Mingarry Lodges
. . . time for nature in the heart of the Northwest Highlands of Scotland
Beaches
Mingarry Lodges are close to the Singing Sands near Kentra and the sandy beaches of Dorlin and Ardtoe. The Singing Sands are a magical place at any time of the year and make for a great half day walk or cycle ride from the nearby carpark at Arivigaig, though also within easy cycling distance from Mingarry Lodges. See moidart.com for details of the walk.
The magnificent silvery sands of Morar lie at the northern edge of the river Morar estuary, one of the shortest rivers, flowing from one of the deepest lakes in Europe seaward. The steep-sided loch (18km long and 2km wide) in places was carved out be glaciers. Morag, a relative of the Loch Ness, is also believed to reside in Loch Morar. The Silvery sands provide one of the scenic backdrops in the 1983 film Local Hero. Just how many grains of sand can you hold in your hand?
The fabulous beaches of Portuairk and Sanna provide amazing views of Adnamurchan Point and The Small Isles. The grasslands and dunes are a riot of colour in Spring and Summer, and not least among the amazing plants is the dwarf willow (Salix herbacea), a tree barely taller than the surrounding grass. There are many easy walks in the area, see moidart.com for details.
The remote beach at Smirisary is well worth the walk with great views to the small isles and an opportunity for a private swim. There is a good example of machair plant community behind the beach, so please be careful not to cause undue disturbance to the vegetation and remember to take your plant identification guides.
See moidart.com for details of the walk. Parking is a limited so an early start is advised. Stop off at the Glenuig Hub Teashop for a relaxing afternoon tea on your return journey.
Castles
Moidart is steeped in culture, history and tradition.
Take time to visit Castle Tioram, the ancient fortress of the MacDonalds. Castle Tioram was built in the 13th Century as a testament to the independent rule of Scotland by the MacDonald, Lords of the Isles. It is situated in a strategic location on a rocky tidal island at the confluence of Loch Moidart and the River Shiel. Details of the castle’s history can be found at http://www.moidart.org.uk/datasets/tioram.htm.
Mingary Castle near Kilchoan, the seat of the Chiefs of the Clan Iain of Ardnamurchan is also worth a visit if traveling to Ardnamurchan point. Details of the castle's history can be found at http://www.clandonald.info/castles/mingarrycastle.html
The Reverend Charles MacDonald, a former Priest of Moidart and resident of The Old Chapel House, wrote a fascinating account of the social history of Moidart and the Macdonalds of Clanranald, entitled ‘Moidart or among the Clanranalds’ in 1889. Read about the exploits of the Macdonalds and search for clues for missing treasures from the comforts of Mingarry Lodges (copy available in the cabins). Visit moidart.com to find out more about the history of the area.