North-west Scotland residents Keith and Mairi O’Connor share their favourite things to do in and around Lochaber. Compiled by Caroline Ednie
1. Go to Camusdarach Beach. This beach near Morar features in the film Local Hero and has spectacular views to Rùm and Eigg and the Isle of Skye’s Cuillin Mountains beyond. Brilliant sunsets, too.
Photo: John A Cameron/Shutterstock
2. Eat at the Lochailort Inn, recommended for its great food and atmosphere (lochailortinn.co.uk).
3. Get the ferry Sheerwater from Arisaig to Eigg for the day. Enjoy fantastic walks to the caves, Laig Bay, and climb An Sgùrr, the highest peak on the island, which takes around two hours. The Sheerwater generally operates from Easter until the end of September, sailing to the islands of Eigg, Muck and Rùm (arisaig.co.uk).
Views from An Sgùrr. Photo: Martin Gillepse/Shutterstock
4. Play a round of golf at Traigh Golf Course. The ninth hole has the best fairway views in the country (traighgolf.co.uk).
5. Visit Ardshealach Smokehouse in Glenuig for great smoked salmon and cheeses. A speciality is the creamy Lochaber smoked cheese (smokedproduce.co.uk).
6. Explore the area from the port and town of Mallaig. The West Highland Line links Mallaig railway station to Fort William, Oban and Glasgow. The Jacobite steam train (featured in the Harry Potter movies) follows the Road to the Isles and operates in the summer months from Fort William to Mallaig. After a great seafood meal in Mallaig, take the ferry to the Isle of Skye or Knoydart.
The Jacobite steam train. Photo: Samot/Shutterstock
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