Top 5 places to visit on the Scottish West Coast
Where the spectacular Scottish Highlands meets the wonderful stretch of coastline along the West Coast of Scotland, it is an inspiring and beautiful region with a fascinating history, ancient landscapes, empty beaches and clear water.
There is so much to explore, from charming towns and pretty villages, abundant wildlife, many mountains and glens, the stunning islands and incredible stretches of wild coastline. There are many thrilling outdoor pursuits and adventure sports and many forest trails to enjoy a peaceful stroll.
Whether you plan on taking a short break in a Scottish log cabin or a longer family holiday there is something to enjoy for everyone and great deal of choice making the West Coast of Scotland the perfect base to stay.
The following is our suggested top 5 places to visit on the Scottish West Coast:
1. Glencoe
With its mountains, rivers and waterfalls, Glencoe makes for some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the UK.
Understandably then, Glencoe is a hugely popular destination for tourists. Walkers are attracted to its many low level walks, and it offers excellent dog-walking, hiking and winter climbing opportunities such as the Devil’s Staircase.
Despite the abundance of breathtaking natural scenery in and around the Glen, Waterside Breaks consider the famous Clachaig Inn as one place you simply have to visit.
The inn dates back to the 16th century and, like much of the glen, is of great historical significance due to the Glencoe Massacre of 1692.
Glencoe is easily accessible due to its location on the A82 from Glasgow to Inverness.
2. Fort William –Mallaig Railway
Much of the Scottish highlands can be seen in the Harry Potter film series, and one of the most iconic sequences features ‘The Jacobite’ steam train doubling as ‘The Hogwarts Express’ as it transports Harry and co. to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Fortunately for those not familiar with the Harry Potter films, the Fort William-Mallaig railway is considered one of the world’s great railway journeys. The 84 mile round trip takes in some of the best natural scenery Scotland has to offer, such as Ben Nevis, Loch Morar, Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Nevis.
Waterside Breaks offer a number of Scottish holiday cottages, and this canal cottage in Invergarry is located near Fort William.
3. The Corryvreckan Whirlpool
The Gulf of Corryvreckan is a strait located off the west coast of Scotland, between the isles of Jura and Scarba.
One of the more unique natural phenomena Scotland has to offer, the Corryvreckan is the third largest whirlpool in the world, and one of western Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations.
While we would never advise you try and swim out to the whirpool (although in 1984 Bill Dunn, George Orwell’s brother-in-law, managed to swim the gulf despite only having one leg), however we do recommend that you visit the small port of Ardfern, where you can take a ferry out to the whirlpool.
4. Eilean Donan
Eilean Donan is an island in Loch Duich in the north western highlands of Scotland, and home to one of the most recognisable and iconic structures in Scotland: Eilean Donan Castle.
With its origins lying in the 6th century, the Castle was originally built in the 13th century before being destroyed by government ships in 1719. The current castle is a reconstruction built in the 20th century, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it was the original!
Today Eilean Donan castle is a popular tourist destination, and offers phenomenal views of Loch Duich and the surrounding mountains. For the best views of the castle we recommend taking a Loch Duich cruise.
Waterside Breaks have a large range of waterside holiday lodges, log cabins and cottages across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
5. Fish & Chips at Oban
Scotland is famous for its seafood, and its locally-caught fish and shellfish are regarded as some of the best in the world. Oban, located on Scotland’s west coast, is considered the ‘seafood capital’ of Scotland and attracts some 25,000 visitors a year.
Whether you choose to enjoy a romantic meal at one of Oban’s many dedicated seafood restaurants or share some of Scotland’s finest Fish and Chips while on a quayside stroll, there’s something for everyone.
Why not wash all that food down with a wee dram at Oban’s own malt whisky distillery?
Oban is also known as ‘the Gateway to the Isles’, and ferries operate between Oban and the Islands of the Hebrides: Lismore, Colonsay, Islay, Tiree, Mull, Barra and South Uist.
Waterside Breaks offer a number of lodges, log cabins and cottages in the Argyll region.
For a full listing of holiday lodges in Scotland, log cabins in Scotland and waterside cottage holidays, check out our website now. For further holiday ideas and personalised recommendations for a variety of destinations across the UK, you can contact us on 01252 339020, or visit us here at www.watersidebreaks.com
You can also get in touch with us on Facebook, where we regularly share some of the most breathtaking highland photography with the Waterside Breaks community.
