The church at Kilchoan is the most westerly church on the British Mainland

Kilchoan is a scattered settlement near the tip of the Ardnamurchan peninsula, one of mainland Britain’s most remote locations thanks to the 25-mile single track road that drivers need to brave to access it. Just beyond is the most westerly tip of mainland Britain. The community here is thriving, with local crafts and food available and events throughout the year. The area has a fascinating secret too – only visible from the air!

Stand on the end of Corrachadh Mòr and you’re as far west as you can go on mainland Britain. Where the rugged coast of this headland meets the Atlantic, waves crash at your feet – quite spectacular in a storm! To the north is Ardnamurchan Lighthouse visitor centre and café make a great place to retreat to and warm up in when the Atlantic winds get a bit too much.

From Kilchoan you can take a ferry to Tobermory, the largest settlement on Mull. The crossing is short and so day trips are possible to explore all that this popular island has to offer.

To the east of Kilchoan, Mingary Castle site on a rocky outcrop on the shore looking out over the bay. Built in the 1200s, the castle has a colourful history – including being used by James IV in 1493 and 1995 to help him fight the Lord of the Isles.

60 million years ago, Ardnamurchan was one of the main volcanic areas on Scotland’s west coast. This activity left its mark still visible to this day – although this is only clear from the air! The remains of a crater, a huge ring structure circles the western end of the Ardnamurchan peninsula. You drive across this as you travel from Kilchoan to Sanna – where else in Scotland do you drive through a volcanic crater to get to the beach?!

Once you reach Sanna, you are treated to a silver sand beach and expensive dunes – an absolutely fantastic place to spend a sunny day!

Kilchoan might be remote, but for those who make the journey through the peninsula, is extremely rewarding. Island views, sandy beaches, a volcanic crater and more – you can spend days and days here and still not have time to discover it all!