WEST HIGHLANDS
This chunky peninsula, wild and remote, stretches west from Salen to Ardnamurchan Point of “Shipping Forecast” fame. Rich with wildlife, it is home to pine martens, seals and stags. The hilly terrain offers lashings of adventure for walkers, as well as spectacular viewpoints, easily accessible by car, for anyone with lower energ y, mobility or tolerance to rain.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Here’s a secret: now you’re here, you don’t need to do much. The scenery is what you’ve come for. Prepare to drive or be driven: it’s the only practical way. The views from the road are glorious, but awander will take you into the heart of what the West Highlands are about. Get better acquainted with Scotland’s rainforest on a 1km trail through Glenborrodale, an RSPB reserve (rspb.org.uk), looking out for wood warblers and whinchats, or head for Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide (forestryandland.gov.scot) beside Loch Sunart, where you could glimpse a seal, otter or eagle. Take a boat ride around the loch from Salen (salenjetty.co.uk), snapping up titbits of history. At dusk, head to the ruins of 13th-century Castle Tioram. Marvel at the location, then stroll along the beach as the sun sets.
WHERE TO STAY
Settle into a comfy room at The Strontian Hotel, built in 1820, in Lochaber, near the gateway to Ardnamurchan (from £138 B&B; strontianhotel.co.uk). Prefer to be self-sufficient? Book The Burnbank Glamping Pod nearby, a stylish, compact space for two, with a kitchen and shower room (from £81 per night, three nights minimum; westholidays.co.uk).
