Why visit Arisaig?
Loch nan Ceall and Arisaig marina
Sitting on the sheltered bay known as Loch nan Ceall in the Lochaber region of the western Highlands, Arisaig is perhaps best known for its connections to the sea. This coastal haven is popular with yachters, who can take one of two navigable channels through the rocks and sandbanks to the main marina, as well as fans of smaller craft such as kayaks. Cycle, walk or sail around the loch and you’ll be rewarded with views over the hills of Moidart Peninsula and the far-off mountains of Skye.
The West Highland Line
Arisaig is a small place with just a few hundred permanent residents, but handily it has a station on the West Highland Line, which runs from Oban or Glasgow in the south to Mallaig in the north. This stretch of railway, which has been voted the most scenic train journey in the world on several occasions, is also regularly visited by The Jacobite, a vintage steam train used in the Harry Potter series of films. Whether you’re planning on a nostalgic round trip or just want to get from A to B, Arisaig’s station is one of the village’s biggest assets.
Beaches, beaches everywhere
Some of the best beaches in Lochaber can be found around Arisaig. There’s something for everyone here: sheltered sandy bays like Traigh beach just to the north of the village are great for paddleboarding and rockpooling, while a little further up the coast there’s Camusdarach beach, a sweeping arc of white sand that’s great for summer swimming.
The best things to do around Arisaig
It may be small, but there’s plenty to see and do in Arisaig and its immediate surroundings:
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Head to the Arisaig Land, Sea and Islands Centre, a tourist information centre and community hub that runs seasonal guided events throughout the year and has live wildlife webcams to keep up to date on what's around
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Explore Larachmhor Garden, a gorgeous green oasis roughly a mile from the village centre where you can wander through a wild woodland garden. There’s something special to see in every season here, and the garden is open throughout the year during daylight hours. Dogs are welcome
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Push your limits or try something new by organising a day of outdoor adventure with local activities companies, where you’ll be guided by expert instructors in a spectacular natural environment
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Drive a couple of miles north of the village to Traigh Golf Course, a nine-hole club with exceptional views over the isles of Rum, Eigg and Muck and the Cuillin Hills of Skye
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In the high season, take a boat trip from Arisaig’s marina straight to the Hebridean Islands of Rum, Eigg, Muck or Canna, spotting wildlife like sea eagles, minke whales and puffins along the way. If you’re planning to head to the islands for a little longer, it’s just a short drive or train journey up the coast to the larger ferry port of Mallaig, where services operate all year round
Unexplored Arisaig
Walk the coast to Camusdarach
Walking the five miles over to sandy Camusdarach beach is a very worthwhile way to spend the day. After fuelling up at the Arisaig Hotel, where cooked breakfasts are available, you’ll be all set to take on this moderate coastal walk, which meanders past pretty villages, and gorgeous seascapes and has ever-changing vistas overlooking the mountains of the Isle of Skye.
Bonnie Prince Charlie's Cave
Drive a few miles south out of the village to Borrodale beach near the hamlet of Druimindarroch and see the cave where Bonnie Prince Charlie is said to have hidden before finally sailing back to France after the failure of his 1745 Jacobite Rising. Caution is advised if you plan on entering the cave itself – tread carefully, keep any children close and bring a good torch to avoid accidents.
The Ardnish Peninsula
The totally uninhabited Ardnish Peninsula, a few miles to the south of Arisaig, is one of the parts of Lochaber that feels most remote. Since its last inhabitants left several decades ago, the stone houses they once called home have been left exposed to the elements, creating abandoned landscapes that contrast with the area’s exceptional natural beauty. Most routes take in the village of Peanmeanach and its beach on a six-mile round trip to the nearest parking place.
Here’s how
Ready to settle down for a stay in the Arisaig area? Start off by finding a campsite that’s right for you. We’ve got lots of options available – from wild camping to glamping – but some of our most popular picks can be found below:
If you like the look of Arisaig, you might also want to explore other west coast hotspots like Oban, Fort William or Ullapool. Planning a longer tour? Check out all of our Scotland campsites for more ideas of where to stay along the way.
