Ardnamurchan Advice

[Chris Hawes]

Hi everyone,

I am spending a week on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, on the shores of Loch Sunart, in a few weeks, and was wondering if any members know this area and can give me some advice.

We are planning to explore the local area, including a couple of day trips to Mull and Skye. I know Mull fairly well, but have never been to Skye. We were also thinking about doing a boat trip to look for whales, dolphins, porpoise, and basking sharks. I am keen not to miss any 'must sees' in the area while we're there, either in terms of spectacular scenery or wildlife hotspots. The other half is not so into wildlife, but enjoys walking and the coast, so I'm confident we've picked a good area to explore!

Apologies if this information is already available - I've had a good look but not come up with much.

Many thanks - much appreciated.

Chris

[RoyW]

The Ardnamurchan peninsula is reckoned to be one of the better areas to look for Wild Cats - so if you are prepared to do a night drive or two around the less disturbed roads you may be lucky (also gives you a reasonable chance of seeing Pine Marten). Otters can be quite easy on the west coast of Scotland as well - watch bays and sea lochs with rocky shores and floating seaweed, particularly on a rising tide, and be especially vigilant if flocks of gulls resting on the beaches suddenly take off (which may mean there is an Otter nearby). You may be a little late for most cetaceans and Basking Sharks, but if you do try a boat trip you could still be lucky, and it can be a good way to see some of the sea and coastal birds. Eagles and other birds of prey should be widespread in the area, and wintering geese will be building in numbers as well.

Have a good trip!


(I can't give you any specific sites to visit though - sorry!)

[Chris Hawes]

Thanks Roy, this is some useful information. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I did wonder if it was a bit late in the year for the sharks and cetaceans - a lot of the companies doing boat trips seem to be winding down.

I'm hoping to see otters and eagles, and I guess you never know with wildcats - I could get lucky. I expect if I see something though, I'll pass it off as a domestic moggie!

[The Woodman]

Chris, one of my first attempts to see Pine Marten was from a rented cottage just west of Strontian owned by an FC Ranger. The bait was laid on the chopping block and a comfortable watching postition was taken in the sunroom on the side of the house. I didn't get to see the PM at the house that week as a Wildcat visited every night and happily ate the turkey giblets, eggs, raspberry jam etc. put out for the PM. The Ranger told me later that if a Wildcat is in the area, PM's make themselves scarce.

There a cracking geological feature - a volcanic ring dyke - on the northern side near the end of the penninsula and an hour or two seawatching sitting below the redundant foghorn below the lighthouse should be interesting. It is the further western point of mainland Britain.

There's been a big programme of removing the conifers from the Atlantic oak woodland in the area too.

As looking up for Eagle, you may spot them quartering the hillside across the loch from the Resipole area if you have reasonable glass.

As Roy says, Otter should be easy. If you want a couple of unguaranteed locations, PM me.

A truly fantastic area for many reasons, if you want a B&B recommendation too, just ask. Enjoy.

[diggleken]

Originally Posted by Chris Hawes

Thanks Roy, this is some useful information. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I did wonder if it was a bit late in the year for the sharks and cetaceans - a lot of the companies doing boat trips seem to be winding down.

I'm hoping to see otters and eagles, and I guess you never know with wildcats - I could get lucky. I expect if I see something though, I'll pass it off as a domestic moggie!

Hi Chris, good luck with Wildcats - I've been bombing up to the Highlands for many years, wild camping etc etc and not been fortunate yet! (except in wildlife parks!)
This is a mine of great info:
Scottish Wildcat Association, conserving Scotland's critically endangered wild felines
They are nocturnal, but early morning and late evening are best, Ardnamurchan is a good wild place for them too.
Look around old woodland with scrubby areas and note the heavy build, short chunky tail and noticeable striping.
Report any sighting as in the link too.
Fab creature.
All the best
Cheers
Ken

[Chris Hawes]

Thanks for the replies - I really can't wait to get up there and explore.

Woodman - seeing the wildcat come to the garden must have been an amazing experience! I'm certainly not expecting anything like that, but I guess you never know. I might put some food out on the off chance and see what turns up. I've never seen a pine martin either, but to be honest I'd be happy with a badger!

I'll pm you regarding the otter locations. I know a few places on Mull where I've seen them fairly consistantly, but we're only planning a day there, so it would be good to have a few back-ups on the mainland.

Ken - thanks for the link and the info on the wildcats. I too have seen them in wildlife parks, but would love to see one in the wild. I think I'm getting into the realms of fantasy there though, but you never know. They are indeed amazing creatures.

[Tringa]

Everyone else has covered the wildlife much better than I could, but as you mentioned your other half is into walking I suggest the ascent of Ben Resipol.

Dave

[83Oak]

We stayed in the lighthouse keeper cottages many years ago, If you are into peace and quiet, go to the beach at Sanna Bay, which was just round the corner from the lighthouse, it has the most beautiful white sandy beaches which are ideal for walking on or sitting and watching the sea. You can catch the ferry across to Tobermory and if you take the car, you can spend a lovely day on Mull. Also there is a observational shelter on the rocks below the lighthouse, (beware it is next to the foghorn) this is a good place to sit and watch the sea for wildlife and fishing from.