Visit Arisaig by the sea on the Road to the Isles

The west coast of Lochaber is renowned for fantastic sunsets and there is no better place to witness such an event than Arisaig.  As the sun dips behind one of the Small Isles of Rum or Eigg, the sky blazes and is reflected in the beautiful water of Loch na Ceall.  This loch offers excellent shelter for yachtsmen and 30 or so moorings are available in the summer months.  

Monks were probably the first settlers in Arisaig in the 12th century.  They called it “the Rough Bounds” - reflecting their views of having crossed mountainous terrain and rough seas to reach it. In the early part of the 19th century, a road suitable for stage coaches was constructed and the hotel built to support this new trade still exists. 

One of Arisaig’s famous sons was John Silver.  He was born in Arisaig on 2 January 1853. As a young man he went to work on the construction of the lighthouse at Barrahead. The lighthouse designer was Thomas Stevenson, father of Robert Louis. Silver met Robert Louis on a few occasions. Local legend has it that Robert Louis Stevenson took the name for his character in Treasure Island.

Arisaig House, closeby, was used by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) to train operatives during the second world war.

A stay at The Old Library Inn and Restaurant is well worth considering. The owners provide a good menu in their restaurant and they offer apartments and rooms accommodation - some with sea views

View Fort William & Lochaber in a larger map

Down by the waters edge is Arisaig Marine who operate the ferry to the Isle of Eigg, MV Shearwater. Arisaig Marine provide a floating pontoon for visiting yachts to load and unload, and manage the local moorings. Water and diesel are available as are cranage and slipping facilities.

If you're considering a holiday in Arisaig, one of the things you can do is take the boat from Mallaig to Skye for the day. If you're staying in Fort William, or indeed, other parts of Lochaber, a day trip to Skye travelling first north-west through Kintail and then onto Skye, provides the opportunity to enjoy a west coast sunset in and around Arisaig (subject to weather of course!) Stay awhile, relax, enjoy a meal...

You can arrive in Arisaig by train since the village is on the West Highland Line. In the summer months a steam train locomotive pulls a special passenger train from Fort William to Mallaig. Take the  Caledonian Sleeper from Euston, London and arrive refreshed at Arisaig - you'll be amazed !

Kilmartin Guesthouse
Our seaside Highland farmhouse at Arisaig provides a great place to stop over on the way to Mallaig for the Isle of Skye ferry. Kilmartin Guesthouse offers three very comfortable bed and breakfasts with a seaside location. We have two double... click for more details...
Kinloid Farm, Kilmartin, Arisaig, PH39 4NS Tel: 01687 450366

Kinloid Holiday Cottages, by the sea at Arisaig
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Inner Hebridean islands of Rum and Eigg, our summer holiday cottages at Arisaig are a perfect retreat for a peaceful, relaxing seaside holiday. Our two holiday cottages are available for weekly lets or short... click for more details...
Kinloid Farm, Kilmartin, Arisaig, PH39 4NS Tel: 01687 450366

Kinloid Seaside Holiday Caravans
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Inner Hebridean islands of Rum and Eigg, our seaside holiday caravans at Arisaig are a perfect retreat for a peaceful, relaxing seaside holiday. We offer two modern, wide-bodied caravan/holiday homes on our... click for more details...
Kinloid Farm, Kilmartin, Arisaig, PH39 4NS Tel: 01687 450366

The Old Library Lodge & Restaurant
Perfectly located by the sea in the village of Arisaig, The Old Library has a good reputation for comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation and excellent food from this family owned restaurant with rooms. For full details about the Old Library... click for more details...
Library Buildings, Arisaig, PH39 4NH Tel: 01687 450651

Arisaig Hotel
Located in the village of Arisaig, in walking distance from the train station, and with views out to sea over the bay, our family run hotel is a great place to stay for a short break or Highland holiday. click for more details...
Arisaig, PH39 4NH Tel: