From the Coran Ferry much of the peninsular is reached by a single track road which leads all the way to Kilchoan and then further west to the lighhouse at Ardnamurchan point.
From a photogrphers point of view the area has a stunning diversity with scenery ranging from dazzling white beaches to the emerald green oak forests of the Sunart shoreline. Wildlife here is abundant and varied. Pine martens roam the woodland and golden eagles soar the skies whilst in between the seas are a rich habitat for seals, porpoise, whales and dolphins as well as a host of seabirds from gannets to manx sheerwaters.
So if you are planning a photography trip to this part of Scotland where are the best places to go? Here is my list of the top 10 must visit locations on the Ardnamurchan Peninsular.
1. Kilchoan
Almost the end of the road on the Ardnamurchan peninsular, this settlement has a lovely bay renowned for its seals, the ruins of a castle on the shore and plenty of interest for both landscape and wildlife photography.
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| Boats on the shore at Kilchoan Bay |
This is a lovely place to stay and has the added attraction of a pine marten which can be tempted to the patio with a small bribe of jam or peanuts.
More information about Otters Holt can be found from http://www.ottersholtkilchoan.co.uk/
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| Pine marten at Otters Holt |
With miles of brilliant white sand and turquoise seas Sanna Bay is a fantastic place for landscape photography. Try a visit at sunset which can yield some fantastic shots as the sun disappears behind the islands of Muck, Eigg and Rum.
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| Sanna Bay |
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| Sunset at Sanna Bay |
The remains of the ancient oak forests along the shores of Loch Sunart are great places to visit on a dull day. The emerald green forests dotted with moss coverd rocks and trees heavy with lichens make ideal subject matter for the photographer. There are many sections of woodland along the shores of Loch Sunart which are owned by the forestry commission for Scotland and which have trails and guides to aid exploration.
5. Ockle
The tiny settlement of Ockle is the starting point for some stunning coastal walks along the north of the Ardnamurchan peninsular.
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| View from the coast path at Ockle |
6. Tobermoray, Mull
Although not a part of Ardnamurchan no trip to the peninsular would be complete without taking the 40 minute ferry trip from Kilchon to the harbour at Tobermory. The delighful town and busy harbour make for interesting subjects whatever the weather and season.
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| The harbour at Tobermory |
7. Fascadale
The single track road to Fascadale runs past high peaks and wooded valleys. It was here that I saw my first Golden eagle gliding gracefully over the trees. There are small beaches and rocky coves along much of this shoreline and everywhere you look is a photograph.
8. The lighthouse at Ardnamurchan Point.
The most westerly point on the British mainland is a must visit location for all landscape photographers especially during stormy weather when the most dramatic images can be achieved. Try shooting across from Eilean Chaluim bay for something a little more tranquil.
9. Portuairk
For me this delightful cove holds more interest than Sanna Bay itself. The combination of white sand, dark rocky outcrops, turquoise blue seas and a flotilla of tiny sailing boats makes an irresistable combination.
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| Portuairk bay |
At 528m Ben Hiant is the largest peak in the area and offers fantastic views over the adjacent Loch Mudle. Look out for the Sea eagles which have been sighted regularly over the loch.
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