Morar, Moidart, Ardgour, Ardnamurchan and Morvern

Morar, Moidart, Ardgour, Ardnamurchan & Morvern – quite a mouthful – all lie to the west of Fort William and Glencoe, west of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil. These more remote and secluded areas don’t have the big mountains of Fort William and Glen Coe but they do have incredibly rough and complex hills and glens and many hidden gems, numerous Corbetts and Grahams and three Munros. Two of them, Sgurr nan Coireachan and Sgurr Thuilm, are situated at the head of Glen Finnan north of the village of Glenfinnan; famous for its monument to the 1745 Jacobite Rising that began there, and its spectacular viaduct that played a prominent part in the Harry Potter films. You can search for accommodation here.

Spectacular afternoon light on the shores of Loch Shiel at Glenfinnan, Morar to Morvern

Fiery sun and mist at the Glenfinnan Monument, Morar to Morvern

The Glenfinnan House Hotel on the shores of Loch Shiel, Morar to Morvern

Sgurr Thuilm from Fraoch-bheinn, the east top of Sgurr an Utha, Morar to Morvern

The small town of Mallaig is at the end of the West Highland railway line and lies in the far north west of the area. Ferries arrive and depart from Skye and Harris here. Arisaig and the village of Morar are famed for their stunning white sandy beaches and spectacular views to the islands of Rum and Eigg.

Ardnamurchan is the most westerly part of the Scottish and British mainland and home to the roots of a volcano associated with the opening of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as some superb sandy beaches. To the south, Morvern is a remote peninsula sandwiched between Loch Sunart to the north, Loch Linnhe to the east and the Sound of Mull to the south and faces the Isle of Mull across the sound. A ferry service runs from Morvern’s Lochaline across the narrow sound to Mull.

Ardgour is tantalising close to Glencoe and Fort William but lies on the west side of Loch Linnhe. It can be reached either by the Corran Ferry (service allowing!) or by a long but beautiful road journey around the north of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil.