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.
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 Acharacl
As well as being a top dragonfly stalking site, The Gaelic Alphabet Trail provides an interesting introduction to the importance of nature and plants to the Gaelic culture. The information boards in the car park, just east of Salen on the A861, introduce the Gaelic alphabet which has eighteen letters, each of which is associated with a species of tree.
Sailean Nan Cuileag, or The Bay of Flies, is a natural harbour formerly used to export goods, such as charcoal, oak bark and brushwood. The Viking's were also reputed to have stored their boats over winter in the harbour.
Ben Resipole, a Corbett, is the highest peak on the Ardnamurchan, and affords spectacular views of Loch Shiel, Loch Sunart, the Small Isles and Skye on a clear day. The route is strenuous and the path is muddy and indistinct in places. However, the walk is enriched by the changing vegetation as you climb from Atlantic oakwood to birchwood, to moorland following the ailt mhic chiarain watercourse and then onto the rocky summit. You can park and start the walk by Resipole Holiday Park, though please check at reception if you leave your car there.
Salen is small coastal village on the shores of Loch Sunart overlooking Salen Bay and not to confused with Salen on the Isle Of Mull. The Gaelic name for the village reflects its "small inlet" location which has provided a safe anchorage for centuries. The village is served by The Salen Hotel, a traditional Highland Hotel, built in the Victorian era, which is a great place for a pub lunch or evening meal. There is also a jetty, with visitor moorings, and shop (The Salen Jetty Shop), where you can purchase local produce and crafts, as well as refreshments.
The austere rugged profile of Ben Hiant (528m) dominates the northern shore of Loch Sunart of the Ardnamurchan peninsula with its bare rock exposures and jutting outcrops. This is a lovely low level hill walk with stunning views on a fine day of the Small Isles, Mull and Skye, Loch Sunart and Loch Teacius, and the hills of Morvern.
The settlement of Bourblaige is one of the best preserved cleared settlements on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The settlement is located on the south-east flank of Ben Hiant, between Camus nan geall and Maclean's Nose.
The Ardnamurchan Distillery opened in July 2014 producing two signature styles of spirit, one peated and one unpeated which will mature in American and Spanish oak casks in the warhouse at Glenbeg.
The distillery has a visitor centre from where they run exclusive, informative and friendly tours year-round, for everyone from whisky newcomers to the seasoned expert. This is a rare opportunity to discover how the distillery blends innovative and traditional techniques to produce the unique and characterful Ardnamurchan spirit.
The Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre, formerly Nadurra, comprises a stylish, eco-friendly shop, cafe and an exhibition centre. The exhibition centre (the Living Building), built in 1992, with its wooden frame and turf roof, includes a range of exhibits showcasing the landscape, geology, and flora and fauna of the Ardnamurchan area. The Lochview Tearoom serves light lunches, afternoon tea, hot and cold beverages and a selection of cakes and scones. There are also picnic benches and interpretation boards outside.
