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Loch Sunart, still water perfectly reflecting autumn hills and a cloud-scattered sky.
Ardnamurchan

Loch Sunart

A long sea loch between Ardnamurchan and Morvern, fringed by the Sunart Oakwoods, a remnant of the Atlantic rainforest, with otters, seals and sea eagles.

Welcome

Loch Sunart reaches deep into the west Highlands between Ardnamurchan and Morvern, and the road along its northern shore is one of the loveliest drives in the region, with the water on one side and ancient oaks on the other.

Those woods are the Sunart Oakwoods, one of the last remnants of the temperate rainforest that once lined Europe's Atlantic coast. Over 500 species of plants and animals live in them, and at Ariundle, near Strontian, bluebells, primroses and wild orchids fill the spring woods. There are waymarked walks through the oaks near Salen too.

The loch itself is a Marine Protected Area, rich in marine life. Watch for otters and seals along the shore, and for white-tailed eagles overhead; the Garbh Eilean hide, a short drive from Strontian, is the best place to look. Strontian, at the head of the loch, has shops and a jetty.

Close byCamas nan GeallThe Bay of the Strangers further west.2 min by roadSee itCamas nan Geall seen from above, a curving bay of calm water and a shingle spit below green slopes, Ben Hiant rising beyond.
Before you go

Open at any hour and free.

Where
Between Ardnamurchan and Morvern.
Protected
A Marine Protected Area.
Woods
The Sunart Oakwoods.
Where it is

Along the A861 west from Strontian at the head of the loch to Salen, and on along the B8007.

Close bySunart.
  1. Copper pot still and oak barrel beside a window overlooking a lochArdnamurchan Distillery2 miles4 min by road
  2. West Ardnamurchan Garden Community ShopWest Ardnamurchan Garden Community ShopA community garden's self-service shop on the lighthouse road out of Kilchoan, selling its own vegetables by honesty box.3 miles6 min by road
  3. Two dolphins leap from the water near a rocky, heather-covered shorelineArdnamurchan ChartersWildlife cruises, charters and diving trips on Loch Sunart and beyond, from Laga Bay on the Ardnamurchan peninsula.6 miles12 min by road
  4. Visitor looks through binoculars inside a timber-framed wildlife hide overlooking the lochGarbh Eilean Wildlife HideThe wildlife hide on its shore.15 miles23 min by road
  5. Ruined stone tower on a rocky headland above a tidal sandbankLoch MoidartThe sea loch to the north.17 miles27 min by road
Directions
Camas nan Geall seen from above, a curving bay of calm water and a shingle spit below green slopes, Ben Hiant rising beyond.AttractionsCamas nan Geall0.5 miles
Borradill Cottage, ArdnamurchanArdnamurchanBorradill CottageSleeps 4 · 5.0 miles
The house's gabled wing with a decked terrace and two chairs, solar panels along the roof, seen across a grassy slope.GlenborrodaleBorradill HouseSleeps 6 · 5.0 miles
Passengers seated by ferry windows overlooking calm water and distant hillsAttractionsKilchoan to Tobermory Ferry8.9 miles
White cottages scattered along a sea loch shore beneath rugged hillsAttractionsPortuairk13 miles
Resipole Studios, LochaberAttractionsResipole Studios13 miles
Curved white sand bay meets turquoise water below coastal hillsAttractionsSanna Bay14 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the loch, and when each is next free.

The house's gabled wing with a decked terrace and two chairs, solar panels along the roof, seen across a grassy slope.Borradill House
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Glenborrodale
  • 3 miles from Loch Sunart
Free 15–17 NovBorradill Cottage, ArdnamurchanBorradill Cottage
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Ardnamurchan
  • 3 miles from Loch Sunart
Free 29 Nov – 1 DecA white harled house with a slated roof sits behind a clipped hedge along a gravel drive, hills rising behind autumn trees.Glenhurich Lodge
  • Sleeps 11
  • In Ardnamurchan
  • 15 miles from Loch Sunart
Check datesA white cottage with a grey slate roof stands behind a stone wall among trees on a hillside.The Old School
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Ardnamurchan
  • 17 miles from Loch Sunart
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in ArdnamurchanAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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