The Ardnamurchan peninsula is the long, rugged finger of land that ends at the most westerly point of mainland Britain. Getting there takes time: one road, mostly single track, winds west from Salen past oakwoods, sea lochs and the remains of an ancient volcano to Kilchoan and the lighthouse. That slow drive is half the appeal.
This guide lists the best things to see and do on the peninsula in 2026, from lighthouse tours and white sand beaches to whisky, wildlife boat trips, castles and easy forest trails around Strontian. Opening times, prices and crossing fares were re-checked on official websites in November 2026, and anything we could not confirm has been taken out.
Updated 2 November 2026. Prices, opening times and crossing fares re-checked on official websites.
Ardnamurchan at a Glance
| # | Attraction | Area | Adult price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ardnamurchan Lighthouse tower tour | Ardnamurchan Point | £7.50 | Views, history |
| 2 | Sanna Bay | Far west | No charge | Beach days, picnics |
| 3 | Ben Hiant | Near Kilchoan | No charge | Hill walkers |
| 4 | Ardnamurchan Distillery tour | Glenbeg | £18 | Whisky fans |
| 5 | Salen Jetty boat trip | Salen | £55 | Wildlife watching |
| 6 | Castle Tioram (outside only) | Dorlin, Loch Moidart | No charge | Photographers |
| 7 | Ariundle Oakwood trail | Strontian | No charge | Families, gentle strolls |
| 8 | Tobermory–Kilchoan sailing | Kilchoan | £3.85 single | A day on Mull |
Adult prices as published on official websites in November 2026. Where a price is not published, confirm it when booking.
What’s Changed in 2026
- The Salen (the former Salen Hotel) is now a licensed café with self-catering accommodation.
- Kilcamb Lodge has served dinner to resident guests only since 1 October 2026, so outside tables can no longer be booked.
- Ardnamurchan Natural History Visitor Centre has reopened under new ownership, open 10am–5pm Tuesday to Saturday.
- Loch Shiel Hotel in Acharacle has been under new management since 1 March 2026.
- Corran Ferry fares went up on 1 May 2026: a car now costs £13.
- Staffa Tours says landings on Staffa have been suspended since September 2026 for maintenance work, so check before you book a trip there.
The Far West: Lighthouse, Sanna and the Volcano
The westerly end of the peninsula is where most people head first. It is the wildest part, with the lighthouse, the best sand and the clearest views of the Small Isles.
1. Climb Ardnamurchan Lighthouse
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse has guided ships off this coast since 1849, when it was built by Alan Stevenson. The tower stands at the most westerly point on the British mainland, and it is the one sight nobody skips. A guided climb takes you up 152 steps and two ladders to the balcony for wide views over the water to the Small Isles.
Tower tours run every half hour from 11am to 4pm and include the exhibition: £7.50 for adults, £5.50 for under-16s, seniors and concessions, and £20 for a family of four. Phone ahead to book. Under-5s cannot climb, there is no disabled access to the tower, and the tower closes on maintenance days. The coffee shop opens 10am–4.30pm. Visit on a calm day if you can.
Where & when: Ardnamurchan Point, at the end of the road west of Kilchoan. Open 1 April to 31 October, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays). Official website
2. Relax on Sanna Bay
Sanna Bay is the beach that ends up on postcards: a run of white sand coves, beaches and dunes facing the Small Isles of Rum, Eigg and Muck. Visit on a clear day, when the water turns turquoise and you may have it almost to yourself.
There is a large parking area at the end of the Sanna road, a short walk from the beach. Bring a picnic and plenty of layers.
Where & when: Sanna, north of Achnaha on the far west of the peninsula. No charge, open all year.
3. Walk from Portuairk to Sanna
For the best of the far west, follow the Walkhighlands circuit from Portuairk to Sanna. The route is about 7 km (4¼ miles) with 179 m of ascent and takes 2.5–3.5 hours. It crosses rough, wet ground before dropping to the beach and dunes.
