Ardnamurchan - 'To the edge of the world...'

It's a little known fact (well I didn't know before I went there) that Ardnamurchan Point (pronounced 'ardnamercan'), on the west coast of Scotland, is the most westerly point of the mainland United Kingdom. That's got to be worth a few points in a pub quiz. But this little visited edge of civilisation is not the only reason to be in that part of the world. To get to the lighthouse that stands on the point, which, by the way, is the one I used as the head image on my website's homepage www.davidstanleyphotography.com, you will have travelled though scenery of rare beauty and variety.

The Ardnamurchan peninsula offers expansive views across pristine lochs, ruined castles, ancient woodlands, wildlife and so much more. I think you can probably tell I am rather fond of the place and come to think of it I'm not sure I should be telling you all this as I want to keep it to myself. But I have always been a sharing sort of bloke so here are some of my favourite haunts in the area.

Sanna Bay

A few miles north from the lighthouse at the point, and only accessible via a winding single-track road, as so many places are in this neck of the woods. Sanna Bay is a glorious, unspoilt crescent of gleaming white sands and sporadic rocks. You need the sun to be out to get the full effect but if it is you will be glad you made the effort to get there. For more information have a look at www.sannabay.co.uk.

Castle Tioram

Castle Tioram (pronounced 'cheerum') is no more than a ruin now but in it's heyday it was a key strategic position guarding one of the entrances to Loch Moidart. The tidal range means you can actually walk out to the ruin from the beach at low tide, but at high tide it is cut off. A high tide in the evening can provide for some fantastic reflections. More details on the castle and it's history can be found at www.moidart.org.uk.

Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide

The hide is collaborative effort by conservation groups and local residents and the result is a remarkable construction. The viewing platform is reached via paths that wind through the woods so as to reduce any noise from parking cars (a path suitable for wheelchairs connects dedicated disabled parking). Once there you have a grandstand view of Loch Sunart and a small island off shore that serves as home to a group of seals. You may also see heron and, if you are very lucky, and very patient, an otter. I can vouch for the otter as I did see one here but I had to wait all day for a five minute glimpse. It was worth it though. More information on the hide and the local wildlife can be found at www.sunartoakwoods.org.uk.

Sunart Woodlands

The woodlands around Sunart, which you will pass through on the way to Ardnamurchan, are some the oldest natural broadleaf woods in the country. A long term project is currently underway to restore the area to it's original state by removing much of the recent pine encroachment. This activity can lead to some parts having that 'just visited by a tornado' look but this will pass in time and it's worth it for the long term gain. More information on the restoration project and the surrounding woods can be found at www.sunartoakwoods.org.uk.

On a health and safety note, if you go between April and September you will no doubt encounter the dreaded midge. Ardnamurchan is no different from many other parts of Scotland in this respect but forewarned is forearmed. Go prepared.

For much more detailed information on things to do and places to stay in the area I recommend you have a look at the Ardnamurchan area website www.ardnamurchan.com. There are a number of excellent hotels and bed and breakfasts to choose from but I suggest you check out Otterburn House bed and breakfast in Strontian as a place to stay. It's small (one twin room and one double room) but in my humble opinion you will be hard pressed to match the quality of accommodation and Mike is a host beyond compare. I never stay anywhere else.





About the author: David Stanley is a freelance photographer concentrating on landscape and travel images. He has growing portfolios of royalty free images with Alamy and istockphoto. For more articles and reviews, along with a selection of his work available as open and limited edition prints, please visit his website at www.davidstanleyphotography.com.

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