Camusdarach Beach and Arisaig | Dallaswear

Visiting Scotland’s West Coast

Mallaig, Arisaig and Camusdarach

Mallaig is a small fishing port on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. In days gone by, Mallaig was known for its herring catch but today it is better known for Europe’s largest prawn catches. Situated a 45 minute drive North West of Fort William, on the famous “road to the isles,” Mallaig is the ideal base from which to explore the amazing scenery of the area. It’s also within easy reach of the Isle of Skye and the Small Isles. A ferry connection from Mallaig takes you to Armadale on the Isle of Skye and there are 6 or 7 sailings a day in the summer months. The drive from Fort William to Mallaig is stunning and there are lots of things to see along the way. Some of the most picturesque are the Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct. If you time your visit well, you may even see the Jacobite steam train that featured regularly in the Harry Potter films. I have seen it a few times and it is quite a sight! Very nostalgic! If you can take the train from Fort William to the end of the line at Mallaig you will have completed the famous scenic railway line.

Wildlife in the area is abundant. I have seen minke whales from the shoreline just outside of Mallaig. It was a fleeting sighting but I was thrilled none the less. I was also lucky enough to see a white-tailed sea eagle, which was amazing. Such a massive bird of prey and still not a common sight. Seals, however, are seen more regularly when they follow the fishing boats in to port.

There are a number of companies offering boat trips from Mallaig, specialising in wildlife encounters. You may well see any number of sea birds and marine life including seals, dolphins, porpoises, eagles, sea birds, minke whales and basking shark.

South of Mallaig is Morar, famous for its white sands, it featured in the 1980’s film “Local Hero” starring Burt Lancaster. Another movie filmed in the area around Loch Morar was Rob Roy. Loch Morar is Europe’s deepest fresh water loch. It reaches a depth of 1000ft and is 12 miles long, and just like Loch Ness, it has its own monster named Morag. The first sightings of Morag date back to 1887!

A little further along the coast, 8 miles south of Mallaig you will find Arisaig, one of my favourite places in Scotland. From here you have views across to theSmall Isles. 

I have visited on several occasions over the years and it is one of those places that is so tranquil the biggest thrill is to just sit and take it all in. The small village hugs the shore line. If you are lucky and no one gets to them before you, there are a couple of wooden benches for the public to rest a while to enjoy the view and to take in the atmosphere. For those of you who enjoy outdoor activities there are many on offer, ranging from beautiful coastal walks, chartered boat trips, bike rides, canoeing and kayaking.

Keen gardeners, walkers and nature lovers in general, will enjoy a visit to Larachmor Gardens, just outside of Arisaig. The gardens have a remarkable collection of rhododendrons set in 28 acres of wild woodland.

From Arisaig it is possible to take a boat trip to the islands of Eigg, Muck and Rum. These cruises allow between 2 – 5 hours ashore and operate between April and September.

For keen golfers, Traigh Golf Course, Arisaig, is the most westerly course on the UK mainland. It must be the most scenic as well, with views across to Eigg and Rum, and the Cuillins of Skye. It is a nine-hole course, based on a line of hills and is maintained to the highest of standards. It suits every type of player from the novice to the more experienced.

Close by is yet another stunningly beautiful location. Camusdarach Beach. This has got to be my absolute favourite beach. The sand is white, made from shells and the water is crystal clear. Located between Arisaig and Morar and with spectacular views across to Skye, Rum and Eigg, this is just the most beautiful beach imaginable. I have been here when there have been hardly any other people and there have been times when, disappointingly, there has been nowhere at all to stop. Camusdarach featured in the film “Local Hero” and has become a popular stop on tours of film locations. It was also used on location for the TV series “Monarch of the Glen”. On this beach the brave can take the plunge, you can take a walk enjoying the beautiful views or explore the many rock pools. Personally, I am happy to just sit and enjoy the fresh air and the stunning scenery. Such is its popularity and scenic appeal, Camusdarach is now licensed to hold weddings. And I’m sure it has become a much sort after venue!

If you were to venture to this part of the world in a car, I would highly recommend The Road to the Isles (A830) from Fort William. At Arisaig leave the main road and take the scenic coastal road (B8008) which is absolutely

gorgeous and it will take you to Camasdurach along a road with truly spectacular views. Continue on to Morar and a possible detour to Loch Morar where you can have your camera ready should Morag makes an appearance!

Larachmor Gardens https://larachmhor.co.uk/