Acharacle Kilchoan and Morvern
Take the five-minute ferry trip from Corran to Ardnamurchan, and you’ll enter another world. This is one of the least-populated areas in Britain and the community is spread out in small settlements linked mainly by single-track roads. This is a place to experience rural life at its best – with an unhurried pace and sense of space. The widely scattered community of Acharacle is the main settlement in beautiful Ardnamurchan. It has a thriving arts, crafts and entertainment scene. The small village of Kilchoan is the most westerly village on the UK mainland – and has the most westerly college! Lochaber College has a rural campus here, with free internet access and a range of courses on offer.
Lochaline is the main settlement on the Morvern Peninsula. From here you can travel by ferry to the nearby Isle of Mull. The area is known for its wonderful diving, and the local dive school draws people to Lochaline from around the world.
Onich and Ardgour
Some 9 miles out of Fort William, the five-minute ferry crossing from Corran to Ardnamurchan takes you to the pretty village of Ardgour. Ardnamurchan is known for its relaxed pace of life and you can feel the difference as soon as you arrive. The small community of Ardgour is spread around the shoreline and enjoys fabulous views over Loch Linnhe. Although the village has an island feel, the regular ferry service across the Corran Narrows means that Fort William and Glencoe are never far away.
Further south on the road from Fort William is the picturesque village of Onich. Beautifully situated on the shore of Loch Linnhe, the village is strung along the roadside and has panoramic views across the loch to the mountains of Glencoe in the east and to Morvern and the Isle of Mull in the west. Midway between Fort William and Glencoe, Onich is ideally placed to access the outdoor pursuits and facilities in the area.
Arisaig Morar and Lochailort
The dramatic ‘Road to the Isles’ takes you from Fort William to Mallaig, past stunning coastal scenery and through an area steeped in Jacobite history. You’re never far from water in this part of Lochaber - west of Glenfinnan, the road skirts Loch Eil and dramatic Loch Shiel to reach the village of Lochailort. There are spectacular views out to Skye and the Small Isles as the road twists north past sandy beaches to reach the sheltered bay of Arisaig. With a great range of accommodation, restaurants and activities, this beautiful village is a popular tourist destination and gateway to the Small Isles of Rum, Muck, Eigg and Canna. Further along the Road to the Isles lies the village of Morar. Famous for its beach of silver sand, the village has restaurants, outdoor activities and craft shops and is just a short drive from the facilities and services available in Mallaig.
Ballachulish and Glencoe
The scenery around Ballachulish and Glencoe is simply awe-inspiring. If you arrive from the south over Rannoch Moor, you’re greeted by the dark, majestic mountains of Glencoe. History is never far away here – and you can find out more about the area’s heritage at the Glencoe Visitor Centre. The area is a magnet for climbers and walkers throughout the year and in winter Glencoe has one of Scotland’s top ski centres.
Ballachulish and Glencoe are lively villages with a friendly feel and active events calendars. Less than 30 minutes drive from Fort William, they are ideally situated to enjoy all the outdoor activities that Lochaber has to offer. As well as mountain sports and walking, the sheltered waters of Loch Leven are ideal for sailing and kayaking. The villages offer local services and tourist facilities, and have many options for enjoying a relaxed evening out in traditional style.
