21 Fun Things to Do in Arisaig
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Looking for the top things to do in Arisaig?
Arisaig is a pretty coastal village but what makes it special is all the things you can do close by.
The problem is that it is difficult to get an overview. It is even more difficult to know where you can go on a day trip.
To help I have put together the below list based on my own experiences.
I have been many times to Arisaig as well as the surrounding areas such as Skye, Fort William and the Small Isles.
Whether you are staying for a couple of days or much longer use this guide to create a fantastic itinerary.
Is Arisaig Worth a Visit?
Yes, Arisaig is definitely worth a visit. The village is by the sea and beautiful beaches are located close by. But what makes it special is that it is a great base to explore the nearby countryside.
From Arisaig you can do day trips to the Small Isles, Isle of Skye, Glenfinnan or even climb Ben Nevis.
It is easy to fill a week with beaches, hikes, castles, whisky tasting and maybe even searching for Nessie’s sister – the sea monster called Morag.
To try find Morar read my post on the top things to do in Morar
Map of Best Things to Do Near Arisaig
21 Best Things to Do in Arisaig
Wondering what to do in Arisaig? There is so much to see and do in Arisaig that you will be spoilt for choice.
One thing to note is that most of the places to visit in Arisaig are outdoors and therefore weather dependent. There are much fewer things to do on a rainy day.
1. Explore the Beaches
Drive along the B8008 between Arisaig and Morar for the prettiest Arisaig beaches. They’re perfect for a summer’s day or a stroll when it’s cooler.
Check out Camusdarach beach, Traigh beach and Silver Sands beach in Morar. Camusdarach is the longest beach and has fantastic views of the Small Isles.
Silver Sands and Traigh beach have more sheltered areas. They are ideal for water sports and swimming, especially with kids.
Just remember to check the tide before going swimming or doing water sports. At low tide there is little water left in the bays at Traigh beach and Silver Sands.
To plan your visit read my guide to the best beaches in Arisaig
2. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding
The Sound of Arisaig is a top spot for sea kayaking in Scotland. With its sheltered bays and crystal clear water it is especially good for beginners.
If you have your own kayak then launch it at Traigh beach, Silver Sands or one of the campsite beaches. Otherwise consider these companies for guided trips:
- Arisaig Sea Kayaking Centre – arrange full day trips for paddlers of all levels of experience in and around Arisaig
- Rockhopper Sea Kayaking – offers half or full day kayaking trips in the area
Book a paddleboarding trip from Fort William
3. The Airsaig Land Sea & Island Centre (Arisaig Museum)
Explore the local history at Arisaig Museum. It is family-friendly with interactive exhibits.
Entry is free but consider donating to support the museum.
The museum is open during spring and summer from 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Saturday and 1 pm to 4 pm on Sunday.
Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for local products such as jams, chutneys and jewellery.
4. Larachmhor Gardens
On the outskirts of Arisaig is a 150-year-old garden containing around 1,200 rare and unique plants.
It is famous for its 200 different types of rhododendrons. They bloom from late April to the end of the summer.
There is no entrance fee. You can visit during daylight hours and dogs are welcome.
Park in the layby near the entrance but don’t block the gate. Alternatively it is a short walk from Arisaig village which is less than a kilometer away.
You can download a map with suggested routes on their website.
5. Horse Riding on the Beach
Arisaig offers horse riding on the beach. Scotland has pretty beaches but there are not many where you can go horse riding.
Book one- or two-hour rides with Silversands Trekking.
6. Traigh Golf Course
Traigh golf course is less than a 10-minute drive from Arisaig. It is a 9-hole course with panoramic views out to sea and the Small Isles.
Non-members are welcome and you can rent clubs.
The golf course is right next to Traigh beach. Unlike the crowded beach parking the golf course has its own car park close to the clubhouse (shown in the photo above).
If you would rather visit the amazing beach next to the golf course read my guide to Traigh Beach
Arisaig Boat Trips
Day Trips to Small Isles
A day trip to the Small Isles will be one of the highlights of your trip to Scotland. Although each island is different don’t worry too much about which one you go to – they are all wonderful in their own way.
