Our Top 10 Things To Do While In Ardnamurchan & Moidart

1) Staffa Tours

A highly recommended day out, many of our guests have really enjoyed their tours and its well worth the early start.

Discover the most beautiful and interesting places on the West Coast of Scotland with our tours to the Isle of Staffa, home to the world-famous Fingal’s Cave, the ornithological heaven of the Treshnish Isles, the sacred Isle of Iona and the wildlife mecca of Mull.

Departing from Tobermory, Mull or Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan this highly recommended tour takes in the Isle of Staffa, Fingal’s Cave and the Treshnish Isles in one day. A brilliant day out for all the family, with spectacular scenery, the chance to spend time with Puffins and spot whales, dolphins, basking sharks, sea eagles and many seabirds.

www.staffatours.com

2) Ardnamurchan & Nc'nean Distillery

Are you a whisky fan? Then why not arrange a tour of the Ardnamurchan Distillery for an afternoon of fun.

The Ardnamurchan Distillery opened in July 2014, to begin producing what will eventually mature into world-class single malts. We produce two signature styles of spirit, one peated and one unpeated, which will mature quietly in our warehouse in American and Spanish oak casks until they reach the peak of perfection.

Ardnamurchan Distillery Tours and Tasting
We’re delighted to share the secrets of distilling with our visitors and run exclusive, informative and friendly tours year-round, for everyone from whisky newcomers to the seasoned expert.

Nc’nean is a distillery that is setting out to do things differently. In a break from the traditional whiskies of Scotland Nc'nean is focusing on making great tasting, young single malt whisky spirits that are good to mix, as well as being enjoyed on their own.

Nc'nean are offering visitors the opportunity to see all sides of our distillery twice a day Monday to Friday. Tour Prices are £15 per person , and include an introduction to Nc’nean over coffee and cake as well as spirit tastings at the end. Tours last approximately 2 hours. There are plenty of lovely walks and wildlife spotting opportunities on the Drimnin Estate, plus a local art gallery for visitors to enjoy.

www.adelphidistillery.com and www.ncnean.com

3) Ardnamurchan Lighthouse & Visitor Centre

Situated on the most Westerly point of the British Mainland, the magnificent lighthouse was designed by Alan Stevenson, uncle of Robert Louis Stevenson, whose family designed most of Scotland’s lighthouses over a period of 150 years. Now operating automatically, the lighthouse is still fully operational and over April to October you can take a lighthouse tour and climb to the top of the 152 steps (and two ladders!) to be rewarded with the stunning 360 degree view of West Ardnamurchan, across to Mull, Coll, Skye and the Small Isles and even the Outer Hebrides on a clear day.

As well as climbing the tower, you can visit the Exhibition Centre, converted from the former Head Keeper's cottage, the restored engine room and learn how the original fog horn operated. The Stables coffee shop offers a lovely selection of cakes, snacks and drinks as well as a small shop selling a range of souvenirs, crafts, books and CDs.

www.ardnamurchanlighthouse.com

4) Loch Shiel Cruises

Join the Loch Shiel cruise where it is possible to view Golden Eagles, White Tailed Eagles, Red Throated Divers, Hen Harriers, Red Deer plus a wide variety of other wildlife, while learning the History and Geology of this special, remote and unspoiled part of the Highlands of Scotland.Accessible only by boat, Loch Shiel is one of Scotland's most historically significant and unspoiled natural treasures.Carved out by retreating glaciers over successive ice ages, this 18 mile long freshwater loch has changed relatively little since then and can truly be called a last wild place.

www.highlandcruises.co.uk

5) Jacobite Steam Train

Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!

The train stops en route to Mallaig at the village of Glenfinnan (see below). Beyond Glenfinnan are the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig. You may alight at Arisaig by request to the guard. From here, on a clear summer's day, you can see the "Small Isles" of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. The train continues on from here passing Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films "Highlander" and "Local Hero"

www.westcoastrailways.co.uk

6) Glenfinnan Monument & Viaduct

A short 40 minute drive from Mingarry Park and you will reach Glenfinnian. A must see when in the area.

Glenfinnan attracts many thousands of visitors from around the world to experience the stunning scenery but also the special atmosphere. The famous Glenfinnan viaduct carries the railway to Glenfinnan Station across a 1,000 ft span, 100 ft above the ground. The Jacobite steam train runs from here to Fort William and Mallaig in summer months with regular trains available the rest of the year.

www.visitscotland.com

7) Otter Adventures

Do you fancy a more physically challenging day? Then look no further than otter adventures in Strontain.

If you’ve never been in a canoe before, we can get you on the water safely and soon enjoying yourself on a half-day taster.

Experienced sea kayakers will find a challenge in our five-day Morvern circumnavigation.

With over thirty-five years experience working in the outdoor industry, Karl, the owner of Otter Adventures and head guide, has ample experience of creating and delivering programmes of adventurous activities and tailoring them to individuals and groups. He has a real passion for introducing people to a wide range of outdoor activities, and in developing their skills and enthusiasm for the sport. He will also help you understand the environment, local history and culture of the West Highland Peninsulas. Involving local communities and working with local crofts and tourism businesses enables Otter Adventures to deliver a growing list of unique ‘slow adventures in a day’ and multi-day family adventures.

www.otter-adventures.co.uk

8) Ardnamurchan Natural History Visitor Centre

The Natural History Visitor Centre, situated in the Living Building, is the winner of three prestige awards.

The owners, Richard and Vicky Pollock, introduce visitors to the breathtaking variety of flora and fauna to be found in this beautiful corner of Scotland on the Western most peninsula of the British mainland, often referred to as - almost an island.

Enjoy the warmth and comfort of the Lochview Tearoom to relax in, or browse in the Antler Gift shop.

www.ardnamurchannaturalhistorycentre.com

9) Steven Marshall Photography

A landscape photographer based at Rockpool House, Resipole on the shore of Loch Sunart. Offers 1-to-1 photography tuition and photographic tours to beginners and intermediates.

Steven is a Scottish landscape photographer based at Rockpool House in the heart of the beautiful West Highland Peninsulas of Sunart, Morvern, Moidart, Ardgour and Ardnamurchan. He has an intimate knowledge of this beautiful and unspoilt corner of Scotland and a passion for photographing its landscape, coastline and night sky.

His photographic work is on show in his studio on the shore of Loch Sunart, a location from which he offers photography tuition and guidance. You can also see a selection of his work by visiting his website at www.smarshall.photography

Photography Workshop for Beginners
If you’ve just got a new camera and are not sure how to use it, or if you’ve had one a little while but would like to take better photos. Learn how to get the most out of it.

Landscape Photography for Intermediates
Do you want to try something new? How about long exposure photography, night photography or time-lapse? Why not have a one-to-one session to try them out?

www.smarshall.photography

10) Tobermory & Mull

Catch the early ferry from Kilchoan and enjoy a day in Mull enjoying a delicious seafood lunch in Tobermory.

Tobermory is the main town on the island of Mull. The port with its colourful harbour-front buildings was the setting of children's TV show Balamory.

Tobermory (Tobar Mhoire – Well of Mary), capital of Mull, is one of the prettiest ports in Scotland, thanks to the colourful houses and a sheltered bay where legend has it one of the Spanish Armada ships sank in 1588 carrying gold bullion.

Built as a fishing port in 1788 on a design by Thomas Telford, the town curves around the harbour and rises into the hillside beyond. Main Street is a mix of shops, eateries, hotels and guest houses and has an excellent selection of locally produced arts and crafts.

www.tobermory.co.uk