The Road to the Isles

If you turn west at Fort William, you will be treated to 40 miles or so of the best scenery anywhere in the world, passing along the northern shores of Loch Eil to reach the mountains of Glenfinnan.

Loch Shiel fills the narrow cleft that stretches towards the sea, away to the south west whilst to the north the mountains tower above Glen Shiel, their rugged tops often still snow-capped into the late spring. The 110 year old 21 arch viaduct that spans the river here has always been famous, but now is an icon to Harry Potter fans from all over the world.

The Real Western Highlands

Leaving Glenfinnan you soon realise you are entering the real western highlands, rugged mountains crowd the road as it winds its way through the Muidhe to reach the sea at Loch nan Uamh. There the landscape opens up with expansive views over the Atlantic with the Inner Hebrides clustering on the horizon. White sandy beaches dot the coastline, the river cascades over the falls and you know you have arrived in Morar, the best kept secret in Lochaber!

Morar is a peaceful and picturesque west highland village, sandwiched between the famed silver sands on one side and the deep waters of lonely Loch Morar on the other.

A cluster of dwellings clinging to the hillside above the beach, housing the 200 or so residents but despite its size, the village can boast a hotel, a railway station, a local garage, shop and of course Thai Food.

The Last Wilderness

Morar is the gateway for Knoydart, known as the Last Wilderness; a roadless, and almost unpopulated tract of land stretching north from the wilds of Morar to the distant and remote Loch Hourn.

Nearby Mallaig is a hub for the west coast fishing industry, the jumping off point for ferries to Skye and the Small Isles. The West Highland Railway has its remotest terminus here below the hills of North Morar and the sounds of steam hauled passenger trains still echo across the harbour thanks to the daily visit of the “Jacobite” steam train.