Keepers Cottage West is located at the most westerly point of mainland Britain and is nestled right underneath the majestic Ardnamurchan Lighthouse. Built in 1849 out of granite from the Isle of Mull, the lighthouse was designed by Alan Stevenson, uncle of Robert Louis Stevenson and towers majestically 55 metres above the sea.
Lighthouse description
With a lovely cafe and gift shop close by and the opportunity to spot minke whales, dolphins and basking sharks in the seas below, Keeper Cottage West provides a spectacular and unique experience for those who like to stay somewhere a little bit out of the ordinary! With breath-taking, panoramic sea views and beautiful sunsets, the location of this cottage is hard to beat. Encompassing entrances to both the lighthouse and the two Keepers Cottages, is a cobbled courtyard. The well-furnished cottage can be enjoyed in every season, on the clear days when panoramic views extend out in every direction and the exhilarating, wild, stormy evenings when the heating ensures a cosy stay. Tickets to enter the tower can be purchased from the cafe on site.
Directions from the South from A82 at Crainlarich continue through Glencoe. 3 km after you have crossed over the Ballachulish Bridge, turn left and take the Corran Ferry (check timetable) across Loch Linnhe. From the Corran Ferry turn left on disembarking then stay on the A861. Turn left at Salen onto the B8007 and follow the road to Kilchoan. If you are unable to cross via the Corran Ferry, continue north on the A82 to Fort William then follow the directions below.
Directions from the North Follow directions for Fort William take the A830 out of Fort William towards Mallaig. Turn left at Lochailort onto the A861 and follow the road to Salen. Turn right at Salen onto B8007 and follow road to Kilchoan.
Single-track road use the passing places (they are indicated with signs) to permit oncoming traffic to proceed and allow traffic behind you to overtake. Always stay on the left-hand side of the road when using passing places. If the car behind you is travelling faster than you or behind you for a while, please pull in to allow it to overtake.Always be aware that the car behind could contain a doctor or a member of one of the emergency services. Never park in passing places (however beautiful the view might be!), they are not viewpoints. Allow yourself plenty of time, 50 km can take 11/2 hours to drive, it is best to take your time and enjoy the experience.
About the area
At the end of the rugged Ardnamurchan peninsular, at the most westerly point in Scotland, proudly sits Ardnamurchan lighthouse and the Keeper's cottage. From this rugged outcrop you can enjoy spectacular views of Mull, the small isles and miles of untouched white sandy beachs all the way up to the isle of Skye.
Ardnamurchan is a place rich in history with many castles and historical sites to visit. The adventurous types can enjoy cycling, hiking, fishing and kayaking. For the wildlife lover why not spot an otter in the bay or look out for the elusive scottish wildcat in the woodland. From the lighthouse look out for dolphins, whales and basking sharks. Time to relax? Head to one of our many secluded beaches, head to Ardnamurchan or Tobermory distillery for a dram, or have a hunt in the craft shops and art galleries.
Just 35 minutes on the ferry and you'll arrive in Tobermory, a picturesque fishing town famed for it's coloured houses and excellent seafood.
We arrived at the lighthouse and were delighted. What a spectacular place to stand and look out over the ocean or go exploring. The Keepers Cottage was ready for us when we arrived with the key on the door, bed dressed and heating on - Lovely. As it was late when we got in we turned the tv on ... no such luck - there was no signal being received. We went to look out the windows only to be very dissapointed - we couldn't see out for the dirt both inside and out - that then gave myself and the husband a job since there was no tv to watch! First thing the following morning (around 5am) it didnt get much better - the previous tenant left garbage bagged outside the back door only for animals to rip the bag apart and garbage strewn all over the courtyard - yuck ...another great job for us to deal with. We tried to call into Jacqui but she was away and the other rep wasnt available either when we called to the office. failing this i sent an email explaining the issues. Two days later i received an email reply from Jacqui apologising and promising to speak to the manager of the property and that she would get back to me in a couple of days time. well that was ten days ago and guess what - i still have heard nothing at all. The keepers cottage has areas of mould and is in need of paint and re-plastering - it was expected to be aged but i was a little dissapointed that some things were just left and expected that the paying guests would be ok with it. I think who ever is looking after the cottage needs to do a bit more work around the place before taking any one elses money and stop making promises that they cant keep. Its a beautiful location with loads to see and do - just a pity about the rest! ( I delayed writing this review with the hope that Jacqui would get back to me )
Worth it
Added by: JS, date added: , country: Scotland
Been here several times and the long drive out to the most Westerly point on mainland UK is worth it for the views and with patience the possible sighting of a whale breaking the water. Great coffee shop too.
Stunning location
Added by: Fishie, date added: , country: Scotland
Stunning location with amazing views. Small cafe on site. Drive there can be 'interesting'...
Amazing
Added by: Kelly, date added: , country: England
I was lucky enough to stay at the lighthouse in Ardnamurchan for five days. It was a slice of heaven in a desolate and beautiful landscape. The cottage was lovely and had everything you would need to make your stay comfortable. The scenery is out of this world and all the people we met were so kind and helpful. Special shoutout to Davie who came and fixed the toilet within the hour. Massive thank you such a prompt and speedy response. I would definitely recommend staying here if what you want is peace, views, wildlife and serenity. It has all of those in droves.
Enjoyable
Added by: Graham, date added: , country: England
This was my 4th Lighthouse break and the furthest, what you have to understand is the final 30 miles of single track road to get there. The cottage is clean and adequately furnished, the WiFi works if you need it, but no mobile signal which is great. The local people, shops and facilities are great, the shop at Salen I found particularly good. The cottage is within the grounds of a visitors attraction so you will find people wondering about “and looking in the windows”, just pull down the blind !! The scenery on your way “too and from” the lighthouse is superb and I stopped on several occasions to admire the view. Enjoy
Hike & explore this remote, unspoilt, unique area