Introducing the Road to the Isles

The Road to the Isles begins to the west of Corpach on the A830 and works its way west towards Mallaig, where Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries take visitors to Armadale on the Isle of Skye.

Along this scenic route there are lots of places to stop, enjoy the scenery, appreciate the peace and quiet.

Loch Eil is the first major landmark on your left as your travel towards Fassfern and Glenfinnan.  This sea loch is home to Outward Bound Locheil - the outdoor adventure centre. Loch Eil is also used to farm mussels which grow well in the cool, clean waters of the loch. Locheilside is a mix of small crofts and dwellings with some nice scenery to enjoy throughout the year. Ben Nevis is particularly impressive from Loch Eil. In the summer months, the Jacobite Steam Train works its way along the lochside on its way out west - there are a few good places to see the train pass on its journey. (the views of the train in this fantastic scenery would be a lot more enjoyable if someone would realise that the scrub trees need to be cut back every few years.)

At Kinlocheil, near Fassfern there's a train stop and if you take the junction on the left at the head of the loch, signposted A861, there's very pleasant tour around the west shore which eventually takes your to Treislaig, where a small ferry will take you over Loch Linnhe to Fort William, or you can continue down to Ardgour, and cross with your car over Corran Narrows.

Proceeding westwards, the next village is Glenfinnan. This is a terrific place and we have a section all about Glenfinnan on the site. Glenfinnan and Loch Shiel should be on your "Must Visit" list of places.

The road climbs up the hill and after a few miles you'll see Loch Eilt on your left. This is a good place to see the Steam Train.

From Loch Eilt the road takes you to Lochailort and then over a gradual descent, back to sea-level at the viaduct which carries the West Highland Line through the hills to Arisaig. From Arisaig to Mallaig is possibly the prettiest section of the  route. Less mountainous, but numerous beaches and great sea views bring in the changes of this interesting  journey. If you are traveling on to Skye, your find the ferry at Mallaig going back and forth the Sound of Sleat to Armadale. If not, this area is well worth exploring, including beautiful Loch Morar - a huge fresh water loch..

From Mallaig there are sea routes to the Small Isles and to Inverie on the shore of Loch Nevis. You can also walk over the hills to Inverie to enjoy some good food and  entertainment at The Old Forge - Britain's most remote pub.

There is of course a lot more to the Road to the Isles - the history, the geology, the wildlife and of course the people who live and work here.

Lochailort Inn
The Lochailort Inn is a small hotel & bar set amidst the stunning scenery of the West Coast of Scotland. Clean, comfortable accommodation, locally sourced, freshly made cuisine and friendly staff will ensure that you have a most relaxing... click for more details...
The Lochailort Inn, on 'The Road to the Isles', Lochailort, PH38 4LZ Tel: 0044 (0) 1687 470208

Wildwood Bushcraft - survival skills, natural history and adventure in the Highlands!
Bushcraft survival courses and woodland nature days in Lochaber - perfect for a family or small group outdoor activity. We offer unique experiences involving bushcraft survival skills, woodland crafts, wildlife tracking and navigation, in the... click for more details...
Wildwood, Roshven, Lochailort, PH38 4NB Tel: 01687 470415

Macdonald's Smoked Produce - salmon, cheese, haggis & seafood
Our smokehouse products and shop at Glenuig is a gourmet's delight. We take a wide variety of meats and cheeses then smoke 'em in a traditional, Highland method using local wood chips and other secret ingredients. We have a few Highand... click for more details...
Lochailort, Glenuig, PH38 4NG Tel: 01687 470266

Arisaig Marine and Harbour
Known as “The Gateway to the Small Isles”, Arisaig Marine provides the perfect sheltered base from which to explore the West Coast of Scotland. We have 60 professionally checked swinging moorings available to rent on anything from a nightly to... click for more details...
The Harbour, Arisaig, PH39 4NH Tel: 0044 (0) 1687 450 224

Western Isles Bed and Breakfast
A very friendly and welcoming bed and breakfast in Mallaig, Western Isles provides ensuite rooms in the East Bay of Mallaig, only a few minutes from the Isle of Skye Ferry terminal in Mallaig Harbour. We have lots of parking, and offer a choice... click for more details...
East Bay, Mallaig, PH41 Tel:

Triagh Golf Course
Welcome to Traigh Golf Course - probably the most beautifully sited nine hole Golf Course in the world. Traigh Golf Course is situated in a unique site in one of the most beautiful parts of the West Highlands, 40 miles west of Fort William. The... click for more details...
Traigh Beach, Arisaig, PH33 Tel: 0044 (0) 1687 450 337

Adventure Nevis - Ben Nevis Mountain Guide
If you are looking for a Ben Nevis Mountain Guide, Adventure Nevis is a Scottish-based guiding service offering classic mountain days on Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, standing at 1,344 metres. The Ben Nevis mountain footpath ascent... click for more details...
3 Bracara, Morar, PH40 4PE Tel: 01687 460163 or 0771 4844686