There are two ways of getting to the Small Isles:
- Arisaig Marine operates passenger ferry services from Arisaig harbour during the summer months. Each day the boat goes to a different island. If there is a particular island you would like to visit check the ferry schedule and plan accordingly
- From Mallaig take the Calmac passenger ferry (no cars allowed). It is cheaper but it is hard to plan a day trip. This ferry service works best for overnight stays
7. Muck
Muck is the smallest island and therefore perfect for a day trip.
With your time on the island walk to Gallanach bay which has views out to Eigg and Rum.
Keep an eye out for seals and you might spot puffins in season (May to August). Although you can see puffins at Muck and Canna the best way to see them is on a puffin trip (see below).
On Muck the puffins are on a small island. To get close you must walk through an area with nesting seabirds and they will dive bomb you. It can be very intimidating and it made me abandon my walk to see the puffins.
Close to the ferry terminal is a cute café ideal for lunch or homemade cakes.
8. Eigg
Eigg has more visitors and boasts cafes, bike rentals and accommodation.
On a day trip to Eigg you can choose between climbing An Sgurr (the dorsal fin shaped mountain) or visiting the singing beach.
The singing beach is on the other side of the island. Rent a bike to ensure getting there and back in time for the return to Arisaig.
9. Rum
Using Calmac ferries you can go for the day. However, the ferry times makes for a very long day.
There are no day trips to Rum from Arisaig but some trips to Canna stop here for one hour.
In one hour you can walk to Kinloch Castle. Unfortunately the castle is closed and slowly going to rack and ruin.
Walking around the castle you can peer in through some of the windows. Rooms are still furnished and it looks as if someone just locked the door one day and never came back.
The castle has been closed since 2015 and there is no current plan for it to reopen.
It is for sale for £1 but it is estimated that it needs at least £20 million worth of work. It’s a shame to see such a magnificent building literally rotting away.
The island’s café has closed but a small shop with outdoor tables offers beer and soft drinks.
10. Canna
Geographically, Canna is the furthest island from Arisaig. It is often visited for its puffins but it is well worth visiting outside of puffin season (May to August) as well.
On a day trip you can see Canna Rhu church, Coroghon castle or climb Compass hill.
For a more leisurely day have lunch at award winning Canna café (book a table in advance).
11. Puffin Cruise
From May to August puffins can be found on Canna and Muck.
During June, July and August Arisaig Marine offers puffin cruises.
Anyone planning on visiting in the second half of August should check in advance that the puffins are still there. They normally fly back out to sea at some point in August. Exactly when depends on the weather.
One thing to note is that you can only see the puffins from a distance. At Canna they are on a rock stack offshore and on Muck they are on a small island.
12. Wildlife Cruise
From Arisaig harbour wildlife cruises depart in the afternoon a couple of times a week.
From Mallaig wildlife cruises depart several times a day during the summer months.
Seals are nearly always seen on the trips. You have to be very lucky to see the other wildlife in the area such as dolphins, minke whales, basking sharks and otters.
13. Visit Inverie and Knoydart
Inverie is a small village on the Knoydart peninsula. It is only accessible by boat.
Frequent ferries run all year around from Mallaig. Ferry services are operated by MV Western Isles.
With kayaks and bikes for hire and many hiking trails there is plenty to do. It a popular day trip but you can also stay overnight.
Places to Visit Near Arisaig
14. Glenfinnan Viaduct
It is a 30 minute drive from Arisaig to Glenfinnan viaduct.
The reason to visit is to see what is often described as the “Harry Potter train”. Twice a day the Jacobite steam train crosses the viaduct.
The train reaches the bridge 30 – 45 minutes after it leaves Fort William and its worth timing your visit to see it cross the viaduct.
The main reason to arrive well before the train is to be able to park. Close to the visitors centre is a large pay and display car park but it gets busy during the peak summer months.
A 10-minute walk takes you to the best viewpoint to watch the train.
Insider tip: Close by is the Glenfinnan House hotel (open from 1 May) which has a lovely pub and lounge area where you can have a whisky in front of the fire.
15. Climb Ben Nevis
At 1,345 metres Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in the UK.
There are several routes to the top. The easiest is the Mountain Track which starts at the Ben Nevis visitor centre. During the summer months a lot of people hike up and down this way.
Experienced climbers should consider one of the paths on the northern side of the mountain. The views are stunning. There are also far fewer hikers.
For more information on routes read my post on climbing Ben Nevis and buy the Cicerone Guide to Ben Nevis and Glencoe.