Park before the zig-zag descent into Portuairk. Wear proper boots, because some sections are muddy after rain.
Where & when: Portuairk, a hamlet on the far west coast. No charge. Route on Walkhighlands
4. Drive Through an Ancient Volcano
The bowl of hills around Achnaha is the eroded core of an ancient volcano. The Geological Society lists the Ardnamurchan ring complex among its 100 great geosites, and the area is part of the Lochaber Geopark. Its rings of volcanic rock are clearest from the hills or on a map.
You do not need a degree in geology to enjoy it. Take the road from Kilchoan towards Achnaha and Sanna and you cross the middle of the ring.
Where & when: Between Kilchoan, Achnaha and Sanna. No charge.
Kilchoan, Mingary and Ben Hiant
Kilchoan is the main settlement in the west of the peninsula and the base for sailings to Tobermory, the campsite and some of the best food on the coast.
5. Explore Kilchoan Village
Kilchoan Community Centre, built in 1998, is the hub of the village. It has tourist information, toilets and showers, a craft and gift shop and Fika Coffee. Check the opening hours before you visit, because they change.
Above the bay is St Comghan’s, the 18th-century old parish church, with a burial ground looking over the water. It is dedicated to an Irish monk of the 8th century.
Where & when: Kilchoan, on the B8007. Community centre website
6. See Mingary Castle
Mingary Castle sits on the shore just east of Kilchoan, behind a 13th-century curtain wall. It is now a small restaurant with rooms on the 12,000-hectare Ardnamurchan Estate.
Dinner runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Wednesday to Sunday, with daily-changing five- or eight-course menus, and the restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide. Book well ahead, as it is small.
Where & when: Kilchoan PH36 4LH. Official website · Check rooms on Booking.com
7. Hike Ben Hiant
Ben Hiant, at 528 m, is the highest point on the peninsula, and it is a short but steep climb. The Walkhighlands route is 4.5 km (2¾ miles) with 347 m of ascent, and it takes 2–3 hours. From the top the views take in Mull, the Small Isles and the loch.
Park on the gravel verge at the highest point of the B8007 east of Kilchoan. Pick a clear day for the view.
Where & when: Start on the B8007 between Kilchoan and Camas nan Geall. No charge. Route on Walkhighlands
8. Stop at Camas nan Geall
On the road east of Kilchoan, pull into the viewpoint parking above Camas nan Geall. An interpretation board explains the geology and landmarks below, and the views take in Ben Hiant.
A track leads down to the shore, where you will find a Bronze Age standing stone with a carved cross, the old burial ground of Cladh Chiarain and the remains of a Neolithic chambered cairn.
Where & when: Viewpoint on the B8007 between Kilchoan and Glenborrodale. No charge.
Glenbeg to Salen: Whisky, Woods and Boat Trips
The south shore of the peninsula runs along the water through oakwoods. Take it slowly and keep an eye on the shore.
9. Tour Ardnamurchan Distillery
Ardnamurchan Distillery at Glenbeg was opened in July 2014 by HRH The Princess Royal and is owned by Adelphi. The Taste the Story tour lasts about 45 minutes and costs £18 for adults or £4 for children, with drams for drivers to take away. Plan your visit for a weekday.
For more depth, the Behind the Scenes tour takes about 90 minutes and costs £50. Tours run Monday to Friday only: in April–September at 10am, 12pm and 2pm, and in November–March at 11am and 2pm. The visitor centre is open 10am–5pm on weekdays and closed at weekends.
Where & when: Glenbeg, on the B8007. Book a tour
10. Walk RSPB Glenborrodale
RSPB Glenborrodale is a small woodland reserve between Glenbeg and Glenborrodale with a waymarked trail. If you visit in summer, the RSPB runs weekly guided walks, and a charge applies.
The trail is steep and uneven in places, with steps, so wear walking shoes. Dogs are not allowed, except assistance dogs. The nearest toilets are at Salen Jetty or the Kilchoan terminal.
