisaig and music in the local hostelleries round about. There are regular events in the Mallaig and Morar Community Centre and Glenuig Hall has some lively events
which guarantee a night to remember. There are sometimes plays too, as
well as events for children in the day time and the occasional Family
Ceilidh. Keep an eye on "What’s On"
for events during your visit.
HIGHLAND GAMES, REGATTA AND AGRICULTURAL SHOW
"If you haven’t been to a Highland Games it’s
worth the effort." Roberts - Sutton Coldfield
Road
to the Isles Agricultural Show followed by ceilidh in the Astley Hall, Arisaig. June 9th. 2012.
Arisaig Highland Games - Wednesday 25 July 2012 at 12.30pm Venue: Traigh Farm Arisaig Tel: 01687 450604 - see their website ArisaigHighlandGames for details on this year's event.
Mallaig & Morar Highland Games - Sunday 5 August 2012 at 12 noon. Venue: Lovatt Memorial Field Morar Tel: 01324 552841
Glenfinnan Highland Games - Saturday 18 August 2012 at 11.30am Venue: Field by the Glenfinnan Monument Tel: 01397 722234
Lochaber Highland Games (Fort William) - 2012 Date to be confirmed Venue: To be confirmed
For still more information about the Road
to the Isles follow this link.
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Mountain Film Festival - 15th - 19th February 2012. Nevis Centre, Fort William Highlights of the 2012 Festival include: Wednesday 15th February 2012 – Festival Launch Evening SCOTTISH SIX DAYS MOTORCYCLE TRIAL - Motorcycle riders from all over the world compete in this "extreme sport", covering different on/off-road routes around Lochaber on each of the six days. The Scottish Six Days Trial takes place from 4-12 May 2012, starting and finishing in Fort William's West End Car Park each day. KNOYDART FESTIVAL - end of April 2012
UCI Fort William MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP - 9/10June 2012. An adrenaline packed weekend guaranteed! Hundreds of professional mountain bikers return to Nevis Range for the 11th year of this multi-award winning sporting occasion. Muck Open Day Sunday 3rd. June 2012. Travel there and back on the Sheerwater from Arisaig. A good day out with lovely home baking at the tea room and tour of the island by the owner. Monthly - Produce Fair at Astley Hall from 11am - 3pm. Free entry. Soup and sandwiches. end August - RNLI Gala Day in Mallaig September - Mallaig Schools Gala Day |
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HONEYMOONS AND ROMANCE
A great place to celebrate that romantic occasion, whether it be honeymoon, birthday or wedding anniversary.
"Thank you for a wonderful honeymoon. The scenery is beautiful and the beaches picturesque. It’s worth stopping up just to see the sun setting (around 11pm). I wish we were here longer as there’s so much to do and see. The one wish we got was to see some wild red deer in their natural surroundings." ".. the perfect place to start married life. The chalet (Glen Mhor) is lovely and snug …. the best holiday ever; we are sad to leave and will be back …" Nicky and Pau "We got married at Caig Waterfall.... It was beautiful, a wonderful place to spend the honeymoon, a tremendous week with beautiful weather" - May 2006
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WEATHER
This is
one thing we can’t control, so come prepared for anything!
Whatever the weather you will be cosy and warm in your accommodation.
“It
was wet. It was windy. It was wild. It was wonderful! Then the
sun came out. Beautiful rainbows over the sea adding even more
to the views." David and Alison. N. Yorks. Oct. 2004
"This has been the first time our kids have visited Scotland.
Thanks to the absolutely marvellous weather their opinion will
always be that Scotland is a place of blazing sun, blue sky,
blue sea and dazzling sandy beaches. Thank you God!" Ives
- Malvern
" ... 22deg.C - 25deg.C for one whole week" Kielenstyn
- Holland
"Disappointing weather has made us appreciate all the more
that we are in a comfortable chalet, immaculate and well equipped..."
Strathie - E.Kilbride
What's the weather today?
FOR THE CHILDREN -
less than 1 hour away“
"I
couldn’t have wished for a better place to spend my (15th.)
birthday and holiday.” Bryony
"
..... kids have enjoyed the field, garden & wildlife"
"
My favourite things were playing on the beaches,
rockpooling and seeing the otter catching fish." Emma (age
9)
"Walked to Rhu and onto the rocky beach, where we found 4 types of sea anemone, hermit crabs, seals and lots of other shell fish"
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Sandy beaches, rock pools, shallow bays for paddling, rocks to jump off, islands to explore at low tide, sand dunes - you name it, you can find it round here!
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Games in the field. There is a volley net and loads of space to play footbal or cricket or run around. Fenced play area with slide and swings for young children. Games Room with Pool table and table tennis. See the Facilities page for pictures
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Boat trips to the Small Isles with time ashore to explore and the chance of seeing minke whale, basking shark, porpoises, dolphin, otter, seals, seabirds, eagles.
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Watch the fish being landed in Mallaig.
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Try to catch a fish in the river at the end of the Croft
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The Agricultural Show and the Highland Games have events and games for children.
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Mallaig Swimming Pool also has a pool table, jacuzzi, sauna, toning table and well-equipped fitness room(click here for photos). During the summer there are special fun sessions for children.
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Steam train journey from Fort William to Mallaig and back.
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Look out for our What’s On notices - there may be puppet shows or clown workshops or drumming and break-dancing workshops going on while you’re here.
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Treasures of the Earth in Fort William - beautiful gemstones and fossils.
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Nevis Range - ride up in the gondola to see the views across Lochaber, have a walk on one of the trails, try one of the cycle tracks made for the Mountain Bike World Cup, or go skiing (dry slope in summer).
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"About Lochaber" - events, accommodation, information about Lochaber |
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"Fort William & Lochaber – Things to Do" - comprehensive information on everything there is to see and do in the area "Wildlife in Fort William & Lochaber" – an excellent introduction to wildlife in the area |
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"Golf in Fort William & Lochaber" – an introduction to the best golf courses of the area |
For links to other things local or Scottish visit our links page
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