The Best Accommodation in Ardnamurchan
Ardnamurchan is a wild and stunning peninsula, located on Scotland’s west coast. Lesser visited than many of its Highland neighbours, Ardnamurchan is a great destination for wildlife lovers, outdoor activities, and adventurous travellers.
With everything from hiking, coastal walks, kayaking, canoeing, ancient castles, wildlife spotting, boat trips and wild swims, there’s plenty of things to see and do in beautiful Ardnamurchan.
I’ve put together a list of my favourite Ardnamurchan accommodation for you to book, including campsites, B&Bs, cottages, and hotels.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with family, you can find the perfect Ardnamurchan accommodation to stay in, no matter the season.
Ardnamurchan Accommodation | Good to know
Before I give the quick answer to “where to stay in Ardnamurchan”, here’s a few quirks and things to know before visiting this west coast haven:
- There’s a whole range of accommodation available, from luxury hotels to B&Bs - and some of it is pretty remote. If you’re looking to book accommodation near cafes or shops, then choose to stay near one of the villages of Salen, Strontian, Acharacle, or Kilchoan (more on that below).
- Ardnamurchan is a peaceful, rural, and wild peninsula. That means the villages are small, with limited facilities - that’s a huge part of Ardnamurchan’s charm. So, embrace the opportunity to live slowly and a little more simply whilst you’re here.
- Always book in advance - accommodation is limited. But Fort William is approx. a 1-hour drive away if you are stuck and has lots of hotels.
- Thankfully, there’s no big chain hotels here. Most accommodation options are independent, boutique, and often traditional. Some hotels have pubs and restaurants. Others, like B&Bs and guesthouses, are small-scale but likely do an excellent full-Scottish breakfast and be run by friendly locals with a ton of useful area information. If you’re looking for a hotel-type experience, be sure to factor that into your planning and book accordingly.
- There are tons of lovely, homely self-catering cottages on Ardnamurchan, so if being self-sufficient is your thing then check out the cottages below.
- Due to enhanced cleaning and the uncertainty of the pandemic, many accommodation providers have introduced a 2 or 3 night minimum for 2021. Personally, I think it’s a good opportunity because you’ll need at least 3 days to fully explore Ardnamurchan; more if you’re planning lots of walking. Have a read of my favourite Ardnamurchan walks to help you plan and prepare.
- If you’re visiting in a camper, be aware that not every carpark will let you stay overnight. You’ll find a note of Ardnamurchan campsites below and one glorious wild camping spot with a few basic facilities.
Best things to do in Ardnamurchan
For information on travelling to Ardnamurchan, the Ardnamurchan ferry, and the best things to do, read my ‘Ardnamurchan Complete Guide’. If you’re looking for my highlights of the best things to do, these are my top 10:
Visit and whisky taste at the Ardnamurchan Distillery.
Visit the UK’s most westerly point and the lighthouse (and cafe) at Ardnamurchan Point.
Experience the woodland wildlife at Glenborrodale Nature Reserve.
Explore the volcanic sands at stunningly wild Sanna Bay.
Walk out on the sandbar to ancient Castle Tioram.
Hike Ardnamurchan’s highest mountains - Beinn Resipol or Ben Hiant.
Go wild swimming or kayaking in the crystal clear waters of Loch Sunart.
Sunset from small but gorgeous Ardtoe beach.
Explore the ancient Scottish rain forest on the Salen oakwoods trail.
Discover the history of the Highland clearances at the Aoineadh Mor township.
The Best Ardnamurchan Hotels
There’s plenty hotels to choose from in Ardnamurchan, from small and traditional to a little bit luxurious. My top picks are:
Kilchoan Hotel
The small but friendly Kilchoan Hotel is pretty remote, yet convenient for the Mull ferry and exploring the sites on the west of the peninsula. From here it’s only a few miles drive to Ardnamurchan Point, Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, Sanna Bay, a ton of coastal walks, and the towering Ben Hiant. And sitting on the edge of the wild Atlantic, Kilchoan has an edge-of-the-world vibe and the most jaw-dropping scenery - visit for bracing walks and lots of fresh air.
The Kilchoan Hotel is pet-friendly and you’ll have 6 cosy en-suite rooms to choose from, one complete with four-poster bed. But the best bit about the rooms at the Kilchoan Hotel might be the breathtaking views over to the Isle of Mull.
Downstairs there’s a popular bar (if you’re lucky there might be live music) and a restaurant serving up delicious meals based around local growers, fresh ingredients and seasonality. I recommend the mussels!
Strontian Hotel
Right on the shores of Loch Sunart, this small, family-run Highland hotel has a welcoming atmosphere and homely rooms, in a rather grand building. A facelift has added a touch of the modern to the interiors, but the Strontian Hotel retains its traditional 19th-century charm - in particular the cosy lounge with log fire is a real treat after a day stomping around outdoors.
And outdoor lovers will be spoilt for choice by the number of walks and hikes in the area - Strontian is surrounded by moorland, the ancient Ariundle oakwoods, and a magnificent shoreline where otters and sea eagles are often spotted. After exploring, stash your kit in the hotel’s incredibly handy drying room. Then sample a whisky or two in the Strontian’s popular Bothy Bar. The restaurant too is a cosy setting, serving up good food to residents and locals alike.
Close to the Corran Ferry (the main route from Glencoe), in Strontian village you’ll also find a few amenities, such as a cafe, wee shop, and petrol station.
Salen Hotel
A traditional hotel, nestled in the picturesque village of Salen and overlooking Loch Sunart, stay at the Salen Hotel for stunning scenery and an idyllic location. The Victorian building has been loving restored and the 3 bedrooms are beautifully furnished with lush roll tub baths and airy window seats. Put your feet up and bask in the glorious views.
Surrounded by the beautiful Sunart Oakwoods - remnants of Scotland’s ancient rainforest - locally there’s plenty of walks to enjoy. Or jump in the car and go for an explore; the Salen Hotel makes an excellent base for roaming all around Ardnamurchan. The road just outside the Salen Hotel heads east (Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan Point, Kilchoan) west (Beinn Resipole, Corran, Strontian), and north (Kentra, Loch Shiel, Glenuig). Stop by the Salen Jetty shop for takeaway coffee and utterly delicious homemade cake (I recommend carrot cake) before setting off on a day of adventures.
Afterwards relax in the lively, traditional hotel bar. And eat in the Salen Hotel’s busy restaurant - or sunroom - which serves up a locally sourced and seasonal menu including the freshest seafood. Always book your table in advance, this popular spot fills-up quickly.
Read Next: The Complete Guide To Visiting Ardnamurchan
The Best Ardnamurchan Luxury Hotels
Kilcamb Lodge
Located on the shore of Loch Sunart, the 4-star and triple AA Rosette Kilcamb Lodge recently won the Travellers Choice best boutique hotel award. And I can see why.
From the luxury of Kilcamb Lodge you can enjoy mountain views from 22-acres of perfectly manicured private meadow - or watch the sun set over the loch from any of the stunning bedrooms. The perfect place to relax, spend your mornings at Kilcamb Lodge watching otters bask in Loch Sunart, go dolphin spotting on a private boat tour, or wander in the private woodlands.
Kilcamb Lodge is an elegant country house (think spacious rooms, big comfy beds, traditional furnishings), cosy snugs and lounges with roaring fires, a bar packed with single-malts, and of course a fine dining menu served in style on candlelit tables. Perfect for a relaxing break or romantic getaway, Kilcamb Lodge boasts peace and tranquillity - a true Highland escape.
Mingary Castle
If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a castle, then this luxury hotel is for you! Part of the Ardnamurchan Estate, Mingary Castle has been lovingly restored and renovated into one of Ardnamurchan’s most unique stays.
Once the ruins of a 13th century castle overlooking the Sound of Mull, Mingarry Castle now boasts four sumptuous suites complete with four-poster beds and copper roll-top bathtubs. Immersed in history (one suite has its own battlement balcony, another a secret passageway), this is truly an unforgettable place to call home for a few nights. Sustainable woodburning stoves will keep you warm, whilst you savour a single malt over a board game in the oak panelled lounge. Even bring your furry friend, who’ll be made welcome in this dog-friendly hotel.
Dining is an equally luxe affair, with lunch and fine dining dinners served in the castle’s historic dining room. Expect to dress up for pre-dinner drinks in the drawing room as you mingle with your fellow guests. If a unique hotel experience is what you’re looking, then Mingary Castle delivers in spades.
