Ardnamurchan

Bluebell Croft, 15 Anaheilt, Strontian, Ardnamurchan, Scotland UK PH36 4JA Tel 01967 402226

Ardnamurchan

Strontian is located on the Ardnamurchan peninsula and has a fascinating history. In the 17th and 18th Centuries it was home to one of the biggest lead mines in the world. Now little remains of the mines where once thousands worked or of the infrastructure that supported them.

Strontian is now a quiet, sleepy village, proud of its new High School and, through the recent formation of the Strontian Community Company, of its role as a guardian of the local woods and rivers.

The National Nature Reserve at Ariundle is just a mile or so away, and Strontian is located in the middle of the Sunart Oakwoods initiative area. The program, operated by the Forestry Commission, maintains and develops the remains of ancient oakwood that are found in Lochaline to the south, and all along the south-facing shore of Loch Sunart, from Strontian to Salen. This ancient woodland is of great importance to a wide range of plant and animal species. The Forestry Commission is removing non-native species, encouraging native regeneration, and constructing a range of pathways to improve amenity access. There is an impressive coastal hide at Garbh Eilean 4 miles away, perfect for wildlife-watching.

The peninsula as a whole is a fascinating place to explore, with remote sandy beaches, lochs to fish and hills to roam. You will never be far from a view of the sea. At Kilchoan this is a small ferry to Mull, and at the end of Ardnamurchan you’ll find the lighthouse, which marks the most westerly point on the British mainland.

Should you wish to explore further, we are within easy striking distance of Lochaline where there is another small ferry to Mull, which gives access to and Iona, Staffa and more. A little further north are the white sands of Morar and Arisaig from where you can take a magical boat trip to the Small Isles of Muck, Rum and Eigg. The winter skiing and summer mountain gondola rides of Nevis Range and Glencoe are just as close.

We thought we lived in a wonderful area when we were at Old Pines - then we discovered Ardnamurchan. We’d love to share it with you.