Places to see
Located in some of Scotland’s most stunning shoreline and countryside, Morar and the surrounding area has an abundance of natural beauty to see. Within close proximity of the hotel, there are forests, monuments and visitor attractions within easy reach by car or by train.
No matter what time of year you visit, there is something beautiful to gaze upon. In winter months, the surrounding area is usually flurried with white snow, creating breathtaking scenery of the mountains.
Spring brings the bluebells into blossom and the summer months see the area come alive with sparkling sunshine and endless sea views.
Autumn brings its own tapestry of colour, transforming the landscape and adding that magical touch to what is, at any time of year, a stunning landscape which is rich with natural beauty.
GLENFINNAN MONUMENT
Visible from the railway line as you come over the famous viaduct, the Glenfinnan Monument is located at the head of Loch Shiel. Built in 1815, the monument is a kilted Highlander which marks the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie unfurled his Jacobite Standard in 1745 at the beginning of the fight to regain the throne.
There is a narrow spiral staircase (not for the faint hearted!) which allows visitors breathtaking views of the area!
Open from April – October
LAND, SEA AND ISLAND'S VISITOR CENTRE
Based in Arisaig, the Land, Sea and Islands Visitor Centre is a community project which is home to a great exhibition. On show are photographic displays, artifacts and films which celebrate the area’s social and natural history in previous and current years.
Admission to the centre is free however donations are gratefully welcomed.
Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm.
LOCH MORAR
Twelve miles long and a thousand feet deep in places, Loch Morar is the deepest fresh water loch in Europe. Loch Morar is said to be home to Nessie’s cousin Morag the Monster; with sightings dating back to 1887. Reported sightings have described Morag as being 25-30 feet long with three humps. The loch was even surveyed three times throughout the 1970s by a specialist team from London University, however no evidence of a monster has ever emerged.
Loch Morar is also famed as it is where some parts of the movie “Rob Roy” were filmed. With beautiful views, it is definitely worth a visit.
LOCAL WILDLIFE
Due to the wonderful location of Morar, lots of wildlife can be easily spotted throughout the year. When the fishing boats arrive back at the docks, locals can usually see families of seals cheekily looking for some fishy treats from the fisherman landing their catch.
Local boat safaris in the area offer visitors the chance to spot dolphins in their natural habitat as well as seals on the beaches.
STEAM ENGINES
Morar is an ideal spot to watch the steam engines go past on the West Highland Line. On clear days, views of the small isles across the bay of water are particularly spectacular. Remember to bring your camera because there are plenty of great photo opportunities in and around Morar!
MORAR VIEWPOINT
The Morar viewpoint commemorates the opening of the present church. The cross was erected in 1899 and offers excellent views of the Inner Hebrides.
BEACHES
Famed for its Silver Sands, the beaches in and around Morar really are beautiful. manonabeach.com is a great, informative website where you can enjoy flavours of the beach before and after your visit to the Silver Sands. It also features some great maps of the local area in the Highlands and Islands and will help you discover all the nearby beaches. The author visits the local area throughout the season to document the changes throughout the year at the Silver Sands which can be viewed on the website.
The beach at Camusdarach was featured in the BBC television series ‘Monarch of the Glen’ and in the film ‘Local Hero’. The beach is even now licensed for weddings so you can get married surrounded by the beautiful white sands!
GLENFINNAN RAILWAY MUSEUM
Situated in an operational railway station, the Glenfinnan Railway Museum lets visitors journey back in time and learn about the history of rail travel in the West Highlands. Behind the railway station stands the Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct which is now internationally known as a key location in the Harry Potter films. There is also a sleeping car, a dining car and a gift shop for visitors.
The museum is open everyday from June to October 9am – 5pm.
EILEAN DONAN CASTLE
Located at Dornie, approximately 37 miles from Mallaig is the Eilean Donan Castle. Re-opened in 1932, the castle is one of the most iconic images of Scotland and is recognized throughout the world. With nearly every part of the castle open to visitors, you can explore as much as you like and learn about the history of the surrounding area. Eilean Donan Castle now has its own gift shop and coffee shop for visitors to enjoy.
MALLAIG HERITAGE CENTRE
Approximately 3 miles from Morar is the Mallaig Heritage Centre which houses a range of displays and exhibits which tell the story of Morar and the surrounding area. The Heritage Centre features a multi-media display film show detailing the fishing town’s history as well as a lifeboat exhibition, gift shop and model railway.
Prices: Adults £2.00, Senior Citizens £1.50, Students £1.50, Children Free, Special rates available for groups of 8 or more.
BEN NEVIS DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTR
Established in 1825, Ben Nevis Distillery is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. Located at the bottom of Britain’s highest mountain, the distillery offers visitors guided tours with giant man, Hector McDram as well as a fully stocked whisky shop and restaurant. Visitors can also sample the famous malts which are made using locally sourced peat which lights the fires during the manufacturing process.
MALLAIG ART GALLERY
Opened in 2002, Mallaig Art Gallery offers a selection of both original and limited edition prints. The owners also source a collection of local, individual crafts including jewellery, pottery, knitwear, pewter works and ceramics.
FORT WILLIAM
There is a beautiful scenic line which links from Mallaig to Fort William which many regard as the nicest section of the West Highland Line. There are four trains a day in each direction, with the exception of Sundays where one a day runs, taking about 90 minutes. This allows plenty of time to take in the breathtaking scenery as the train crosses some iconic Scottish scenery.
Once in Fort William, dominating the landscape is Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. Ben Nevis is extremely popular with walkers, mountain bikers and winter sports enthusiasts in the colder months. With a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants Fort William has lots to offer visitors.