Outdoor activities, walking, boat trips & places to visit on the Road to the Isles, Scottish Highlands

Following the Road to the Isles, the Jacobite steam train operates in the summer from Fort William to Mallaig (see timetable).
Make sure you stop at Glenfinnan Station where you can visit the Museum, have a meal in one of the old dining cars or even stay overnight in a restored carriage! All amidst spectacular scenery.

Also not to be missed at Glenfinnan is the monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Uprising of 1745-46. The National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre tells you all about this famous episode in Scottish history.

Visitor Attractions in Mallaig include the Mallaig Heritage Centre and swimming pool with fitness suite, spa, sauna and solarium.

And while you are in Mallaig, don't forget to pop into Andy Race's fish shop and see some of the catch from the local fishing fleet.

The Road to the Isles Marketing Group is heavily involved in the operation of the VIC (Visitor Information Centre) in Mallaig. Details of all members are available here and help can be provided to arrange last minute accommodation bookings. It is also a coffee shop and offers a wide range of souvenirs, etc.
The Centre is run by GotIt which is situated in The Harbour Buildings, The Pier, Main Street, Mallaig.

At Arisaig, don't miss the award-winning Land, Sea and Islands Centre. Displays include information about local crofting, fishing, church history, marine life, nature, archaeology, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and those who trained in the area for the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II. A small shop sells crafts, cards, books, photographs and prints. Tourist information is also available.

For something a little different while you're on holiday, why not order an authentic Thai take-away meal from Sunset in the village of Morar? Place your order at any time and your meal will be ready for collection between 5pm and 10.30pm everyday except Mondays (phone 01687 462259). This can be particularly handy if you are self catering in the area and don't want to cook for yourselves.

Arts & Crafts

Loch Morar Crafts (in the Old Post House at Bracara, Morar) specialise in hand-painted glass products, as well as photographs with key rings, bookmarks, clocks, pot stands, framed prints, etc.

Ginger (based in Morar) sells knitwear and clothes which are designed and crafted in the workshop, using colour and texture in a distinctive way.

Art Galore can offer complete packages for arts & crafts holidays with artists throughout the Road to the Isles and other parts of the Scottish Highlands. Themed breaks can include a choice of painting (oils, acrylics, watercolours), drawing, sketching, picture framing, photography, stained glass, natural dyeing, spinning, weaving, batik, textile art, pottery, basket weaving, woodwork, soap making, jewellery making, paper making, Gaelic singing and storytelling.

Visit the web site of the Lochaber Craft & Food Producers Association for a directory of businesses in the area.

Arisaig Marine offers boat trips to the Small Isles.
AquaXplore - offers wildlife and sightseeing tours by Rigid Inflatable Boat from Skye to the islands of Soay, Eigg, Rum and Canna.
BellaJane - Bella Jane Boat Trips offers tours from Elgol, Skye to beautiful Loch Coruisk, the seal colony and the Cuillin Mountains.
Bruce Watt offers cruises from Mallaig to Knoydart.
Misty Isle Boat Trips operate from Elgol to Loch Coruisk on the Isle of Skye.

Sea Kayak Highlands - sea kayak hire based in Arisaig. Hire a single or a double sea kayak and explore this beautiful coastline and islands. Telephone Mike on 07887 522 811.

The Traigh Golf Course (9 holes) is situated between Morar and Arisaig.

Plenty of activities are on offer at the Snowgoose Mountain Centre (at Corpach, near Fort William) including canoeing, dingy sailing, mountain biking, hill walking and snowsports, plus mountain skills courses.

Glencoe photo courtesy of BHT

Events

There are lots of local events in our region - click here for a calendar with details of this year's Highland Games, festivals and agricultural shows. Look out for posters and ask at the local tourist offices to see what other special activities are happening when you visit the region.