Ardnamurchan, Argyll – The Highlands of Scotland

Ardnamurchan, mainland Britain’s most westerly point, is reached by a slow and incredibly beautiful wooded road, running with ever-changing views along Loch Sunart to the lighthouse at Ardnamurchan Point. Protected by its remoteness, the unique ecology hosts many rare plants, birds and animals, including otters, eagles, pine martens, wildcats, basking sharks, seals and sea-eagles.

Kilchoan is the largest settlement on West Ardnamurchan, boasting two churches, a primary school, a pub/hotel, a shop, a community centre which includes a medical facility and a tourist information desk, an education centre (The ‘University of Kilchoan’), a fire station, a coastguard station and a telephone exchange.  By comparison, the other villages of West Ardnamurchan are small, the smallest boasting a resident population of only one!

Some 250 people make up the permanent population of West Ardnamurchan, but this number increases hugely in summer as our visitors arrive, boosting numbers in the area to over 500.  This may not seem many, but meeting more than 4 cars on the single track road into the village can be difficult for a local to comprehend!

As well as being a stunningly beautiful location which is renowned for its empty spaces, white sand beaches and abundant wildlife, this is a welcoming place for visitors. The area offers opportunities for the fisherman, angler, birdwatcher, kayaker, diver, yachtsman, photographer and hill walker, and a true haven for those that just want to relax and enjoy ‘peace and tranquillity’. A perfect place for your Argyll holiday.

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How to find your way to Ardnamurchan

Ardnamurchan lies at the most westerly point of the Scottish mainland, and can be reached by either road or sea.

By Road:

Approaching from the south by road there are two routes: the first is to follow the M74 Glasgow/Stirling road onto the M9 for Perth, leaving at Exit 11 for Doune/Crianlarich. Alternatively you can leave the M74 at the M8, following signs for Glasgow/Greenock and the Erskine Bridge(toll) – cross the bridge and take the A82 to Loch Lomond, turning right at Tarbet for Crianlarich – the “gateway to the Highlands”.

From Crianlarich, follow signs towards Fort William, through Glen Coe. Four miles after the Ballachulish Bridge, follow signs for the Corran ferry. This car ferry service provides a five minute trip across to Ardnamurchan and runs from early morning until late evening. The service is provided by Highland Council. For more information phone 01855 841 243

Once off the ferry, turn left onto the A861 towards Salen, where you arrive on the Ardnamurchan peninsula proper. Kilchoan is a further nineteen miles along the B8007.  When planning your journey, allow extra time for the route from the Corran ferry to Kilchoan as a large part of this road is single-track with passing places. Please be courteous to other road-users and use the passing places to allow overtaking.

By sea:

There is a car ferry service from Tobermory on the Isle of Mull with a journey time of thirty-five minutes. Crossings are frequent, so you can make a day-visit to Ardnamurchan from the island easily. The Isle of Mull also has another two ferry links to the mainland, one to Lochaline and the other to Oban. These services are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. Further information and timetable details can be had by phoning 01475 650 100 or visiting their website on www.calmac.co.uk

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