Easy walks in Ardnamurchan

These routes may be easy, but they are still enjoyable walks with lovely views of the local area.

1. Salen Oakwoods

Length: 1.7km (1.1 miles). Terrain: woodland path. Estimated time to complete: 1 hour.

A relatively short walk through impressive Atlantic Oak trees along a woodland path on the northern shore of Loch Sunart. On route, you will enjoy lovely coastal views of Salen Bay and the Loch Sunart seascape. The path is waymarked and well-trod, with only a couple of small ascents and descents along the way. There are a couple of benches at viewing points on the route where you can look out for a range of woodland and coastal birds and spot otters along the shores of the loch.

2. The Bay of Flies

Length: 0.7km (0.5 miles). Terrain: woodland path. Estimated time to complete: 30-45 minutes.

A relatively short walk through impressive Atlantic Oak trees along a woodland path on the northern shore of Loch Sunart. On route, you will enjoy lovely coastal views of Salen Bay and the Loch Sunart seascape. The path is waymarked and well-trod, with only a couple of small ascents and descents along the way. There are a couple of benches at viewing points on the route where you can look out for a range of woodland and coastal birds and spot otters along the shores of the loch.

3. Garbh Eilean Wildlife Walk

Length: 1.5km (1 mile). Terrain: steep path. Estimated time to complete: 1 hour.

This walk will take you on a meander through nature on your way to the Garbh Eilean wildlife hide. The route is steep at times, but the gravel surface makes the path underfoot consistent and comfortable for the most. When you reach the hide, it’s the perfect place to see otters, seals, heron and diving ducks, as well as the chance of spotting the famous white-tailed Golden Eagle overhead. There is another small track that you can follow that will take you down to the loch side where there are good views across Loch Sunart towards the wildlife hide.

4. Polloch and Loch Shiel

Length: 4.75km (3 miles). Terrain: woodland path. Estimated time to complete: 1-2 hours.

A pleasant walk in the Glenhurich forest along a woodland path from Polloch to the shores of Loch Shiel. On the walk, you’ll follow the meandering River Polloch, with its shores lined with willow trees and wild flowers, down towards the shoreline where coastal birds and mammals pepper the waterside, and then back up through the dense forest to finish the route at the Interpretation Centre where you can learn about the archaeology, culture and history of the local area.

5. Corrantee Lead Mines from Polloch

Length: 7.5km (4.7 miles). Terrain: grassy path. Estimated time to complete: 2.5-3.5 hours.

This walk has spectacular panoramic views of the hills of Ardnamurchan, Sunart, Moidart and Morvern as well as Loch Sunart. It offers up plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife, too. Keep your eyes open for the tracks of red deer and signs of pine martens as you go. This route will give you a sense of being lost in the wilderness, steering you through woodland and heathland to what remains of the 18th century Corrantee lead mines and then on to the marshes where wildflowers and other flora flourish from the natural bog pools. This route is particularly lovely in the late summer when the heather is in full bloom on the heathland. Along this route, there are additional way-markers that can take you on to Scotstown and Strontian, if you’d like to pass through a town on your walk. But be wary, as this will add many miles to your journey that would probably turn this route into a moderate-level walk.

Now that you've got a flavour for the easy walking routes on offer, you may be tempted to try something a little more challenging. Take a look at our favourite moderate walks or if you're feeling courageous, try a challenging walk.

Stay on the shores of Loch Sunart

If you’re keen on taking a trip to the area, we can offer luxury self catering accommodation right on the shoreline. Our lodges are nestled in a secluded spot and each lodge has been designed for convenience and comfort. We offer all the home comforts, plus a few extra special touches, to make your experience of Loch Sunart personal.

Find out more about Sunart Adventures self-catering lodges