Things to See & Do
The Ben Nevis Distillery
Visitor Centre in Fort William, Scotland marks the beginning of the ‘Road to the Isles’. The visitor centre welcomes you to discover the secrets of their whisky distillery, and enjoy the unique sensation of the Dew of Ben Nevis.
For an unforgettable experience, visit their website: www.bennevisdistillery.com, and find out how you can make the most of your visit.
The Caledonian Canal, Fort William
The Caledonian Canal is an outstanding feature in the landscape of the Fort William area, and the Great Glen. It is a natural geological fault line stretching from Fort William to the South West and the North East. It was constructed by the famous Thomas Telford.
The Canal is open to many vessels that enter both from Loch Linnhe and the Atlantic Ocean. It makes passage through the Great Glen Canal lock systems and natural water lochs including the legendry Loch Ness, Inverness and North Sea.
So, for an interesting day out, why not take the opportunity to enjoy the canal by marvelling at the views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain and the Grey Corries. Or perhaps, you might fancy watching ships as they navigate the loch gates at Corpach Basin, Neptune’s Staircase at Banavie and Gairlochy near Spean Bridge for a great day out in Lochaber with a difference.
Treasures of the Earth
Treasures of the Earth, is in the village of Corpach, 4 miles from Fort William on the A830 “Road to the Isles” in the west Highlands of Scotland.
Treasures of the Earth, boosts Europe’s finest private collection of Crystals, Gemstones and Fossils in atmospheric caves.
To find out more about a interesting day out with all of family, visit their website: www.treasuresoftheearth.co.uk
The Glenfinnan Monument
The Glenfinnan Monument is situated at the head of Loch Shiel. It was erected to show where ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ raised his standard at the beginning of the Jacobite Rising in 1745. When the political climate in the Highlands was more “amicable” it was erected in 1815, you can actually walk up the Monument, and awe at the beautiful scenery in an atmospheric location - just make sure to have your rain coat and perhaps, a midge net.
Across the road from the monument is a car park, and Visitor Centre, an ideal location as other attractions are within walking distance. For further details, please see:
www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Is a 21 – arch single track viaduct, and was one of the largest engineering undertakings using concrete (without reinforcing it) built by Sir Robert McAlpine. Glenfinnan Viaduct was formed as part of the Mallaig Extension of the West Highland Railway which was constructed between 1897 and 1901.
According to an old local tale, a cart horse and driver fell into one of the piers while dumping his material during construction. However, recent research has shown that the accident happened at Loch Nan Uamh Viduct, further North on the Road To The Isles road (around 3 miles North of Lochailort).
The viaduct is iconic is many different TV genres; it has been the location of several films and television series’ including – Monarch of the Glen and Charlotte Gray. And all of you Harry Potter fans will associate the viaduct with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, subsequently Prisoner of Azkaban and The Order of The Phoenix.
Glenfinnan Museum
Glenfinnan Station Museum is situated at Glenfinnan Train Station, in the famous and beautiful village of Glenfinnan on the Road to the Isles between Fort William and Mallaig.
The Museum provides the visitor with a journey into the past of rail travel in the West Highlands whilst remaining an operational Railway Station with 4 trains each way, as well as the Jacobite Steam Train during the summer months to remind you of a previous age of romantic travel.
For further information, please visit: www.glenfinnanstationmuseum.co.uk
West Highland Line
Mallaig station is the terminus for the Jacobite Steam Train which operates during the summer to/from Fort William. Recognised as one of the great railway journeys of the world, the West Highland Line passes through beautiful scenery.
Loch Shiel Cruises
The MV Sileas offers you the opportunity to penetrate one of Britain's few remaining wilderness areas, where regular sightings of Golden Eagles and Red Deer are common.
Accessible only by boat, the eighteen-mile length of Loch Shiel, once a sea-loch but reshaped by the retreating glaciers of the last Ice Age, contains a wide variety of wildlife amidst stunning mountain scenery.
Cruises are operated by friendly, knowledgeable local people who provide live commentary on the trip. The Sileas has a bar and also offers tea, coffee and light refreshments. Meals and snacks are available at each end of the loch at Glenfinnan and Acharacle.