Kinloid Holiday Cottages, by the sea at Arisaig
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Inner Hebridean islands of Rum and Eigg, our summer holiday cottages at Arisaig are a perfect retreat for a peaceful, relaxing seaside holiday. Our two holiday cottages are available for weekly lets or short... click for more details...
Kinloid Farm, Kilmartin, Arisaig, PH39 4NS Tel: 01687 450366

Glenuig Inn
Located on the shore of Loch Ailort on the way west into Ardnamurchan, Glenuig Inn is a good place to stop off at if coming out for an event at Glenuig Village Hall, or travelling around the peninsula. We are one of the few places to eat and drink... click for more details...
Glenuig, PH38 4NG Tel: 01687 470219

Loch Shiel Cruises
Loch Shiel is a beautiful fresh-water loch which stretches from Glenfinnan to Acharacle - and almost reaches the sea, but for a short area of land. At the Glenfinnan end the mountains are over 800 metres high which creates a very Highland setting.... click for more details...
Glenfinnan, Tel:

Kilmartin Guesthouse
Our seaside Highland farmhouse at Arisaig provides a great place to stop over on the way to Mallaig for the Isle of Skye ferry. Kilmartin Guesthouse offers three very comfortable bed and breakfasts with a seaside location. We have two double... click for more details...
Kinloid Farm, Kilmartin, Arisaig, PH39 4NS Tel: 01687 450366

Bryden Enterprises - industrial and domestic cleaning & restoration services
Fort William carpet cleaners and master rug storers, floor and fire damage restoration Our Lochaber-based cleaning and restoring business has an excellent reputation for our friendly and professional carpet cleaning and restoration; fire and... click for more details...
Lochailort, Tel: 01687 470 404

West Highland College Further Education in Mallaig
The West Highland College in Mallaig provides excellent further education courses to everyone in the area. The College also provides sea-survival courses for local sea-farers. With good IT facilities and network communications, Lochaber College in... click for more details...
West Bay, Mallaig, PH41 4PX Tel: 01397 874000

Kinloid Seaside Holiday Caravans
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Inner Hebridean islands of Rum and Eigg, our seaside holiday caravans at Arisaig are a perfect retreat for a peaceful, relaxing seaside holiday. We offer two modern, wide-bodied caravan/holiday homes on our... click for more details...
Kinloid Farm, Kilmartin, Arisaig, PH39 4NS Tel: 01687 450366

The Old Library Lodge & Restaurant
Perfectly located by the sea in the village of Arisaig, The Old Library has a good reputation for comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation and excellent food from this family owned restaurant with rooms. For full details about the Old Library... click for more details...
Library Buildings, Arisaig, PH39 4NH Tel: 01687 450651

The Old Forge Public House
Listed as one of only 3 of “Scotland’s bloody good pubs by Peter Irvine “The Best Of Scotland 2007” and with no roads in or out, an 18 mile hike over munros or a 7 mile sea crossing, the pub is the remotest, on mainland Britain (aka... click for more details...
The Old Forge, Knoydart, Inverie, Mallaig, PH41 4PL Tel: 01687 462267

Glenfinnan House Hotel & Restaurant
Glenfinnan House Hotel stands just around the bay from the tall Bonnie Prince Charlie monument on Loch Shiel, with its lawn rolling down to the beach. The famous Glenfinnan viaduct railway bridge, used as a scene in several Harry Potter films, is... click for more details...
on the shore of Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan, PH37 4LT Tel: 0044 (0) 1397 722 235

National Trust for Scotland Glenfinnan
In August 19th 1745, at the head of Loch Shiel, Prince Charles Edward Stewart raised his Standard, marking the start of his campaign to restore the exiles Stuarts to the throne. From this sport, Bonnie PRince Charlie and his followers made it as... click for more details...
Glenfinnan, Tel: 0044 (0) 1397 722250

Bruce Watt Sea Cruises
Bruce Watt Sea Cruises are based in Mallaig and operate the regular mail boat service to Loch Nevis and the Inverie community. Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula is a great place for a walking holiday - from Munro bagging to just a leisurely walk!... click for more details...
Western Isles, East Bay, Mallaig, PH41 4QG Tel: 0044 (0) 1687 46 23 20

Independent Humanist Ceremonies
Whether you are seeking a Wedding Ceremony (I'm authorised to conduct weddings by the Registrar General of Scotland), a Baby Naming, a Funeral Service or affirmation of vows, I can design and deliver a sincere, professional and thoroughly... click for more details...
Grahams Manse, Arisaig, PH39 4NJ Tel: 01687 450 308

Glenfinnan House Hotel Restaurant & Bar
The Glenfinnan House Hotel's restaurant and lounge bar have fantastic views looking over Loch Shiel and towards the Glenfinnan Monument and Ben Nevis. Our lochside location is amazing and very special. Our restaurant is open for fine dining... click for more details...
Glenfinnan, Tel: 0044 (0) 1397 722235