Port nam Murrach beach from Arisaig

Submitted by Timwoods on 23 July 2010

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A circular, half-day coast walk in Scotland starting at Arisaig, Highland, about 13km (roughly 8 miles) long and . This walk takes you to a beautiful beach on Scotland's west coast. Starting from Arisaig, the route follows the coastal road for a couple of miles (don't worry, it's a quiet road) before heading over Cruach Doire an Dobhrain to the beach. It's wonderful low-level scenery with stunning views across to Ardnish and the Rois-Bhein hills. Start: Arisaig, OS Grid: NM664867 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)

Gain (+/- 10%): 281m (923ft)

Total (+/- 10%): 583m (1914ft)

Loss (+/- 10%): 302m (991ft)

Max. Elevation: 90m (295ft)

Public Transport

OS Explorer Map:

398 - Loch Morar & Mallaig
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Show Waypoint Details

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Waypoints

1. Arisaig

OS Grid: NM664866

The train from Fort William to Mallaig stops at Arisaig and it is one of the finest rail journeys in Britain! Buses also call at the village. From the station, it's a short walk down to the village centre.

2. Information Centre

OS Grid: NM661864

Just past the information centre (on a small green) a road runs along the coast. Follow this, first through some woodland and then directly along the coast. It's worth stopping and scanning the seaweedy rocks - this is an otter hotspot!

3. Millburn Cottage

About 2 km (roughly 2 miles) from 2 OS Grid: NM646851

Just near Millburn Cottage, a stile takes you over a fence and into open country. From here, climb on to Ruemach Hill and then over to the cairn on Cruach Doire an Dobhrain.

4. Cruach Doire an Dobhrain

About 2 km (roughly 2 miles) from 3 OS Grid: NM628838

The summit is a mere 103m, but the surroundings are incredible. You will need to take a bearing towards the beach, as there are no paths in this rough ground. One option is to take a bearing to the nearer Port a' Bhathaich beach and follow the coast around from there.

5. Port nam Murrach beach

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 4 OS Grid: NM613837

This is a wonderfully peaceful sandy bay, hidden away in the highlands. Enjoy the views, scrambling on the rocks, lunch on the beach ... and keep looking for those otters!

6. Rhue Cottage

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 5 OS Grid: NM619842

For an alternative way back, follow the track (regularly muddied by the resident cows) to Rhue Cottage. Follow this track past the farm before it rejoins the coastal road.

7. Coastal road

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 6 OS Grid: NM629853

OK, it's road walking, but not too much of a chore when the scenery is this good.

8. Saideil Torr a Bheithe

About 2 km (roughly 2 miles) from 7 OS Grid: NM649846

The coast road wiggles its way back towards Arisaig.

9. Arisaig again

About 2 km (roughly 2 miles) from 8 OS Grid: NM661864

Cafes, pubs and a small supermarket for post-walk nourishment.