For further information, please visit: www.highlandcruises.co.uk
The Land Sea and Island Centre
The Land, Sea and Islands Visitor Centre opened in July 1999 on the site of a derelict smiddy in a stunning situation in the heart of Arisaig village. It is situated in the heart of Arisaig, next to the swing park.
A community project, it houses an exhibition that celebrates the social and natural history of the area old and new with photographic displays and artifacts.
Crofting, fishing, church history and marine life, the SOE and the films made here - 'Local Hero' being one of the most famous - are amongst the contents. The old forge has been renovated and forms a focal part of the display.
This centre is run on a voluntary basis meaning that opening times are not always consistent and is usually only open in season. Visit www.arisaigcentre.co.uk
Arisaig Marine
Grasp the chance to cruise with Ronnie on the MV Sheerwater, and see a mixture of wildlife and spectacular scenery.
Ronnie is a well respected boatman who demonstrates a wealth of experience in the local waters. He is the best man to tell and show you the bird and sea life of Arisaig.
Ronnie can show you sightings of Marine Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises, Otters, Puffins, and Shearwaters…you never know what you might see: Killer Whales and Golden Eagles have also been known to make their presence.
To out more about a great day out please visit: www.arisaig.co.uk
Arisaig Golf Course
Traigh Golf Course is set in one of the most beautiful parts of the West Highlands of Scotland, just north of Arisaig.
The word Traigh (pronounced 'try') means 'beach' in Gaelic, and a series of sandy beaches run alongside the course, with stunning views to the Hebridean islands of Eigg and Rum, and the Cuillins of Skye.
The course is based on a line of grassy hills, with the springy turf of a true links course. It is a nine hole course, par 68, SSS 65.
Maintained to the highest standard, Traigh presents the golfer with all the traditional challenges of a classic seaside links.
The Scotsman Newspaper, “Probably the most beautifully sited nine-hole golf course in the world..."
Loch Morar
“The West Coast’s Best Kept Secret”
Here are some facts that you might not know…have you heard of Morag the Monster or maybe you have seen her too?
- Geology - The deepest body of freshwater in the UK.
- Fishing – Great for angler fishing.
- Walks – Offers a large selection of fine walks.
- Wildlife - Red Deer, Sea Eagles, Otters…and much more!
To find out more about Scotland’s answer to paradise, visit www.lochmorar.org.uk
Mallaig and District Swimming Pool
Mallaig Pool is an excellent facility; offering a pool, luxury sauna, spa, a fully equipped gym, social room, pool table and a spacious classroom for fitness sessions. The pool also has good wheelchair access and baby changing facilities.
This Swimming Pool is open seven days a week, 361 days of the year.
To find out more, visit: www.mallaigswimmingpool.co.uk
Mallaig Heritage Centre
If you’re interested in discovering the history and culture of the West Highlands of Scotland, you’ll have come to the right place.
The centre demonstrates a community rich in culture; ranging interest from its fishing port to railway, and how this made history.
To find out what might interest you, visit: www.mallaigheritage.org.uk
Knoydart boat trips
Bruce Watt's boat trips from Mallaig to Inverie and Loch Nevis offer you the chance to see spectacular scenery only accessible by foot and by sea. You can also visit Tarbet by ferry, but it also possible to walk there (allow two to three hours for the walk). See www.knoydart-ferry.co.uk
The Knoydart Seabridge daily ferry service also allows for day trips from Mallaig to Inverie.
Caledonian MacBrayne
Enjoy a day out on a Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Mallaig.
The ports served include: Armadale, Canna, Eigg, Muck and Rum.
You can enjoy the experience by taking your car, or perhaps you want to enjoy the fresh Highland air by foot. In which case there is a free car park before the terminal, next to the community centre.
To find out more about time etc, visit: www.calmac.co.uk
Westwheels
WestWheels is a car club for the Mallaig, Morar, Arisaig, Knoydart and Small Isles area. Our aim is to give people the convenience and flexibility of having access to a car whenever they need one without the expense of owning a car.
For more information, visit www.westwheels.co.uk
What's on
Feis Eigg
Small Isles
Feis na Mara
Mallaig
Sharon King and the Reckless Angels
Knoydart
Fèis Chanaidh
Small Isles
Isle of Muck Open Day
Small Isles
Glenfinnan Highland Games
Glenfinnan
Mallaig Fish Festival
Mallaig
Arisaig Craft Fair
Arisaig
