The Singing Sands, or Camas an Lighe is a lovely sandy bay near Gortenfern in the north east of the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The beach is renowned for its singing sand, a predisposition caused by the shape and size of the sand grains and the silica content. To 'sing' the sand also needs to be of the right humidity. The sound is caused by wind blowing over the surface or by the shuffle of feet or boots through the sand.

At low tide, you can head north east along the coast line to explore the other bays, including Cul na Criose. However, you will need to be mindful of the tide times…

Cul na Croise is a beach noted for its wilderness quality and remoteness. It lies to the north east of Camas an Lighe and forms part of the Singing Sand coastline. This stunning beach with accompanying dune system, abuts coastal heath and semi natural birch and oak woodland. The dune ecosystem is also of high conservation importance and is a great place for botanising and wildlife watching (on both the sea and shore).

Please note that the beach and surrounding area was used for commando training during the Second World War and may contain unexploded munitions.

The remote…

Ardtoe Beach is a lovely sandy beach on the north-east edge of the Ardnamurchan peninsula on the northern side of Kentra Bay. There are four bays in the area, two which are readily accessible from the road. The best area is adjacent to the Marine Research Station which is particularly lovely at low tide. This golden sandy beach also affords some fine views of The Small Isles.

You can also walk along the peninsula towards Farquhar's Point looking out for divers, otters and white-tailed eagles along the rocky coastline. However please note that the ground can be uneven and boggy…

The crofting village of Acharacle is located on the south western shore of Loch Shiel.  The village name is derived from the Gaelic Àth Tharracail (Torquil's Ford) and commemorates a battle in 1120 in which the Norse invader Torqulli was defeated by Somerled, King of the Isles, by a ford near the River Shiel.  The village is served by a grocery shop, bakery, take-away, cafe, service garage, public convenience and a medical centre.  The Loch Shiel Hotel is also a great place for a drink, lunch or evening meal.  Shielbridge Hall in…