Acharacle Travel Guide - Scotland

Acharacle is a village located in Ardnamurchan, Lochaber, in the Scottish Highlands. It is the main market town for the area and is an ancient crafting settlement situated at the seaward end of Loch Shiel. The name comes from the Gaelic meaning "the ford of Torquil"; related to a battle that took place here in 1120 in which the Norse invader, Torquil, lost his life. As you drive along A861, you will be entranced with the sight of the rhododendrons and fishing platforms in Loch Moidart.

There are about 600 people in the village of Acharacle. When you are travelling here by road, you can take the A830 Road to the Isles and turn left on the A861 at Lochailort. History lovers will certainly want to visit Castle Tioram, which is one of the most historic monuments in Scotland. You can reach this castle by way of a sandy causeway. It dates back to the 13^th century and the name "Tioram" is the Gaelic for "dry land". It was the seat of the MacDonald clan, but the chief of the clan ordered it destroyed in 1715 to prevent it from falling into the hands of Cromwell's forces while he was fighting for the Jacobites. While you can view the castle from afar and it is a stunning sight, you can't get too close because of the danger of being hit with falling pieces of masonry.

For a day trip from Acharacle, you can take the ferry to Tobermory on Mull or a boat trip to the Small Isles. The Jacobite Monument and Steam Railway at Glenfinnan is only 30 miles away and it is only 40 miles to Mallaig to take the ferry to Skye.

The stunning scenery of Acharacle will leave you breathless and snapping photos at every turn to remind you of your vacation. Seals and dolphins are regulars in the loch, so you can spend some time watching them frolic, play and sun themselves. Birdwatchers flock to this part of Scotland because of the thousands of birds that nest in the cliffs. You won't need an alarm clock here as the sounds of the seagulls will wake you each morning.

Take walks in the forests and delight in the sights of the blooming plants and the many species of wildlife that live here. Swimming off the beach is an experience you will carry in your memories for a long time to come as will the beachcombing along the rocky shores. In addition to these leisurely pursuits, Acharacle is only two miles away from a golf course and there is splendid fishing in the loch and the sea. Rent a bicycle and explore on your own or take sailing lessons in the harbour. There are so many things to see and do that you will have to make plans to return.