Where & when: Off the B8007 between Glenbeg and Glenborrodale. RSPB reserve page
11. Visit the Natural History Visitor Centre
The Ardnamurchan Natural History Visitor Centre at Glenmore, formerly Nàdurra, introduces the plants, animals and history of the peninsula. It also has the Lochview Tearoom and the Antler Gift Shop, which make it a useful visit on a wet day.
It has reopened under new ownership, with new hours of 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
Where & when: Glenmore, on the B8007 west of Glenborrodale. Official website
12. Take a Boat Trip from Laga Bay
West Scotland Marine runs skippered charters from Laga Bay on Laurenca 2, with a maximum of 12 passengers. Two- and four-hour trips cross into Loch Teacuis around the island of Carna, with chances to see seals, porpoises, otters, deer and seabirds.
Full-day charters can head further out, for example to the Treshnish Isles or the Cairns of Coll. Confirm prices when booking.
Where & when: Laga Bay, between Glenborrodale and Salen. Official website
13. Join a Salen Jetty Boat Trip on Loch Sunart
From the pontoons at Salen, the boat Mingary runs half-day wildlife watching trips of about 3.5 hours along the 19-mile sea loch. Sightings can include sea eagles, dolphins, porpoises, herons and terns. Tickets cost £55 for adults and £40 for children under 14, and dogs travel free.
There is a toilet on board and free bottled water. Book ahead, although there are sometimes spaces on the day.
Where & when: Salen Jetty, Salen. Book a trip
14. Eat at Salen Jetty Shop and The Salen
Salen is the crossroads of the peninsula, where the B8007 turns west. Salen Jetty Shop is a grocer, café, deli and off-licence with coffee, home baking and Highland cheeses, so it is the place to stock up before you head west.
Across the road, The Salen (the former Salen Hotel) is now a licensed café with self-catering. Food is served 10am–5.30pm Tuesday to Saturday (until 3.30pm on Sundays). It does not take café bookings, and dogs are welcome.
Where & when: Salen, PH36 4JN. Salen Jetty Shop · The Salen
Acharacle, Kentra and Moidart
North of Salen, the A861 runs to Acharacle at the foot of Loch Shiel. The coast here has two of the finest sandy beaches on this stretch of mainland coast and a castle you can walk out to at low tide.
15. Find the Singing Sands
Camas an Lighe, better known as the Singing Sands, is a beach you have to earn. The Walkhighlands route is about 9.5 km (6 miles) there and back, with 137 m of ascent, through a forestry plantation and out to a sheltered beach of pale sand.
Start from the car park at the end of the Arivegaig road, off the Kentra road near Acharacle. Allow 2.5–3.5 hours.
Where & when: Arivegaig, near Acharacle. No charge. Route on Walkhighlands
16. Explore Ardtoe Beach and Kentra Bay
At the end of a narrow road from Acharacle, the little settlement of Ardtoe has a sandy beach on the north side of the bay.
Park with care, as space is limited and the lane is narrow.
Where & when: Ardtoe, off the A861 at Acharacle. No charge.
17. Photograph Castle Tioram
Castle Tioram, also called Dorlin Castle, stands on a tidal island in Loch Moidart. Its name means “dry castle” in Gaelic, because you can walk out to it across the sand at low tide. It is a scheduled monument.
The castle has been closed to the public since 1998 because of its poor condition, and you cannot go inside. You can still walk out to admire it from the outside. Check the tide times before you visit so you are not cut off.
Where & when: Dorlin, on a minor road off the A861 north of Acharacle. No charge.
Strontian and the Head of the Loch
Strontian, at the eastern end of the peninsula, is the first village you reach from the Corran crossing. It has a fuel station, plus two easy forest walks.
18. Paddle with Otter Adventures
Seeing the coast from a canoe or sea kayak is one of the best ways to experience it. Otter Adventures offers three-hour introductions by open canoe, kayak or paddleboard with a qualified guide, plus longer six-hour journeys.