The Best Ardnamurchan Campsites
Ardnamurchan Campsite
This lovely campsite at the village of Kilchoan - the most western village in the UK - is the perfect base for exploring the west side of Ardnamurchan. From here it’s only a few miles to Ardnamurchan Point, Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, Sanna Bay, and the towering Ben Hiant. The village is only a leisurely 2km stroll along a quiet road and you’ll find a restaurant and bar inside the friendly Kilchoan Hotel. There’s also a petrol station and village-store. If you’re on a bigger road trip or have the time for a hop over to neighbouring Mull, this campsite is very close to the Kilchoan to Tobermory ferry.
Onsite there’s 25 terraced pitches with the most incredible vista - Ardnamurchan Campsite overlooks the Atlantic and a small number of pitches are directly by the water. It really is the most glorious place to wake up! Onsite there’s electric hook-up and brilliant showers, and the campsite itself is small and informal - I’d definitely recommend Ardnamurchan Campsite for tent campers.
Resipole Farm Holiday Park
Overlooking Loch Sunart and the hills beyond, Resipole Farm is a brilliant campsite at the eastern side of Ardnamurchan. Close to the Corran Ferry from the mainland, the main road to Arisaig, and Lochaline to Mull ferry, it’s a great spot for campers and motorhomes on a West Coast road trip. The area is remote, so there’s no shops or restaurants here - the closest facilities are the villages of Strontian, Salen or Acharacle, all a 15-minute drive away (all have a shop and hotel restaurant/bar). The beauty of this area is the stunning scenery and access into Loch Sunart - all campers can use the jetty for a swim or kayak. And behind is the campsite is Beinn Resipole, Ardnamurchan’s highest mountain.
Onsite there’s excellent facilities, including extremely spacious pitches, electric hook-up, campervan facilities, and possibly the fastest Wi-Fi we’ve had anywhere in Scotland! Friendly campsite staff are on hand to show you around, help you pitch, and share local knowledge. I’d especially recommend Resipole for campervans, tourers, and caravans.
Ardtoe Beach off-grid Camping
If going off-grid is more your thing, then head to Ardtoe Beach, near Kentra. This pristine little bay is small but spectacular, an inlet of white sands and turquoise waters. There’s a very informal piece of land with chemical disposal and a water tap, which fits 5 campervans. There’s really nothing nearby, so take everything you need for however long you plan to stay (including electricity) - but wake up to gorgeous views and breakfast with the sun rising over the ocean. I think it belongs to a nearby working croft - pay £5 via an honesty box before you leave.
Large vans be aware - it’s a narrow, single-track road all the way here, so drive with caution!
The Best Ardnamurchan Cottages & Self Catering Stays
Steading’s Ardnamurchan Cottages
If you’re looking for something a little more unique or want to go self-catering, then stay in a beautiful Ardnamurchan cottage. Some of the best cottages I’ve found are from Steading Holiday, who have a wide range of chalets, cabins, cottages, and lodges located all across the Ardnamurchan peninsula. All boast spectacular and wild views, with peace and tranquillity a common theme.
There’s a choice of bedrooms (choose from a range of sizes and sleeping configurations) but each cottage comes with an equipped kitchen and spacious living area, whilst many also feature wood burning stoves.
My favourites are:
Rudh Dubh (sleeps 2) | The Byre (sleeps 2) | The Saltings (sleeps 6)
Coire Bheag
Once a traditional Highland blackhouse, this Ardnamurchan cottage has been refurbished into a light and airy, modern studio style apartment. Wooden beams and stone walls reflect the history, whilst big windows invite the sky in. A self-catering haven, there’s a wood-burning stove, simple kitchen, freestanding bath, and cosy double bed (Coire Bheag sleeps 2).
Overlooking spectacular Sanna Bay, walk along the coastal path and breathe in the sea air before a swim in the crystal clear waters. This cottage really is something special.
Mary Ann’s Cottage
This white washed Highland cottage is a real beauty on Ardnamurchan’s Loch Shiel. Overlooking the water where the River Shiel flows out to the sea, surrounded by woodland, this unique self-catering cottage is a real escape from the world.
Snug and cosy, a wood burning stove adds ambience to this traditional cottage. The cute exterior hides an open-plan layout, with vaulted ceilings and big windows creating space and light. Mary Ann’s Cottage is waterside, so be sure to pack your canoe or kayak or swimming cossie, An absolute diamond!
