Ardnamurchan to Mallaig
There are two ways from Ardnamurchan to the mainland – the Corran Ferry (near Fort William) and the narrow road to Glenfinnan. I recommend the Corran Ferry; however, it’s best to know about the road option should the weather affect/cancel the boat.
Corran Ferry
There are two ways from Ardnamurchan to the mainland – the Corran Ferry (near Fort William) and the narrow road to Glenfinnan. I recommend the Corran Ferry as it avoids the single-track coastal road; it departs from this terminal on Ardnamurchan and runs every 20 minutes. No booking is required; the cost is £12 per car (this may increase in 2026).
However, it’s best to know about the road option (the A861) should the weather affect/cancel the boat. Follow this coastal road to Glenfinnan.
Suggested stops
GLENFINNAN TO MALLAIG
Back on the mainland, you’ll follow the A830 to Mallaig. This road is known as the ‘Road to the Isles’, and the drive itself is a scenic one. However, there are plenty of historic and coastal stops along the way.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Your first stop after the ferry (or drive) is Glenfinnan.
On a nice day, I suggest walking the scenic trail between the dining car and the viaduct. The path is usually muddy, so you’ll need suitable footwear. But it’s otherwise an easy trail with stunning mountain and loch views.
Park in the main car park (£5 fee) and walk up the main road to the Glenfinnan Dining Car for a late lunch or early dinner (15-minute walk). It’s a unique dining experience in an old train carriage that only uses quality local produce. Once you’ve finished lunch, turn left out of the carriage and down the steps to the Viaduct Trail. It takes you on a path past numerous viewpoints over Loch Shiel & the viaduct.
To see the Jacobite steam train going over the viaduct, you need to be standing at the stepped viewpoint before 13:15 or 14:50. Assuming you’ve spent the day on Ardnamurchan, this might not be possible, so choose based on what time you have available and what you’re most interested in seeing.
You can find more information in my post. The walk from the dining car to the viewpoint takes approximately 30 minutes, but it’s best to arrive early (to see the train). Once the train has passed, continue down under the viaduct to the car park. If you have time, you can walk out to Glenfinnan Monument at the head of Loch Shiel. Allow around two hours for the full experience.
Road to the Isles: Morar / Arisaig Beaches
The three beaches to visit are Traigh Beaches, Camusdarach & The Silver Sands of Morar. They’re all joined up via the phenomenally scenic B8008 road. If the sun is shining, this is a spectacular coastline to explore.
Mallaig
Arrive in Mallaig ahead of taking the Skye ferry. To eat:
The Bakehouse & Crannog- a great, dog-friendly bakery on the waterfront.
Bloom & Graze - a quaint horsebox cafe offering picnic snack boxes for the ferry.
Crab and Creel– a casual seafood eatery serving local fish, crab, and langoustines.
Cornerstone Restaurant – featuring local seafood, this family-run eatery is popular, and table reservations are recommended.