Once again we set our sights on the fabulous West Coast and head to our particular favourite village and camping spot - Arisaig, a small village in the Lochaber region of Invernesshire, somewhere between Fort William and Mallaig! It’s just a wee village with nothing more than a Cafe, Hotel, Post Office, General Store and a small marina. I would say ‘blink, and you could miss it’ however that just wouldn’t be true. Once you spot the white sands, you won’t forget them. The first time I nearly went off the road!
Our journey starts in Glasgow, heading up the A82 via Glencoe. It's early February, so we still have snow on the mountains but also bright blue skies, the perfect Highland’s day. This, for me, is the ideal time to get away and see some of Scotland's more remote areas. Fewer people on the roads, no midges and just less hassle getting good camping spots or quality campsites. After coffee in Glencoe and stock up in Fort William, we make our first destination target - The Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Glenfinnan Monument.
Many people will be aware of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter movies. For more traditional Scots it's probably best known for the monument to the Jacobite rising in 1745. The Glenfinnan Monument has a modern visitor centre and was a great point to stop off stretch the legs and wander around the monument and the viaduct. There was a wee cafe with hot foods, and it looked excellent. We hadn’t timed it to see a train come past - I believe it’s super popular at this time - but that's an excuse to go back. Lorna had taken her mother on the steam train last year, and we agreed to book that someday for ourselves. I’ve never even seen a Harry Potter!
The Glenfinnan Monument a memorial to those who fought in the Jacobite Risings of 1745 led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. He managed to march his army of only 1500 as far down south as Derby before beating a hasty retreat. The monument has a lone kilted highlander in honour of the clansmen who gave their lives. The visitor centre has a permanent display offering the facts and figures of the uprising and subsequent price to pay. It’s a fascinating story and the aftermath.
As the sun was shining and we were in no rush, we set up the van for lunch and just hung around wandering a few of the nature trails. Both the monument and the viaduct are imposing no matter how many times you see them.
So onward to Silver Sands, Arisaig. The weather has been clear this week, and we know it's to be clear tonight. This spot is just perfect for a sunset looking out over Eigg, Muck and Rum, another three islands we have on the hit list. Locally several tour guides will take you on a wildlife tour searching for the local sea and birdlife.
For us, it's more about R&R this weekend so no big plans. Fire, food, music and relax.
After checking in to our secret campsite and marking our requested spot on the beach, we head over to the Arisaig Hotel for dinner. A cracking wee ‘Crofters Bar’ with a brilliant atmosphere. The crowd are always super friendly and welcoming. Great food as well.
When back at the van, we get the fire going and settle down for sunset. Just brilliant, ever-changing colours and the islands in the distance adding a rugged contour. Check the pictures below, and that was Lorna & I just messing about.
Fittingly tonight’s tunes are homework for the trip to Skye tomorrow. The inimitable Erland Cooper.
An early start to catch the ferry also allows a walk on the beach with mugs of coffee in hand. Every time we come here, we say we are coming back for a few days. It's just absolute peace and tranquillity. You decide the pace.
We take the scenic drive to Mallaig for the short ferry trip to Skye…..
