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Ardnamurchan lighthouse
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Ardnamurchan


The peninsula of Ardnamurchan (from Gaelic: the promontory of the great seas) leads out to the most westerly location in Britain, Ardnamurchan Point.

The drive there reveals plenty of scenic grandeur of loch and rugged wooded hill-slope and goes by way of a single-track (single-lane) along the north shore of Loch Sunart. It finally reaches Ardnamurchan Point itself after crossing an area of crag and moorland. The bedrock of today's landscapes are what geologists call ring-dykes - ring-shaped bodies of rock, several miles across. These relics of ancient volcanic activity are conspicuous features of western Ardnamurchan. (Geology is inescapable here, with the village of Strontian giving its name to the element Strontium.)

Though the area is wholly rural and without large communities, the main centres are Strontian, Salen and Acharacle, with a good range of accommodation and some small local shops. North of Acharacle, Castle Tioram, ruinous 14th-century former seat of the Macdonalds of Clan Ranald, can be seen on a tiny islet linked to the mainland by a sandy beach.

Landscape and wildlife are interpreted at the Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre, while the Ardnamurchan Point Lighthouse has exhibitions and hands-on displays on lighthouse life. The third visitor centre in the area, the Ariundle Centre, takes a craft theme, as well as interpreting local history, and is a reminder that the area in general has a good range of facilities for visitors.

As well as the most westerly section, Ardnamurchan, this area also takes in Morvern, south of Loch Sunart - a wild area of unfrequented corners, with excellent wildlife watching opportunities. The village of Lochaline also has a short ferry connection with the Island of Mull. Nearer to Fort William lies Ardgour - again, a wild and unspoilt area which attracts walkers and climbers to its craggy hills and empty reaches.

In summary, this is an area ideal for an encounter with unspoilt Scotland - wildlife watching opportunities in plenty - for example, otters, seals, red deer - amid grand scenery and a superb coastline, as well as historic associations with Bonnie Prince Charlie. Angling, boat trips and craft shops add to the range of options.

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A selection of useful publications available in association with amazon.co.uk
Night Falls on Ardnamurchan: The Twilight of a Crofting Family
OS Landranger map 40 - Mallaig & Glenfinnan
OS Landranger map 47 - Tobermory & North Mull
OS Landranger map 49 - Oban & East Mull

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