Experienced paddlers can also hire canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Prices are not published, so confirm when booking.
Where & when: Based near Strontian. Official website
19. Walk the Ariundle Oakwood
Ariundle Oakwood, just north of Strontian, is a national nature reserve protecting Atlantic oakwood along the river. Forestry and Land Scotland’s Ariundle Trail is a 4.5 km (2¾ mile) loop along the Strontian River, with a long boardwalk. It is an easy walk; allow about 1.5 hours.
In wet weather the mosses and ferns are at their most vivid, so do not let a little rain put you off.
Where & when: Ariundle, Strontian. No charge. Trail details
20. Refuel at the Ariundle Centre
Ariundle Centre, on the way to the oakwood, is a licensed restaurant and tearoom serving breakfast, lunch, home baking and evening meals.
It makes an easy lunch stop before or after the trail.
Where & when: Anaheilt, Strontian PH36 4JA. Official website
21. Take Phemie’s Walk
Phemie’s Walk is a short Forestry and Land Scotland trail, 2.3 km (1½ miles), that climbs above Strontian to a viewpoint above the village. It is named after Phemie Mackinnon, who worked for the Forestry Commission. Allow an hour.
Start from the shop and cross the bridge over the River Strontian.
Where & when: Strontian, PH36 4HZ. No charge. Trail details
22. Discover Strontian Village
Strontian was set up in 1724 for workers at the local lead mines, and the element strontium was identified in 1791 from a mineral found here. The Strontian Hotel, a former mine manager’s house from 1820, has the Bothy Bar and a restaurant with views over the loch.
The village also has Cafe Sunart, the Sunart Centre for music, film and the library, and the post office, store and fuel station. The Kilchoan port page points visitors here, 28.9 miles away, for fuel, cash and essentials, so fill up before you head west.
Where & when: Strontian, on the A861. Strontian Hotel
23. Watch from the Garbh Eilean Hide
West of Strontian, the Garbh Eilean hide looks out over the loch to the island of Garbh Eilean. Local people built it from locally grown wood, and there is a telescope inside. The car park gives wheelchair access to the hide.
Nearby, the short Àrd Airigh path (about 1.5 km, one hour) climbs to a viewpoint. It may close at times between May and September 2026 to protect sensitive wildlife.
Where & when: A861 west of Strontian. Forestry and Land Scotland
Island Hopping to Mull and the Isles
The ferry from Kilchoan puts Mull and the Hebridean isles within easy reach of the mainland, so a day trip is simple even without a car.
24. Sail to Tobermory on Mull
The CalMac Tobermory–Kilchoan crossing takes about 35 minutes and runs all year. It is a turn-up-and-go service, and summer 2026 fares were £3.85 single or £7.70 return for adults, £1.95 for children and £11.85 for a car (driver extra). Check in ten minutes before departure.
Tobermory’s colourful harbour is a short walk from the slipway. Read our island guide to plan a day there.
Where & when: Kilchoan slipway. CalMac timetable and fares
25. Cruise to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles
Staffa Tours sails from Kilchoan on MV Angus for tours around Staffa and the Treshnish Isles, home to puffins in summer. Check sailing dates when you book.
The company says landings on Staffa have been suspended since September 2026 for essential maintenance, so confirm what is included before you book.
Where & when: Kilchoan. Staffa Tours
Where to Eat in Ardnamurchan
Places to eat are few and far between, and many close one or two days a week, so plan meals ahead and book dinner where you can.
- Mingary Castle, Kilchoan: tasting menus, Wednesday to Sunday evenings; booking essential.
- Kilchoan Hotel: bar from 4pm and evening meals 5.30–8.30pm, closed Mondays. Website
- Lochview Tearoom at the Natural History Visitor Centre, Glenmore: daytime, Tuesday to Saturday.
