A Complete Guide To Arisaig | Scotland’s Pretty Coastal Village
Tucked away on Scotland’s west coast lies the hidden oasis of Arisaig.
Winding in from the main road that heads west to Mallaig and eventually the magical Isle of Skye, Arisaig is the very definition of a hidden gem. A perfect mix of village charm, sea views, and pristine beaches - this destination is a welcome surprise.
Travellers seeking breathtaking coastal landscapes are sure to fall in love with Arisaig. A tiny village situated on a sheltered bay, its beauty lies in the seascapes, slow pace of life, friendly people, and wonderful local food.
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Just a short drive from the heart of the village and you’ll find yourself immersed in the outdoors, exploring a string of coves and glorious wild beaches, and experiencing vibrant sunsets. Whilst at night, enjoy traditional music and seafood in the village hotel.
Days spent in Arisaig are the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
How to get to Arisaig
By train: Visit Arisaig by train from the Highland town of Fort William. Either use the local train service (check times and buy a ticket here).
By car: The easiest way to visit Arisaig is by car. Take the scenic route and make this a stop on your road trip around the Scottish West Coast. Visit Arisaig before taking the ferry from Mallaig to Skye. Or, after you visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Arisaig is just 30 minutes away.
For more in-depth guides to the West Coast, be sure to check out my Scotland West Coast itinerary.
Where to eat in Arisaig
As a foodie, discovering incredible places to eat is one of my favourite parts of travel! Here are my top picks of places to eat in Arisaig:
The Crofters Rest: Located inside the Arisaig Hotel, The Crofters Rest offers a menu of Scottish-inspired dishes made with seasonal, local ingredients.
Old Library: A Scottish-inspired eatery with a relaxed, bistro atmosphere. Be sure to order the locally caught mussels in white wine sauce. Book a table in advance here.
The Boathouse: Tucked away at the end of the marina, this sweet little cafe is the perfect spot for a casual lunch. Expect sandwiches, soups, sweet treats, and coffee.
Sound Bites: A casual spot for lunch or dinner. Also a must for those seeking a hearty Scottish breakfast.
Arisaig Bread Shed: freshly baked pastries, sausage rolls, focaccia, quiches, and loaves from a restored Citreon van.
What To Experience In Arisaig
1. Explore Traigh Beaches: Arisaig’s stunning beaches are not to be missed and you can explore many of these on foot. The water around these sheltered coves and hidden bays is turquoise, the soft sand almost silver, with a backdrop of grassy machair and wild flowers. The beaches meander up the coast in a string and the shallow waters are perfect for swimming, paddles, and SUPs. Either walk from Arisaig (around an hour) or park here and go explore on foot.
2. Visit Camusdarach Beach: One of the largest and most beautiful beaches near Arisaig, spend a sunny day with a picnic on the white sands of Camusdarach Beach. Do note that there are no facilities on this beach and you’ll to bring everything you need. Park here.
3. Listen to traditional music: On a Friday night the Crofters Rest has live music sessions, giving you an opportunity to hear traditional Scottish music from local bands and musicians. After dinner, this is a fun way to spend the evening.
4. Visit the Small Isles: Sail to the islands of Eigg, Rum and Muck. Boat trips and ferries leave regularly from Arisaig Marina.
5. Experience a Scottish sunset: Honestly, there is no better place in the world to experience sunset than Arisaig. Watch the sky turn stunning shades of pink and purple from the village or beach.
6. Go sea kayaking: Set off on a coastal adventure with Rock Hopper Scotland, where you can sea kayak around the beautiful bays and tidal islands, spotting otters, dolphins, and seals along the way. Book a guided tour or hire equipment.
7. Go hiking: Whether you’re seeking a meander along the beaches or a hike up into the mountains, Arisaig has heaps of trails. My favourite Arisaig walks are this easy 4.5km loop through coast and countryside. And this small mountain hike, though it’s often muddy and you’ll want hiking boots!
8. West Coast road trip: Visit Arisaig on a much larger west coast road trip. Take the scenic route from Fort William to the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and head west to Arisaig, Mallaig, and the magical Isle of Skye.
Campsites in Arisaig
One of the best ways to experience Arisaig is by camping or campervan. Whilst you can’t wild camp in the village, there are wonderful campsites nearby. The best campsites in Arisaig are most definitely those on the beach where good facilities blend with breathtaking views - especially at sunset. Personally, I love Sunnyside Croft, a small and friendly touring site, which is an amazing experience.
Arisaig Tips
The best time to visit Arisaig is in the shoulder seasons, April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are gone.
Parking spaces near the beaches are limited. Be sure to park sensibly.
The closest town is Fort William, where you’ll find more amenities, cafes, shops, and hotels.
It’s no secret that seafood on the West Coast is incredible. For a guaranteed table, be sure to book a table in advance.
Looking For West Coast Scotland Inspiration?
Planning a trip to Arisaig? Discover Scotland’s West Coast with my guides and itineraries:
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