On a clear day during the summer you don’t need a guide. However, if you have not done much hiking before consider joining a tour.
Ben Nevis is not very tall by global standards but many people need rescuing every year and there have been fatalities.
Like most mountain regions the weather can change very quickly and you should pack clothes for all potential conditions.
Book a guided climb of Ben Nevis
16. Day Trip to Armadale on Skye
When travelling to Skye spend your time exploring the unique landscape, castles, and distilleries.
From the Armadale ferry terminal visit Armadale castle and Torabhaig Distillery. Whilst not on Skye, Eliean Donan castle is a 45 minute drive from the ferry terminal.
Day trips to Skye are only possible by car. Take the 30-minutes ferry to Skye from Mallaig which runs several times a day.
Book ferry tickets in advance. You can change them for free by calling Calmac.
Further north on the Trotternish peninsula is the colourful village of Portree, the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr.
Driving all the way to the Trotternish peninsula takes about 2 to 2.5 hours one way. It is a bit too long for a day trip so consider staying overnight. One of the best places to stay is Skeabost House Hotel.
To plan your trip read my guide to the ferry from Mallaig to Isle of Skye
17. Tea at Inverlochy Castle
Outside Fort William is a luxury hotel called Inverlochy Castle. The interior of the hotel is luxurious and elegant.
For a special occasion consider staying the night. Another great way to look inside the hotel is by booking a meal or afternoon tea.
The most budget friendly way to see the castle is by stopping by during the afternoon. If the hotel is not busy they might allow you to have a cup of tea or scones in front of the fire.
Book an overnight stay at Inverlochy Castle Hotel
18. Tioram Castle
The ruins of Tioram castle date back to the 12th Century.
English forces seized the castle in 1692 after the clan chief joined the Jacobite court in France. During the 1715 Jacobite uprising it was recaptured and burnt to the ground.
In 1997 the castle was sold and plans to turn it into a private house were approved. However it needed Ancient Monument consent, which was denied.
Nothing has happened since and today the castle and its 800 years of history is slowly falling into the sea.
The castle is on a tidal island. At low tide it is possible to walk across to the island. However, it is not safe to enter the castle since it is structurally unstable.
19. Jacobite Steam Train
The Jacobite steam train is better known as the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films.
The train runs twice a day between Fort William and Mallaig during the summer.
Tickets can be purchased online from West Coast Railways but they sell out very quickly. First class tickets are nearly impossible to book yourself. Buy standard class tickets as soon as they are released.
If all the seats are sold out check back later. Sometimes they add extra cars or people cancel their tickets.
A few tickets are also for sale on the day. Arrive well before the recommended one hour before train departure to try get one of these tickets.
For everything you need to know to plan a trip on the train read my Guide to taking the Jacobite steam train
20. Glenfinnan Monument
The Glenfinnan Monument is 18-metres high with views out over Loch Shield. It commemorates the 1745 Jacobite uprising, a significant event in Scottish history.
To enter inside the monument book tickets online in advance. However you are free to view the monument from outside at no cost.
It is a short walk from the car park at the visitors centre down to the monument.
The visitor centre contains exhibits related to Scottish history. Opening times vary during the year. In the summer it is open from 9:30 to 17:00.
21. Prince’s Cairn and Cave
Travelling around Scotland you will see many monuments commemorating the 1745 Jacobite uprising and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
A short and simplified summary is Bonnie Prince Charlie launched an attempt to reclaim the throne of Scotland and England.
After losing the battle against the British forces at Culloden the prince hid in many regions across Scotland before returning to France.
One place he hid is a cave in Druimindarroch which is now called the Prince’s cave.
From Arisaig House it is a short walk to the cave. To explore the inner chambers of the cave bring a torch.
The Prince’s Cairn commemorates the prince’s departure to France. It is located a little closer towards Mallaig along the A830.
Final Thoughts on Arisaig Things to Do
Tourists often head straight for Fort William or Mallaig and overlook Arisaig. Don’t make the same mistake.
The area around Arisaig is a hidden gem worth discovering. There is so much to see and do in the area that you can easily spend a week enjoying a different activity every day.
For anyone with limited time, the two things that should be on your list are:
- Exploring the beaches in the area
- A trip to one of the islands of the Small Isles
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