- The Salen and Salen Jetty Shop, Salen: café food and picnic supplies.
- Loch Shiel Hotel, Acharacle: bar 4–11pm and restaurant 5–8pm. Website
- Ariundle Centre and Strontian Hotel, Strontian: lunch and dinner at the eastern end.
Where to Stay in Ardnamurchan
Accommodation is limited and books up early for summer. These are the places we could confirm are open for 2026–27:
- Mingary Castle, Kilchoan: restaurant with rooms in a restored castle. Check rates and availability
- Kilchoan Hotel: double, family and premium rooms.
- Kilcamb Lodge, Strontian: four-star country house in 18 acres by the loch, dog friendly; dinner is for residents only. Check rates and availability
- Loch Shiel Hotel, Acharacle: eight rooms, dog friendly. Check rates and availability
- Strontian Hotel: hotel with the Bothy Bar and restaurant. Website
- The Salen: self catering at Salen. Website
- Ardnamurchan Campsite, west of Kilchoan: 25 pitches, nine on the foreshore; open 22 March to 26 September 2027, bookings from 1 February. Website
- Sunart Camping, Strontian: a family-run campsite for over 40 years. Website
- Cottages and holiday homes: search Airbnb for Ardnamurchan.
How to Get to Ardnamurchan
There are three ways in, and two of them involve a crossing:
- Corran Ferry across Loch Linnhe from the A82 south of Fort William, then the A861 west through Strontian. A car costs £13 and foot passengers £2; bicycles go free. Fares and timetable
- Via Mull: the CalMac Fishnish–Lochaline crossing takes 20 minutes, and booking vehicles is strongly recommended. From Lochaline it is about a 45-minute drive to the Corran crossing, with the A861 to Strontian on the way.
- From Tobermory: the 35-minute sailing to Kilchoan drops you at the westerly end of the peninsula.
- Driving around: beyond Salen, the B8007 is a single track road with passing places. Pull in to let faster cars pass, and never park in passing places.
Tips for Visiting Ardnamurchan
- Fill up in Strontian. The Kilchoan port page points visitors to Strontian for fuel, cash and essentials.
- Check the days. Ardnamurchan Lighthouse is closed on Mondays and from November to March, the distillery tours run on weekdays only, and several cafés close on Sundays or Mondays.
- Pack for midges from late spring to early autumn, especially on still evenings by the water.
- Allow time. The road from Salen to Kilchoan is slow, so budget more time than the map suggests.
- Wear walking boots. The beach paths to Sanna and the Singing Sands are wet in places at any time of year.
Ardnamurchan FAQs
Is Ardnamurchan worth visiting?
Yes, if you like quiet beaches, hillwalking and wildlife. The peninsula has the most westerly point of mainland Britain, Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, which you can climb, beaches such as Sanna Bay and very few crowds.
How long does it take to reach Ardnamurchan Lighthouse?
Allow plenty of time. From Strontian it is 28.9 miles to Kilchoan, mostly on narrow roads, and the far west tip lies beyond it.
Can you go inside Castle Tioram?
No. Castle Tioram has been closed to the public since 1998 because of its condition. You can walk out to the castle at low tide and see it from the outside.
When is Ardnamurchan Lighthouse open?
From 1 April to 31 October, Tuesday to Sunday. Tower tours run every half hour from 11am to 4pm and cost £7.50 for adults.
Can you visit Ardnamurchan Distillery at weekends?
No. The visitor centre and tours run Monday to Friday only, so plan your whisky stop for a weekday.
Is there a ferry from Ardnamurchan to Mull?
Yes. CalMac sails all year between Kilchoan and Tobermory, and the crossing takes about 35 minutes.
Final Words
Ardnamurchan rewards anyone who takes the long road west: a lighthouse at the most westerly tip of the mainland, beaches with nobody on them, volcanic hills and birdlife at every bend. Check opening days before you visit, fill the tank in Strontian and give yourself more time than you think you need.