Spring Surprises and Great Places to Visit in West Scotland
April is upon us and so too is the arrival of spring in the Western Highlands. I personally love this period of the year and I’m sure that many of you do too. The hills surrounding Kilcamb and loch sunart are now just changing from copper brown to hints of spring green while the trees and flowers are bursting into bloom. For nature lovers and fans of the great outdoors the coming weeks can be a particularly enchanting time to visit. Here are just some of reasons to spring a special escape in Scotland.
Places to See and Visit in Ardnamurchan & the West Highlands
Whilst Kilcamb is the ideal antidote to the bustle of modern life, there are also plenty of potential adventures and things to do here on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. For those of you who like to explore whilst on holiday, there also some fantastic places to explore a little further away. Here are some of my personal favourite places to visit and activities to try while you're here:
Heading West from Ardnamurchan...
Take the scenic Highland style drive out west towards the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse and the most westerly point in the country! This is a super spot to admire the ocean views and perhaps enjoy some birdwatching too. Then, before heading back inland, drive out to the idyllic Sanna Bay and enjoy a costal beach walk beside the clear turquoise waters of the bay. Absolute bliss!!
En route to and from the lighthouse you will pass the new Ardnamurchan Distillery, a beautiful building and exciting new enterprise for the peninsula, set right on the water. The distillery featured on our recent whisky tours blog- and is worth a stop for a guided tour and maybe even a wee dram prior to heading back towards the hotel? The journey to and from the westerly point is truly magnificent with the road literally hugging the contours of the loch for the first half of the journey before zigzagging and climbing inland to offer splendid panorama’s of Skye and the small isles.
Heading North West...
Fancy visiting an enchanting and historical castle followed by some beach walking and perhaps a fish and chip supper to round off the afternoon? If the answer is yes then I would wholeheartedly recommend heading north west towards Mallaig. Take in the historical and eye catching Castle Tioram en route near the pretty highland village of Acharacle. Afterwards continue north west along the coast to Arisaig, surely one of the most beautiful spots on the west coast with it’s coastal village setting and mini harbour.
Perhaps a wee coffee stop and refreshment here before meandering along the coastal B-Road past a series of stunning mini beaches and semi secluded bays, as well as a stunning golf course for the sporty enthusiasts among you. However, another great spot just before Mallaig are the Caribbean style White Sands of Morar, simply breath taking.
If you're hungry, some tasty fish and chips in Mallaig should hit the spot. Just be sure to save space for your wonderful sumptuous evening meal back at Kilcamb Lodge! Prior to heading back and time permitting it is also possible to head slightly EAST to the Glenfinnan Monument, one of Scotland’s most celebrated and well known architectural buildings. Here, one can also enjoy views down over Loch Shiel from here and just behind the monument sits the large and impressive railway viaduct, also known nowadays as the Harry Potter bridge.
Southern Ardnamurchan and the Isle of Mull
If the mood is taking you south I would suggest a trip to the Island of Mull (and maybe Iona too). Climb the scenic moorland road over the hills of Morvern and go over the pass down into the coastal hamlet of Lochaline where the ferry sets sail for the short trip across to Mull. I would make Tobermory – Mull's capital town – your base whilst on the island. It is a fabulous and picturesque little harbour town set around the bay with colourful houses and a good range of coffee shops, restaurants and traditional Scottish pubs. Tobermory also has an excellent chocolate shop for sweet lovers and is home as well to the Tobermory distillery where two different malts are produced. Perhaps engage in the exciting and fun distillery visitor tour to find out more!
Rugged scenery awaits on Mull, alongside the delights of Tobermory (Image: Isle of Mull Facebook page)
Meanwhile for history buffs head to Duart Castle where one can delve into Scottish history and enjoy a guided tour of this old and impressive structure. If nature is your thing take a scenic drive out to Dervaig and Calgary bay and marvel at the best beach on the island with uninterrupted ocean views all the way out to Canada! A visit to this part of the island will live long in the memory, it’s a lovely part of the island.
Heading back to Kilcamb from Mull one has several options depending on your preferred schedule and ferry times. You could depart from Craignure on the island and head for Oban, one of the liveliest towns on Scotland’s west coast and home to Scotland’s mini colosseum, the McCaigs monument. From Oban It’s an easy and scenic 80minute drive back to the hotel. Alternatively take the ferry direct from Tobermory across to Kilchoan on the mainland and enjoy a scenic costal drive back to the hotel. Or of course one can simply return via Lochaline and back along the lovely moorland route back to Kilcamb.
Whichever route you choose Mull is a great day out and is also the gateway to the tranquil religious island of Iona which seems a world away from fast paced modern life. Iona is a real haven of peace and comes highly recommended should you have the time.
Other Things to do in the West Highlands not far from Kilcamb
These trips are just some of my personal favourites but there endless excursions and things to do whilst on holiday here at Kilcamb including a variety of walking and cycling activities together with a range of fantastic boat trips. Simply ask during your stay or when booking and my colleagues and I will be only too happy to advise you.
April Malt of the Month
This months Malt of Month is the delicious Bunnahabhain 12 year old from Islay. Known by many as the ‘sailors’ malt due to it’s location on the rugged and remote north east coast this is definitely one to try! Enjoy!! (Whisky photo here)
Spring Hotel Offers at Kilcamb Lodge, West Scotland
Should you need any further temptation to plan your spring escape here in the West Highlands, we have an excellent special spring deal offering three nights for the price of two, or two nights for the price of one this April! Prices start at just £320.00 for the 2 for 1 based on full dinner bed and breakfast. The perfect excuse to bring you and your loved one to the shores of Loch Sunart for a special treat we think.
We also still have a little availability for our special 3 day Easter Weekend Package including a sumptuous 8 course Easter special tasting menu. Do call us now on 01967 402257 for more details or drop us an email on enquiries@kilcamblodge.co.uk