On The Mainland
Beyond the island
The island is your base, but the mainland has plenty to draw you out for a day.
Things to see and do
Ardnamurchan is the most westerly point of mainland Great Britain, with a lighthouse to prove it. One of the wildest and most unspoilt corners of Scotland, the surrounding area has no shortage of things to explore:
Resipole Studios and Art Gallery
Castle Tioram
Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre – a local natural history visitor centre
Ardnamurchan Distillery – Scotland’s newest and greenest whiskey distillery
Kilchoan village and Mingary Castle
Sanna Beach – a large white sandy beach at the tip of Ardnamurchan
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse
The Jacobite – Historic steam railway made famous by Harry Potter!
Local food
No stay on Carna is quite complete without making the most of the fantastic local produce, and we can arrange delivery direct from the producer to the island.
Pick up smoked fish, cheese and meat from Ardshealach Smokehouse, or order fresh langoustine straight off the boat from Salen Jetty Shop.
We are confident you will never have tasted it so fresh.
The shop also has an excellent café and is well stocked with local produce and essentials.
Gardens
There are several ornamental gardens in the area worth a visit, whether as part of a day out or a destination in their own right.
Ardtornish Gardens: at Lochaline on Morvern comprises 24 acres carved from a rocky hillside surrounding Ardtornish House, with fine coastal views and a variety of plants, trees and shrubs to discover.
Ard Daraich Garden: sits en route to Carna just after the Corran Ferry, making it an easy stop on your way to us. A charming hill garden and former holiday home of Constance Spry
Larachmhor Gardens: is a 28-acre woodland garden on the Arisaig Estate, known for its impressive display of rhododendrons, exotic trees and shrubs and woodland walk.
Mountain biking and cycling
Bike hire and guided tours are available from Sunart Cycles, based in Strontian at the head of Loch Sunart.
They can collect you from Laga if needed, and hire includes a helmet, pump, spare tube and lock.
If you prefer to bring your own bikes, we can store them securely at Laga.
They make a great way to explore the peninsula, and for the truly adventurous, you are welcome to bring them onto Carna itself.
Golf
Can’t leave the clubs at home?
Traigh Golf Club is an hour’s scenic drive away along the Road to the Isles, described by The Scotsman as probably the most beautifully situated nine-hole course in the world.
Green fees are just £20, booking is rarely required, and clubs and trolleys are available.
A day trip here works well for the whole family, with beaches, walks, fishing and local shops all nearby.
For something more ambitious, there is an 18-hole course at Fort William and the nine-hole Dragon’s Tooth at Ballachulish.
Photo courtesy of Traigh Golf Club