An Incredible Day Trip to the Stunning Morar Scotland
One of the places on my list to see on this off season trip to Scotland is Morar and the beautiful beaches that Bo Fraser had told me about.
Well, thanks to my buddy, Andy — who drove up from Glasgow to visit me — I not only got to travel to this area, but also had the opportunity to do so with someone who knows it and, even better, to make this visit with a friend.
Let’s start with where Morar is and then dive into what there is to experience.
Where is Morar?
Morar is just 41 miles from Fort William up the A830.
You can actually take a train or bus there as well with the train being the best way.
However, a car is ideal so you can really explore a bit deeper.
The A830 is often referred to as the road to the isles as this road ends at Mallaig.
From Mallaig you can ferry to the islands of Skye, Eigg and Rum.
So what is there to experience in Morar?
Loch Morar
First of all is Loch Morar.
From the road where the train station is, you’ll find a wee road (single track) that runs along the loch.
It’s a decent road so you can drive it.
Toward the end of it, there is a parking area where you can park your car and get out and walk along the road.
The views over the loch and the surrounding mountains are simply beautiful.
If you want, you can certainly get out on the water in a boat, canoe or kayak or a SUP.
But even a walk along the loch is special.
You might even meet some curious sheep.
The River Morar and its beach
As you drive along the A830 you’ll actually cross over the wee River Morar.
It’s not very long as it flows from the loch to the sea.
And on the west side of that main road, you will see a fabulous river beach.
You can tuck down the B8008, park and walk on the gorgeous beach.
It’s really a lovely spot.
Camusdarach Beach
As you drive down that wee road even further, you’ll be treated to some splendid landscape with hills and mountains all around and the occasional view to the sea.
Look for a car park for Camusdarach Beach.
Follow the single track path to the right as this will take you out to a stunning beach.
The views to Skye to the north and Rum and Eigg straight in front of you (west) are fantastic.
But the best thing is there are a few beaches here.
So once you’ve walked on that first one, find a trail that leads to another one.
Then you can get to yet another one.
There are a few beaches to explore here and each one is simply breathtaking with white sand and water that looks like something you’d see in the Caribbean.
And you can bet in early December that Andy and I were the only ones there.
Well almost.
There was a woman with her dog.
But that was it.
In summer, these beaches of Morar would be very very busy!
A plus to traveling in the off season.
It was truly magical.
Note: All along the coast, basically from Arisaig to Morar, you’ll find these beautiful beaches.
You’ll have to walk to them as they are not readily accessible.
But most are an easy walk for anyone who is mobile.
The drive
One thing I want to note, and that I hope to come back to in another post, is the drive between Fort William and Mallaig.
I actually took the Jacobite Train from Fort William to Mallaig and back in 2017 after finishing the West Highland Way.
This rail route follows the A830.
I remember the scenery being magnificent.
But somehow on this drive, at this time of year, it was even more stunning.
Snow on top of the peaks.
Moody weather.
The sun at a low angle just filtering through the clouds.
Hardly anyone out and about.
It’s an absolutely stunning drive.
Note: Due to the short hours of daylight, we didn’t have the time to stop along the A830 to take pics. I’m hoping to get some on my next trip along this route.
Final thoughts on the Morar area
Anna, the owner of the Airbnb where I am staying in Fort William, made an interesting comment upon telling her of my day trip to Morar — and how I felt about it.
She said that many visitors who come to Fort William (and who end up hiking up Ben Nevis) say they have ‘done’ this area once they have ‘done’ Ben Nevis.
And they miss out on the incredible beauty of the area between Fort William and Mallaig.
I agree.
As fabulous as the Fort William area is — Loch Linnhe, Glen Nevis, Cow Hill, Ben Nevis — the area northwest of Fort William is just turned up a notch.
And Morar is the icing on the cake with its stunning beaches, views over to the islands and mountains all around.
There’s not much here in the way of amenities.
You’ll find self-catering properties and a hotel or B&B here and there as well as places to camp.
You might find a shop or a cafe.
Roads are very small.
This is a very quiet place, especially in the off season.
But it is truly magical.
Put it on your list!
PS Special thanks to my buddy, Andy, for this wonderful day!
Please note that Wander Your Way is only recommending international travel to those who are vaccinated and feel comfortable doing so. This is because travel to Europe is complicated.
If you do decide to travel internationally, please do your research or use a travel planning service such as Wander Your Way. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC.
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