Arisaig and Morar.
There are so many beautiful places in Scotland to visit but Arisaig and Morar must be in the top ten. A visit to the Morar peninsular will treat you to views of a rocky coast, blue seas, and white sandy beaches. The islands of Rum, Canna and Eigg sit on the horizon and the whole area is a photographer’s dream. With its westerly aspect the area enjoys spectacular light particularly at sunrise and sunset. Even in poor weather you will be unlucky not to come home with some great images.
How to get there.
Traveling from Fort William take the A830, also known as the ‘Road to The Isles’. This runs all the way to Mallaig. A gateway from where you can take a ferry to the small isles, South Uist, Oban and the Isle of Skye.
Turn off the A830 onto the coastal road the B8008, signposted Arisaig, then onwards into the village. Enjoy a coffee or meal at The Old library Inn with views across the bay towards the skerries.
When refreshed follow the road north. Hugging the coast where you will find rocky bays filled with pristine water and white sand. These beaches are known as the Silver Sands of Morar and run from Arisaig to Morar and the mouth of the Morar river.
Camusdarach beach.
One to look out for is Camusdarach Beach considered to be one of the best in the UK. The beach has an off-road car park from where it’s a short walk over the dunes to the beach. Sweeping sand will greet you with Skye and the Cullin mountains visible to the west
The beaches claim to fame was it use as a location for the film Local Hero in 1983 a film which enjoys cult status.
Carry on up the coast road and you will reach Morar and yet more sand where the river Morar joins the sea. The river is the shortest in Scotland and connects Loch Morar with the Atlantic Ocean.
The Morar peninsula is one of those areas that’s often overlooked by international visitors. Yet it’s regarded as a must-visit destination by the majority of Scotland’s travel websites.
There are two main reasons to visit this particular region of Scotland, the first of which is the ever-popular Jacobite ‘Harry Potter’ steam train. This puffs its way from Fort William to Mallaig on what has been described as one of the world’s greatest train journeys.
The second reason is the ferry service that runs from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye – a popular travel option that combines stunning views with a visit to Scotland’s most famous west coast island. Ferries also run a service to the small isles Eigg, Muck, Rum, and Canna and South Uist.
While the train ride and the sail to Skye are undeniably enjoyable. They completely bypass one more reason to visit the Morar peninsula, which is to experience the spectacular scenery of Loch Morar.
Loch Morar.
Loch Morar lies to the immediate east of the village of Morar and south of Mallaig and Loch Nevis in the Lochaber region of the Scottish Highlands.
The loch itself is well worth a visit with its wooded banks and deep water. In fact, it’s the fifth largest loch in Scotland and the deepest body of fresh water in the U.K. with some parts over 300 meters deep!
Loch Morar is best known for being the deepest body of freshwater in the United Kingdom (and the third deepest in Europe), with some parts plummeting to an incredible 310 metres.
The loch offers trout and salmon fishing. And by legend the home of Morag a relation of the mythical Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Well if that’s the case, I think it must be Nessie on her west coast holidays, you couldn’t pick a better place.
Perhaps less known is the fact that Loch Morar is a paradise for walkers. Thanks to a low-lying shoreline that’s bordered by monumental hills that run around the northern, eastern, and southern sides of the loch. The area also has a wealth of wildlife to enjoy.
Of course, there is always a downside, the area suffers from its own success. During the summer months and holidays, it gets extremely busy. Its nice to see people appreciating the natural beauty. But if it’s too overcrowded it takes away from the raw, wild remoteness and peace.
I travelled in mid-March. You take a bit of a gamble with the weather, but bad weather can add so much drama to a landscape. And if you afraid of getting wet, the west coast might not be idea for you.
The area offers plenty of accommodation:-
Arisaig-
The old library lodge and restaurant.
The Arisaig Hotel.
https://www.arisaighotel.co.uk/
Morar-
The Morar Hotel.
The area is also well served with caravan parks, guesthouses and holiday lets, so there’s something to suit everyone.
Enjoy Life!
John.
Hi, my name is John Webber, award winning chef and tutor, now retired to the west coast of Scotland. Welcome to our blog focusing on food, cooking, and countryside. My aim is to pass on my years of skills and knowledge together with an appreciation of the countryside.
Join us to experience the beauty of the west coast, cook some great food and be at ease in the kitchen.
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