Local Area
The Ardnamurchan peninsula is the hidden jewel of Scotland, a wild, beautiful, remote area in the heart of the West Highlands of Scotland with stunning scenery, sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, historical landscapes and some of the best places for wildlife, walking and adventure in the UK.
Ardnamurchan has easy links to the Morven peninsula, the Island of Mull and villages of Kilchoan, Acharacle, Strontian and Salen are within easy reach.
There are many scenic walks in Ardnamurchan to suit all tastes and fitness levels, ranging from gentle strolls, to coastal, forest and moorland walks. Ardnamurchan is a great place for getting active. Get up close to nature in some of the most scenic and beautiful sites in the West Highlands.
Ardnamurchan Point on the Ardnamurchan peninsula is the most westerly point on the British mainland and is a good place to spot basking shark, minke whale, common dolphin, orca, harbour porpoise and Risso’s dolphin (if lucky), as well as otters and a range of coastal birds. The headland supports a diverse maritime flora and is a wonderful place for a picnic.
The fabulous beaches of Sanna and Portuairk provide amazing views of Adnamurchan Point and The Small Isles. White sands, clear turquoise seas, species-rich dunes and small rocky islands make it one of the most stunning beaches in the area. In spring and summer, the dunes are a riot of colour with thyme, bedstraws, harebells, orchids and vetches, whilst the dune slacks support bog pimpernel, water mint, grass of parnass and marsh lousewort. The dwarf willow (Salix herbacea), a tree barely taller than the surrounding grass, makes an unusual addition to the plant list. A great place for butterflies, including blues, browns and fritillaries. Look out for otters and and array of coastal birds. In addition, there are many pleasant walks in the area. Sanna Bay is a favourite amongst artists and photographers alike. Take time to explore this stunning beach with its rockpools, clear seas and lovely dune system.
The RSPB reserve at Glenborrodale on the hills beside Loch Sunart supports wood warbles, redstarts two barred Crossbill and spotted flycatchers, as well as many common woodland birds. Seasonal highlights include golden eagles, merlin, ravens, and skylarks. Otters, oyster catchers and sandpipers are also found on the shores of Loch Sunart. There is a nature trail and guided walks
Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve, near Strontian, is an important remnant of an ancient coastal oakwood that formerly stretched along the Atlantic coast from Spain and Portugal to Norway. Its trees, mainly sessile oak and pedunculate oak, are strewn with a diverse collection of mosses, liverworts, lichens and epiphytic ferns. The woodland also supports a large invertebrate community, including the rare chequered skipper, pearl bordered fritillary and small pearl bordered fritillary.
