THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE ARISAIG AREA

	"How can words describe! - every day full of beauty and enchantment ... all round 'scapes to inspire, reawaken and renew one's dulled spirits." Paul, Robert, Angela & Nicola

SIGHTSEEING AND PLACES OF INTEREST
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.		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.
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! • The highest mountain - Ben Nevis • The most dramatic glen - Glen Coe • The wildest peninsula - Knoydart • The westernmost point of mainland Britain - Ardnamurchan Point • The deepest inland water - Loch Morar • 100s of offshore islands - The Small Isles Fort William & 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 Highlands landscape. Known as the "Road to the Isles" because of the ferry links from Mallaig to Skye and the Small Isles, the area from Fort William to Mallaig encompasses wild hills, lochs and a stunning coastline.  The Arisaig and Morar area is also know by the Gaelic name "Nan garbh Criochan" or the "Rough Bounds"

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.

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.

"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.

	"The beaches must be the most fun and the most beautiful in the U.K." Blacklock "Lovely walks, secluded bays and sandy beaches." David and Alison.
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 by the filming there of "Local Hero" and the Orange mobile advert, is 2mls. away, the Silver Sands of Morar just a little further on.		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.

"Love the air quality and the beaches on the way to Mallaig." Stimson - Uckfield

BOAT TRIPS 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 time-table here.
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

Or take a boat trip up Loch Shiel on the M.V.Sileas from Glenfinnan - wildlife and historical cruises and regular Ceilidh Cruises in summer.

"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

STEAM TRAIN "The Jacobite" steam train (now famous from its numerous appearancs in the "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 Jacobite" leaving Arisaig station

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. The local sparrowhawk regularly (sadly) makes a meal of some of our smaller garden birds. Buzzards are frequently circling round looking for their next meal. Our gardens are very bird friendly and attract a wide range of nesting and feeding birds. Even the wrens are tame.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND PAINTING

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.

WILD LIFE
".. seen lots of seals and deer at Rhu and best of all an otter."Michael & Lorraine
          
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. Orchids and alpine type plants grow wild, the pretty colours and patterns of the lichen that proliferates in this clean air cover the rocks. Red deer are everywhere, pine marten are common, even wild cats can be seen occasionally. Seals are easily spotted, otters less easily so. If you go out in a kayak you may find yourself being investigated by inquisitive seals or even a school of dolphin!
Visit Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre.

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". For guided full or half day trips in the area, with the gear provided, see Rock Hopper Sea Kayaking. Newly opened, Nevis Canoes in Fort William sells and hires out boats and equipment for kayaking.
For photos of the fantastic scenery taken on kayaking trips in the area visit Douglas Wilcox's website.
If you are looking to buy a used sea kayak, there are currently some for sale on the Mallaig Canoe Club website.

"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

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.

FAMILY ADVENTURES AND OUTWARD BOUND
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. Prices from £15 a person or £40 per family. 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

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 There is a range of places to enjoy a meal out. 200yds. up the hill from Ach na skia the Cnoc na Faire hotel serves meals in the bar or in the restaurant by reservation.

Cnoc na Faire Hotel - Eigg and Rum in background

In Arisaig the Arisaig Hotel serves bar and restaurant meals and has "barbies" outside in summer. The Café Rhu serves food all day and upstairs has a gallery of art works by the children of Arisaig Primary School for sale. The "Old Library Lodge" serves morning coffee, lunches and dinners. Mallaig has a choice of cafés, restaurants and bar meals, including an excellent Indaina restaurant, "Mallaig Spice", as well as a fish and chip take-away.

EATING IN	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, try a take away from "Mallaig Spice" a take-out pizza from the hotel or fresh fish and chips from Mallaig. "excellent food from Sunset Thai cuisine" Bryan & Ann

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 usually some kind of entertainment going on each week, either in Arisaig, where are regular events in the Astley Hall and the hotel has weekly music in the bar. Morar Hotel has weekly live music in the bar as does the Steam Inn in Mallaig. 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 - second Saturday in June every year
.Arisaig Games - last Wednesday in July every year. 23rd. July 2008, 12.30p.m. at Traigh farm.
Arisaig Regatta - first week in August - events on Thursday and Friday
Mallaig & Morar Games - on the Morar field - Sunday 3rd. August 2008 at 12 noon.
Glenfinnan Games - third Saturday in August every year. Saturday 16th. August 2008. Starts 11.30a.m. at Monument Field.
Lochaber Highland Games - Fort William, Saturday 6th. July

For still more information about the Road to the Isles follow this link.

OTHER LOCAL EVENTS

What's on in the Lochaber area?	April 2008 - download PDF file
Arisaig Craft Fair - Tuesday 29th. July Mountain Film Festival - The 2008 Mountain Festival took place from Friday 15th to Saturday 23rd of February. This year's guest speakers included Jo Gambi. Kenton Cool, Billy Savage, Cameron MacNeish and Corran Addison. As well as fantastic fims and speakers this year's festival presented the first ever UK Slacklining Masters competition, where the best balancers in the UK did battle for the slackline crown. (and a few locals had a go too!) Guided walks, climbing, winter walking and biking workshops and exploring your creative side all took place and a fantastic time was had by all. Don't miss it next year. SCOTTISH SIX DAYS MOTORCYCLE TRIAL 5 - 10 May 2008 - 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. Loch Shiel Spring Festival 10-16 May 2008. A week long programme of concerts and workshops in and around the Loch Shiel Area. Leading artists from all over Scotland and beyond will team up to perform classical music befitting the scenic splendour of the West Highlands. Albeit short of lavish concert halls, the villages round Loch Shiel offer a series of imaginative chamber music venues ranging from the awe-inspiring to the picturesque, and festival programmes are devised to match. In 2006 we staged a concert at Glenfinnan railway station, featuring music by Steve Reich. In 2007 we celebrated the Highland Year of Culture by commissioning a collaborative work based on local themes and song traditions. This 2008 festival will be about many things - spirituality, journeys, foreign-ness - and, as always, about managing somehow to do extraordinary things, about necessity being the mother not only of invention but of inspiration. Muck Open Day Sunday 22nd. June. 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. UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP 6/8 June 2008

HONEYMOONS AND ROMANCE
A great place to celebrate that romantic occasion, whether it be honeymoon, birthday or wedding anniversary.

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, Oldham Sept. 2004

" ..... kids have enjoyed the field, garden & wildlife"

" My favourite things were .. Marine World, 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"

• 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!

  
  

• Games in the field. There is a volley net and a boules pitch and loads of space to 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
  
• Boat trips to the Small Isles with time ashore to explore and the chance of seeing minke whale.
  
• Watch the fish being landed in Mallaig.
  
• Try to catch a fish in the river at the end of the Croft
  
• The Agricultural Show and the Highland Games have events and games for children.
  
• 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.
  
• Steam train journey from Fort William to Mallaig and back.
  
• 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.
  
• Treasures of the Earth in Fort William - beautiful gemstones and fossils.
  
• Aonach Mhor - 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).

For links to other things local or Scottish visit our links page

BE SEEN IN POOR VISIBILITY OR IN AN EMERGENCY For peace of mind carry a Flashy armband when walking, cycling, motor biking, boating or driving. * * * * * * * * * Click on the logo to order or find out more * * * * * * * * *

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